Peninsula Players’ ribbon-cutting ceremony from left:

Ellsworth Peterson (lead donor), Todd Schmidt (Executive Producer),

Carla Peterson (lead donor), Bill Hartman (board president),

Tony Meeuwsen (project manager), and Scott Georgeson (architect).

PENINSULA PLAYERS THEATRE

RAISES THE CURTAIN ON A NEW ERA

June 21, 2006.  Fish Creek, Wisconsin.  Peninsula Players raised the curtain in its new theater for the first time Tuesday, June 20th and officially began another chapter in the organization’s 71-year life. 

Peninsula Players publicly launched its capital campaign last June on the opening night of its 70th season.  Now, just one year later, the theater opened its doors and welcomed patrons into the new facilities.

“This is absolutely a dream come true,” said Todd Schmidt, Executive Producer, while standing on the new stage.  “After more than 10 years of planning, we are delighted to be here tonight, surrounded by our friends and supporters, and opening this incredible new space.”

Guests at the Grand Opening Gala enjoyed drinks and hors d’ouevres throughout the Players property accompanied by live classical music and then settled into the new comfortable seats in the audience pavilion for the opening performance of “Master Class,” starring Carmen Roman.  Guests watched as the curtain rose for the first time in the new theater.  Key players in the project, including lead donors Carla and Ellsworth Peterson, dedicated the space with an official ribbon-cutting.   

“We can’t thank the community enough for their continuing support of this project,” said Bill Hartman, Board President.  “Our new space is tremendous and a wonderful asset to the Door County community.  This is a project which everyone in the community can truly be proud to be part of.” 

To date, Peninsula Players has raised almost $5 million toward the initial $6.2 million goal.  With increased production costs, the project total may reach $6.75 million.

“I really believe we have succeeded in creating a new theater which captures the essence of Peninsula Players while providing better seats, acoustics and an overall more positive experience for patrons and performers.  We have made outstanding changes while maintaining the things people love about Peninsula Players. ” Schmidt said.  “While we still have funds to raise, being able to open this new space is a huge accomplishment.”

 The Peninsula Players Theatre is America’s oldest professional resident summer theater, and presents a season of five productions each year from late-June to mid-October.  The 2006 season runs from now through October 15 and includes “Master Class,” “Noises Off,” “Cabaret,” “The Elephant Man” and “The Mousetrap.”  Peninsula Players is located three miles south of Fish Creek and one-half mile west of State 42.

Please contact our Development office at 920-868-3287 for more information.