Heroes, by Gérald Sibleyras and adapted by Tom Stoppard, explores friendship, aging, and escapism as it follows three WWI veterans, Gustave, Philippe, and Henri as they plan a getaway from the veterans home in France where they reside. Over several episodes on the stone terrace, their friendship is tested, highlighting their camaraderie, as they hatch a plan to escape the monotony of their lives and physical limitations.

On stage, the trials and tribulations of these characters come across as effortless and is perhaps a nod to the off-stage friendships of the actors, Alan Kopischke, Michael A. Torrey, and C. Michael Wright. While their relationships span more than twenty years, Heroes marks the first time they have all acted on stage together.

How the Friendship Began

Kopischke was finishing an acting internship at Milwaukee Rep in 1984 and had the opportunity to see Wright’s “masterful” performance in ‘MASTER HAROLD’… and the boys by Athol Fugard. Wright also performed in Cabaret with his younger brother, Joel, right after moving to Milwaukee in 1988. They got to know each other years later after moving back to Milwaukee when Wright, as Artistic Director at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre, hired his kid (Art) to play Joe Egg in A Day in the Death of Joe Egg. Wright also vividly remembers seeing Kopischke in a wonderful Chicago production of Love! Valour! Compassion! in the mid 1990s. They eventually became good friends after Wright moved to Door County and joined the board of directors at TAP six years ago.

While the details of their first meeting escapes both Kopischke and Torrey, they agree that they were both working in the same circles in Chicago during the 90’s, including at Chicago Dramatists Workshops where they both worked on developmental play readings. They would see each other a lot at auditions, openings, and various gigs, but reunited in Milwaukee in 2004 when Torrey was cast as Aslan in The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe at First Stage, opposite Art and costumed by Kopischke’s wife.

It was also during the 2004-2005 season at Next Act Theatre in Milwaukee that Wright cast Torrey in a production of ‘MASTER HAROLD’… and the boys. According to Wright, “We very quickly established a strong bond.” Wright went on to direct Torrey in two other productions at Milwaukee Chamber Theatre: Driving Miss Daisy and The Train Driver. There was even a production of Driving Miss Daisy planned at TAP with Torrey onstage and Wright directing, but it ended up being cancelled due to the pandemic.

“I’ve known Michael and Alan for quite a number of years, and I consider them both good friends,” said Wright, “But surprisingly, this is the first opportunity I’ve had to act with either of them.”

Kopischke as Gustave

The character of Gustave, “carries a lot of defensive armor around his emotions,” shares Kopischke. While the caustic banter doesn’t necessarily read as friendship, Kopischke portrays the character’s tenderness as care for the health and wellbeing of the others. His character’s history of a soldier lends itself to the core principle of never leaving a wounded man behind. In a way Gustave has adopted Henri and Phillipe as members of his company and in doing so, offers them unstinting loyalty.

Kopischke can relate to Gustave’s tendency towards being a loner, but tends to lean more towards a mix of introverted and extroverted. He can be gregarious and attention-seeking, but also needs periods of alone time. Kopischke has also never seen war, but can relate to Gustave’s maximum ambition and also enjoys mapping out the unlikely.

“I hope I’m more pleasant than Gustave,” said Kopischke, “And I hope I prove to be just as loyal and caring.”

Torrey as Philippe

Torrey believes that the characters on stage have a genuine appreciation and trust, which mirrors their friendship off stage. He can relate to Philippe’s sense of fashion as well as his sense of humor! Where they differ on and off stage is in Philippe’s tendency towards conspiracy theories.

Wright as Henri

Wright identifies with Henri’s fondness for routine. Like his character, he likes to take long walks for relaxation and focus and often refers to each walk as “my daily constitutional.” Like Henri, Wright also considers himself to be caring and enthusiastic, while simultaneously remaining fairly practical and realistic. Where he differs from his character is mostly in time and circumstance. As a French WWI vet in 1959 who has lost one of his legs, Henri exhibits a certain degree of propriety and reserve and has a childlike purity and innocence. 

Wright notes that the off stage friendship adds a unique flavor and fun to Heroes. They have approached this piece from a place of trust, generosity, love, and a true sense of play. They laugh hard and often! Even though the characters bicker quite a bit, there is a genuine camaraderie and fondness under it all. When the characters get on each other’s nerves, Wright finds comfort in knowing no one will take offense off stage.

“If anything, our friendship allows us even more freedom to explore,” said Wright, “We can hurl insults at each other at the tops of our voices and then laugh about it later.”

This funny and tender tribute to lifelong friendship (on and off the stage) and the enduring human spirit proves it’s never too late for one last, glorious caper. Don’t miss the unique flavor of the genuine friendship between these three actors on stage in Heroes running through May 10th at Third Avenue PlayWorks in Sturgeon Bay, Wisconsin. 

“I’m so delighted to connect with both these guys on stage in a full production for the first time!” – Alan Kopischke.