Sturgeon Bay, WI (May 19, 2026) – Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) is proud to announce the upcoming production of Moonlight and Magnolias, by Ron Hutchinson. The second show of the 2026 season at Third Avenue PlayWorks runs from June 3 through 21, 2026, featuring performances by Rudy Galvan, Paige Klopfenstein, John Taylor Phillips, and Nick Vidal.
It is three weeks into shooting Gone With the Wind and everything is falling apart. To save the film, Producer David O. Selznick stops production, locks his director and screenwriter in his office, and forces them to rewrite the entire script in five days! Based on (mostly) true events, this riotous, high-stakes comedy about the chaos and genius of moviemaking will leave you laughing out loud! And cheering! This production runs one hour and forty-five minutes with a fifteen-minute intermission.
“As a theater director, one question I always ask myself is why do this play here and why now?” And what’s become very apparent to me as I’m working on this script already is, first of all, I don’t know anyone who could not use a good laugh right now. And you’re certainly going to get that in this production.” said Director, Nicole Ricciardi, “But also…we’ve got the screenwriter, the producer and the director who all think they’re the most important person on the set, and they’re able to put all of that aside, all of their egos aside, and let the passion and the creativity take over to really collaborate on one of the most famous movies ever made.”
Amphibious Movie / Film Green Bay is the Community Partner for a Pay-What-You-Will Preview on Wednesday, June 3, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. The mission of Film Green Bay is to provide a rich cultural experience for our community and visitors while promoting Green Bay as a hub for filmmaking and film appreciation. “Amphibious: The Legend of Edgar Allen Long-Sleeves” is the story of a struggling high school freshman who overcomes bullying to discover his gifts and use his influence to change how people treat one another.
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 Moonlight and Magnolias at Third Avenue Playworks is directed by Nicole Ricciardi with scenic design by Amy Sue Hazel, costume design by Kotryna Hilko, lighting design by Max Grano De Oro, sound design by Brian Grimm, props design by Haley Anne Cranstoun, and production stage management by Kelsey Brennan York.
THE CAST
Rudy Galvan as Ben Hecht
Paige Klopfenstein as Miss Poppenghul
John Taylor Phillips as Victor Fleming
Nick Vidal as David O. Selznick
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
June 3 – 21, 2026
Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
Special matinee Friday, June 12 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Pay-What-You-Will Preview: Wednesday, June 3 at 7:30 p.m. with half of the proceeds benefiting Amphibious Movie / Film Green Bay
Ticketed Preview & Wine Night: Thursday, June 4, 2026
Opening Night Reception: Friday, June 5, 2026
Young Professionals Networking: Wednesday, June 10, 2026
Post-Show Conversation: Friday, June 12, 2026, following 2:00 p.m. matinee
Closing Day: Sunday, June 21, 2026
For more information about performances of Moonlight and Magnolias at Third Avenue PlayWorks or to purchase tickets, visit thirdavenueplayworks.org/moonlight-and-magnolias or call the box office at (920) 743-1760.
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Click to Download Photos (Show photography available June 1)
ABOUT NICOLE RICCIARDI
Select Directing Credits: The Book Club Play, Third Avenue PlayWorks; Frankie and Johnny in the Claire de Lune (summer 2026), The Taming of the Shrew, King Lear, Time Stands Still, Creditors, 4000 Miles, The Taming, The How and The Why, Cassandra Speaks, Shakespeare and Company; Time Stands Still, New Century Theatre; Above Water, Berkshire Playwrights Lab; Cassandra Speaks, The Nora at Central Square Theater; Happy Anniversary, Samuel French OOB; The Bird and the Two-Ton Weight, Ars Nova Out Loud/Bushwick Arts; Several new plays for Youngblood/Ensemble Studio Theatre and The Bats/Flea Theater. Associate/Assistant Director: The Belle of Belfast, Irish Repertory Theatre; A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Richard II, Shakespeare and Company;, Melissa Arctic, Two River Theatre; The Cenci, The Government Inspector, Red Bull; Faculty, The Theatre School at DePaul. MFA, Carnegie Mellon University. Member, SDC. www.nicole-ricciardi.com
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.