The Stage
Just as Door County offers a diverse assortment of natural beauty, often reflected in its visual art, the performing arts often blend and accentuate that same natural appeal.
No one has done it longer than Peninsula Players Theatre now in its 73rd season, situated on a spectacular piece of waterfront property on Peninsula Players Road between Fish Creek and Egg Harbor. A new stunning stage house was completed in 2006 in keeping with the theater's open-air pavilion feel. The season extends into October and consists of five plays. For more information, call 920-868-3287 or visit www.peninsulaplayers.com.
Since 1990, American Folklore Theatre has set its stage deep in the woods in Peninsula State Park. AFT's stage is surrounded by tall trees and covered with nothing but a star-lit sky. It's classic Door County and the shows normally have a strong northern Wisconsin flavor. The season runs mid-June through August followed by an indoor fall offering. Tickets are sold one hour prior to show time or in advance by calling 920-854-6117. A state park sticker is not required to see the show.
Door Shakespeare has used Door County's stunning natural qualities as a backdrop for its offerings since its debut in 1999. Performances are held in the garden at Björklunden Estate, located on the shores of Lake Michigan south of Baileys Harbor. Door Shakespeare's season runs from mid-July through much of August. For information, call 920-839-1500 or visit www.doorshakespeare.com.
MUSIC
The Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek continues its tradition of bringing big-name entertainment to the Peninsula such as legendary performers like Johnny Cash, Ray Charles, Bob Newhart and many more. Auditorium box office at 920-868-2728 or go on-line at www.dcauditorium.com. The Peninsula Music Festival is a Door County tradition spanning 54 years.
Traditionally, nine concerts in length, the season spans the first three weeks of August and features some of the finest performers in the classical music world. Concerts are every Tuesday, Thursday and Saturday at 8 p.m. in the Door Community Auditorium in Fish Creek. Tickets are available through the Festival office, 3045 Cedar Street in Ephraim or online at www.musicfestival.com. 920-854-4060.
The Birch Creek Music Performance Center, located three miles east of Egg Harbor on County Highway E, is Door County's unique summer music school and concert venue, where top professionals come together by day and perform by night in the 500-seat Dutton Concert Barn. Sessions are broken into Symphony; Percussion and Steel Band; and Big Band Jazz. Concerts formally begin at 8 p.m. For complete information, or to reserve tickets, call 920-868-3763 or visit www.birchcreek.org.
Sturgeon Bay's Third Avenue Playhouse, located in the former Donna movie theater in downtown Sturgeon Bay, has established itself as a promoter of theater and music at all talent levels. For additional information, call 920-743-1760 or visit www.thirdavenueplayhouse.com.
The Midsummer's Music Festival brings world-class chamber music to the Door and to the county's various constituencies. For information, call 920-854-7088 or visit online at midsummersmusic.com.
