Heroes was translated by Tom Stoppard from the play Le Vent des Peupliers by Gérald Sibleyras. The French title translated into English is The Wind in the Poplars which was deemed too similar to The Wind in the Willows, a classic children’s book. Thus, the title Heroes was chosen, with a comment from Stoppard saying, “To tell you the truth, if Charles Wood hadn't written a play called Veterans [in 1972], we would have called it that."
With opening night less than a month away, Third Avenue PlayWorks Artistic Director Jacob Janssen is excited to welcome audiences back to the Steve and Jackie Kane Theatre in downtown Sturgeon Bay.
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.
Third Avenue Playworks kicks off its season later this month with an ode to the area’s veteran community. Alan Kopischke, Michael A. Torrey and C. Michael Wright star in TAP’s production of “Heroes,” a comedy that tells the story of three aging World War I veterans living out their glory days in a retirement home before plotting their escape.
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. Our friendship has always seen us dreaming of creative projects and telling stories with the amazing artists we are fortunate to call friends and colleagues. “From humble beginnings come great things.”
The Community Partner for Heroes at Third Avenue PlayWorks in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is Operation Not Alone. A portion of the proceeds from the Pay-What-You-Will performance on April 22nd will go towards our Community Partner. There will be a donation box in the lobby during the run of Heroes, April 22nd through May 10, 2026. 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 will benefit this show’s Community Partner.
Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) kicks off the 2026 season with a complimentary Season Launch Party on Sunday, March 29th from 5:00 p.m. to 7:00 p.m. in the Steve & Jackie Kane Theatre at 239 N 3rd Avenue in downtown Sturgeon Bay.
Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) is excited to announce that single tickets are now officially on sale for the 2026 season. TAP is known for exceptional performances year-round, talented local and regional actors, and engaging productions, and the 2026 season also promises grand adventures.
Theatre is often celebrated for its actors, the faces in the stage lights and the voices that deliver the playwright's words. Yet behind every powerful production stands a guiding force that shapes everything from what you see the actors doing on stage, to the visual magic from designers, and seamless execution of technicians. It's the director.
This past year at Third Avenue PlayWorks in Sturgeon Bay has been a resounding success—and it is a success we owe entirely to our patrons, sponsors, and playbill advertisers. The generous support and belief in the power of live theatre have fueled a truly remarkable year. 2025 was the best-attended season in our theatre's history - truly a testament to our shared community.
