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Theatre Under the Stars - American Folklore Theater in Door County
By Gretchen Hathaway, Journalism Intern
Jul 20, 2011 - 8:59:12 AM
There is something so irresistibly charming about taking a seat under the stars, surrounded by tall trees, wrapped in a blanket and armed with bug spray. This sounds a lot like camping, doesn’t it? But add to this scene a wooden stage set with clever handmade scenery, a small band in the corner, rows upon rows of wooden benches filled with cozy people, and twinkling lights along a pathway through the woods; this is the image of the American Folklore Theatre in Fish Creek. Nestled within Peninsula State Park, this quiet venue hosts several original musicals each year and is a staple in the summers - and winters - of many Door County fans, locals and visitors alike.
Click to enlarge. Photo Credit: Len Villano
The American Folklore Theatre, or AFT, puts on several highly requested shows year after year, such as Lumberjacks in Love and Guys on Ice. AFT also hosts several world premiers of musicals written by both local and non-local writing teams, all celebrating the heritage of life in the United States.
I had the privilege of attending AFT’s world premier this year of Bing! The Cherry Musical, written by Paul Libman and Dave Hudson. The lighthearted musical is about a Door County family’s struggle to keep their generations-old family cherry orchard, even after it falls into foreclosure. Of course, a few romantic twists and comedic characters are thrown in, creating a show full of love, laughs, and clever music. The actors have been in the area for a few months now, rehearsing for about a month and a half prior to the performances of Bing!
Click to enlarge. Photo Credit: Len Villano
I also had the opportunity to interview one of AFT’s returning actors, Mr. Lee Becker, who plays the role in Bing! of the persistent businessman trying to procure the family’s cherry orchard and turn its land into condominiums. Though Mr. Becker is from Madison, he has been coming to Door County for many years to participate in many various shows through AFT. Prior to his association with AFT, Becker was involved in Milwaukee’s Comedy Sportz troupe with the late Fred Alley, co-founder and artist-in-residence of AFT.
Becker is obviously very fond of both the American Folklore Theatre and of Door County in general. For him as well as many of AFT’s returning actors and actresses, Door County is a second home and a refuge. As they become more and more attached to Door County each year, they play realistic characters in shows that celebrate life in this beautiful place, and their love for the area shows through their acting. Mr. Becker’s take on his experience in Door County and at AFT in particular? “It’s been an amazing privilege; I wouldn’t trade it.”
Bing! The Cherry Musical plays through August 26. Show times are Mondays and Fridays at 8:00 pm and Wednesdays at 6:00pm. General admission is $19 for adults, $8 for teens and $5 for children. Call the box office at (920) 854-6117 to order tickets for this and other shows. The American Folklore Theatre is located in Peninsula State Park in Fish Creek, WI. Visit http://www.folkloretheatre.com for more information.
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