A whirlwind of activity has been happening at the Players since the beginning of September. While the sound of lively music was flowing out of the rehearsal hall, the whirling of power tools could be heard across campus as the crew prepared for the opening of Dan Goggin’s musical comedy “Nunsense” on Wednesday, Sept. 9.
While the scenic artists swirled their paint brushes on the set pieces of “Nunsense,” the sewing machines in the costume shop were going full throttle. Yards of black fabric were stitched into habits and other costume pieces were adorned with rhinestones and sparkling sequins. Quite a change from the well-worn knitwear, “wellies” and wool of “Outside Mullingar.”
It was very hard to say goodbye to the Irish families of John Patrick Shanley’s “Outside Mullingar.” The prickly love story closed Sunday, Sept. 6 to a near capacity audience and received nightly standing ovations during its run. The story resonated with numerous patrons and we have been hearing many positive comments about the performances of Jay Whittaker, Maggie Kettering, William J. Norris and Peggy Roeder.
“The performance of ‘Outside Mullingar’ in this unique theater was outstanding,” said patron Marcia P. on TripAdvisor. “The actors are excellent; the play both touching and humorous. I could go on about each element of the play and each of the actors but suffice it to say you go see for yourself — you will not be disappointed. Bravo!”
We thank patrons for sharing their Players experience. We also thank Megan O’Meara and Mary Moran of O’Meara’s Irish House who hosted a pre-show show seminar on all things Irish. Patrons were thrilled to discuss a variety of topics with Megan and Mary, including modern life in Ireland and traveling tips.
While company members were preparing for the close of “Outside Mullingar” and the opening of “Nunsense,” they were also celebrating with company member Kristine Thatcher.
EncoreMichigan.com, a web-based publication that focuses on Michigan’s professional theater industry, held its 14th Annual Wilde Awards at the beginning of the month. Kristine was awarded the Council Cargle Award for Dedication to the Michigan Theatre Community.
Kristine is a triple-threat in the theater community. She is an award-winning playwright, director and actor and the former artistic director of Lansing, Michigan’s BoarsHead and Stormfield Theatres. Kristine’s acting credits at the Players include last season’s productions of “The Tin Woman” and “And Then There Were None” as well as Jo in the 1990 production of a “A Few Good Men,” Eliza Doolittle in “Pygmalion” and Agnes in “Dancing at Lughnasa.” Kristine has also directed at the Players including last season’s “Butler,” “Miracle on South Division Street,” “Over the Tavern” and many more.
As a playwright Kristine was commissioned by the Players to write a play about “the unique character and rich history of Door County.” The result was “Apparitions,” which premiered at the Players in 1995. The Players’ winter play reading series “The Play’s the Thing” has featured two of her plays. “Waiting for Tina Meyer” co-written by Kristine and Larry Shue, the author of “The Nerd” and “The Foreigner,” and “Niedecker,” a play based on the poet Lorine Niedecker’s life and work.
Everyone at Peninsula Players is thrilled Kristine received this honor from Michigan’s theater community and extend to her our deepest heartfelt congratulations.
While Kristine was being honored, the energetic cast of “Nunsense” moved onto the stage. Ashley Lanyon, Christine Mild, Liz Pazik, Cassie Slater and Stephanie Wahl donned their habits and are filling the theater with their comic antics and full, lush voices.
The Little Sisters of Hoboken want you to join them for a performance of “Nunsense.” For tickets or more information about “Nunsense” visit www.peninsulaplayers.com or phone the Box Office at 920-868-3287. I look forward to seeing you by the bay this fall, where the sun sets, the curtain rises and the stars shine!