Seven graduating seniors from Marquette University with degrees in theater arts founded Summit Players. Their goals: to share theater with communities around the state; make a connection between creativity, learning and nature; and utilize amphitheaters and infrequently used spaces in Wisconsin state parks for theater performances. For the troupe’s first season, they will perform an hour-and-15-minute six-actor version of Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream free of charge at state parks throughout Wisconsin. Summit Players will also offer a free 45-minute workshop prior to most performances titled “Playing with Shakespeare: Get Outside with Will” for children ages 8 and up. The workshop uses theater as a learning medium to introduce youth to a love of language, communicating and constructive play.
The productions and accompanying workshops are co-produced with the Wisconsin Department of Natural Resources and take place Friday and Saturday through July 5. Two upcoming performances include a 7 p.m. show at Three Bridges Park (along the Menomonee River between 27th and 37th streets) on Friday, June 19 and a 6 p.m. workshop and a 7:30 p.m. show at Havenwoods State Forest (6141 N. Hopkins St.) on Friday, June 26.
Though production costs have been met through a successful GoFundMe campaign, donations are still being accepted and 50% of additional funds raised will be donated to a youth theater arts organization. For more information and an upcoming performance schedule, call 414-803-3984, email summitplayerstheatre@gmail.com or visit summitplayerstheatre.blogspot.com.
Theatre Happenings
American Players Theatre opens three plays in the latter half of June: Tennessee Williams’ A Streetcar Named Desire on June 20 and Pride and Prejudice by Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan on June 27 at the Up-the-Hill Theatre; and The Island by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona on June 23 at the Touchstone Theatre. For performance dates, times and tickets, call 608-588-2361 or visit americanplayers.org.
Stay on top of the news of the day
Subscribe to our free, daily e-newsletter to get Milwaukee's latest local news, restaurants, music, arts and entertainment and events delivered right to your inbox every weekday, plus a bonus Week in Review email on Saturdays.
UW-Whitewater’s Theatre Department presents the world premiere of Eric Appleton’s Arrangement for Murder, No. 2. This action-packed thriller involves a wealthy couple who collect sordid characters and a pair of social climbers who get caught up in a web of deceit that includes forged paintings, stolen trinkets and secret affairs. Show runs June 23-27 at Hicklin Studio Theatre, 950 W. Main St., Whitewater. For tickets, call 262-472-2222 or visit uww.edu/cac/theatre-dance/arrangement.
