Sturgeon Bay, WI (June 23, 2026) – Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) is proud to announce the upcoming production of Red Herring, by Michael Hollinger. The third show of the 2026 season at Third Avenue PlayWorks runs from July 15 through August 9, 2026, featuring performances by Ellie Duffey, Seth K. Hale, Carolyn Hoerdemann, Alicia Rice, Ethan Serpan, and Noah Simon.
1952, Boston, a hardboiled female homicide detective finds herself caught in an impossible situation: catch a killer, recover a stolen atomic secret, and keep her fiancé—an FBI agent—from discovering her latest suspect may be his own father. Three couples’ lives collide as love and loyalty are put to the ultimate test. If you love Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett—with a dash of screwball mayhem—you’ll be hooked from the first clue. This production runs two hours, plus a fifteen-minute intermission.
“Red Herring is a classic comedy, and our audience is in for a thrilling time,” said TAP’s Jackie & Steve Kane Artistic Director Jacob Janssen. “A hilarious, fast-paced mashup of a Cold War spy thriller and a classic film noir spoof. This play delivers non-stop laughs, sharp wit, and a wonderfully chaotic energy that keeps you guessing until the very end.”
Friends of Door County Libraries is the Community Partner for a Pay-What-You-Will Preview on Wednesday, July 15, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Friends exists to ensure that every resident and visitor in Door County has access to the learning, connection, and inspiration that libraries uniquely provide. A volunteer-driven 501(c)(3), the Friends enhance the Door County Library system’s ability to meet community needs, from early literacy and lifelong learning to social connection and civic engagement.
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 Red Herring at Third Avenue Playworks is directed by Karen Estrada with scenic design by Steve Barnes, costume design by Kellyn Gagner, lighting design by Karen Wallace, sound design by Josh Schmidt, props design by Haley Anne Cranstoun, and production stage management by Kelsey Brennan York.
THE CAST
Ellie Duffey as Lynne McCarthy
Seth K. Hale as Frank Keller
Carolyn Hoerdemann as Mrs. Kravits
Alicia Rice as Maggie Pelletier
Ethan Serpan as James Appel
Noah Simon as Andrei Borchevsky
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
July 15 – August 9, 2026
Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
Special matinees Friday, July 24 and August 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Pay-What-You-Will Preview: Wednesday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. with half of the proceeds benefiting Friends of Door County Libraries
Ticketed Preview & Wine Night: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Opening Night Reception: Friday, July 17, 2026
Young Professionals Networking: Wednesday, June 22, 2026
Post-Show Conversation: Friday, July 24, 2026, following 2:00 p.m. matinee
Closing Day: Sunday, August 9, 2026
For more information about performances of Red Herring at Third Avenue PlayWorks or to purchase tickets, visit thirdavenueplayworks.org/red-herring or call the box office at (920) 743-1760.
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Click to Download Photos (Show photography available July 13)
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.