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.
In 1952, the second Red Scare is at its height. Televised Senate hearings fan the flames of suspicion, the hydrogen bomb is under development, and paranoia seeps into every aspect of American life. The fear that a communist might be around every corner—or even sharing your bed—turns neighbors into suspects and private lives into political battlegrounds. Holy Mackerel! Who couldn't use a break from such relentless pressure? Audiences came together at the cinema to see their anxiety and paranoia reflected in Film Noir or they watched screwball comedies to float for a time above those same anxieties while society’s rigid social norms were skewered with fast talking repartee and farcical situations.
As Door County professional theater companies are preparing to leave a memorable mark on the audience, here’s a look in brief at what’s coming and what theater-goers are most excited about this summer.
The Community Partner for Red Herring at Third Avenue PlayWorks in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin, is The Friends of Door County Libraries (Friends). A portion of the proceeds from the Pay-What-You-Will performance on July 15th will go towards our Community Partner. 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 advance on the day of the preview (watch your email for link!), or in cash or with checks made out to Third Avenue PlayWorks once you arrive. Half of the proceeds will benefit this show’s Community Partner. There will be a donation box in the lobby during the run of Red Herring, July 15th through August 9th, 2026.
Door County's busy summer theater season is about to kick into gear for 2026. Yes, the four professional theater companies and one community theater company on the Peninsula have kept busy to varying degrees in the offseason, with a few shows, play readings and other outreach programs over the winter. But now that the middle of June is approaching, it's almost time for regular offerings for theater buffs. Here's what's coming to stages in Door County this summer and fall.
With its 2026 season underway, Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) welcomes the return of pay-what-you-will previews, opening-night receptions, the Sturgeon Bay Library Play Reading Club and Check Out TAP.
Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) has two new ways for audiences to connect before performances: young professionals’ networking mixers and private wine nights.
Third Avenue PlayWorks announced the return of several special events attached to the plays in the downtown Sturgeon Bay theater company's 2026 season and added a couple of new events as well, starting with the season-opening run of "Heroes" from April 22 to May 10. Here's a look at them.
Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) welcomes the return of Pay-What-You-Will Previews, Opening Night Receptions, Sturgeon Bay Library Play Reading Club, and Check Out TAP while also adding new events including Wine Nights and Young Professionals Networking. The season kicks off April 22nd with the first event during the run of Heroes by Gérald Sibleyras and adapted by Tom Stoppard.
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.
