With Preview to Benefit Operation Not Alone
Sturgeon Bay, WI (April 6, 2026) – Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) is proud to announce the upcoming production of Heroes, by Gérald Sibleyras and adapted by Tom Stoppard. The first show of the 2026 season at Third Avenue PlayWorks runs from April 22 through May 10, 2026, featuring performances by Alan Kopischke, Michael A. Torrey, and C. Michael Wright.
Gustave, Philippe, and Henri—three aging WWI veterans, tired of dull routines, fading memories, and the oppressive atmosphere of their retirement home, hatch an elaborate plan: a great escape! Their ambitious scheme to break free becomes a brilliant, comic battle against time and infirmity. Winner of the 2006 Olivier Award for Best New Comedy, this funny and tender tribute to lifelong friendship and the enduring human spirit proves it’s never too late for one last, glorious caper. This production runs eighty minutes with no intermission.
The play will be co-directed by Jackie & Steve Kane Artistic Director Jacob Janssen and Dan Klarer, Education Coordinator at TAP. “This play Heroes is in large part about friendship, so when it came time to put together the 2026 season, the idea of collaborating together on a play felt like the most obvious choice in the world,” said Janssen.
Operation Not Alone is the Community Partner for a Pay-What-You-Will Preview on Wednesday, April 22, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Operation Not Alone is an organization dedicated to helping brave service members and veterans across the nation and overseas by offering six different core services:
- Personalized Care Packages for active duty military members
- Annual Veteran Cheer Packages
- Never Alone Nursing Home Visits
- Who Is Your Hero? Presentations
- Girl Scout Patch & Programming
- College Intern Program
Those interested in attending the preview to support this organization, may arrive as early as 6:30 p.m. on the evening of the performance for general admission seating. Space is available on a first come, first served basis. Donations may be made in cash or with checks made out to Third Avenue PlayWorks. Half of the proceeds from the preview will benefit this Community Partner and donations can be made at the lobby display throughout the run of the show.
The production of Heroes at Third Avenue Playworks is co-directed by Jacob Janssen and Dan Klarer with scenic design by Alyssa Mohn, costume design by Kellyn Gagner, lighting design by Colin Gawronskil, sound design by Dee Etti-Williams, props design by Haley Anne Cranstoun, and production stage management by Kelsey Brennan York.
THE CAST
Alan Kopischke as Gustave
Michael A. Torrey as Philippe
C. Michael Wright as Henri
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
April 22 – May 10, 2026
Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
Special matinee Friday, May 1 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
- Pay-What-You-Will Preview: Wednesday, April 22 at 7:30 p.m. with half of the proceeds benefiting Operation Not Alone
- Ticketed Preview: Thursday, April 23, 2026
- Opening Night Reception: Friday, April 24, 2026
- Post-Show Conversation: Friday, May 1, 2026, following 2:00 p.m. matinee
- Closing Day: Sunday, May 10, 2026
For more information about performances of Heroes at Third Avenue PlayWorks or to purchase tickets, visit thirdavenueplayworks.org/heroes or call the box office at (920) 743-1760.
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Click to Download Photos (Show photography available April 20)
ABOUT THIRD AVENUE PLAYWORKS
Located in downtown Sturgeon Bay, Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) presents riveting performances of comedies, dramas, and musicals in the Steve and Jackie Kane Theatre. This unique 124-seat space brings audiences face-to-face with powerful stories by creating the most intimate theatrical experience possible. With its ever-growing reputation, varied educational opportunities, and long-standing presence in the community, TAP is an integral part of Door County’s vibrant arts scene. TAP is Door County’s premier year-round professional theatre. For more information, visit thirdavenueplayworks.org.