PART OF THE WORLD PREMIERE WISCONSIN FESTIVAL
Sturgeon Bay, WI (September 2, 2026) – Rehearsals begin on The Call List by Brian James Polak at Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP). The Call List is presented as part of World Premiere Wisconsin, a statewide festival celebrating new plays and musicals running throughout 2026. The fourth show of the 2026 season at Third Avenue PlayWorks runs from September 23 through October 11, 2026, featuring Door County favorite Eva Nimmer.
Meet Sam—a restless dreamer, anxious doodler, and professional wanderer in search of purpose. When her law firm boss hands her a simple list of names and one chilling task—call them all and announce a client’s death—her mundane workday takes a bizarre turn. Curiosity pulls Sam into a mystery that’s equal parts darkly funny and unexpectedly heartfelt. Armed with only her notebook and razor-sharp wit, she chases clues that lead to something far deeper – and more personal – than she expected.
Even before its first official performance Polak’s The Call List has already garnered recognition as a Semi-Finalist in Seven Devils New Play Foundry Playwrights Conference (2025), as well as Semi-Finalist in B Street Theatre’s new Comedies Festival (2019).
“So blown away reading this script. It’s such a detailed, slice of life play,” said award-winning playwright Rachel Bublitz, “It gives us an incredibly focused look into the lives of the protagonist, the folks she’s calling, and the dead man she’s calling about, all in a one person show! Highly recommend this show. It’s funny and sad in all the best ways.”
“What Brian has done with this play is so exciting,” said TAP’s Jackie and Steve Kane Artistic Director, Jacob Janssen, “Its blend of comedy, mystery, and drama, all with its unique dramatic approach makes it completely unique. It is a play I knew I wanted our audience to experience!”
The Call List was previously workshopped at the Door Kinetic Arts Festival in 2023, so in collaboration with Door Kinetic Arts Festival, there will be a post-show conversation around the process of bringing The Call List from the page to the stage, following the 7:30 p.m. performance on Saturday, September 26, 2026, and featuring:
- Jacob Janssen – Jackie & Steve Kane Artistic Director at Third Avenue PlayWorks
- Brian James Polak – Playwright for The Call List
- Eva Nimmer – Actor in The Call List
- Eric Simonson – Creative Director for Door Kinetic Arts Festival
Prevent Suicide Door County is the Community Partner for a Pay-What-You-Will Preview on Wednesday, September 23, 2026 at 7:30 p.m. Their mission is to bring awareness to the county about suicide and the rising number of deaths by suicide in the county. 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 The Call List at Third Avenue Playworks is directed by Jacob Janssen with scenic design by Third Avenue PlayWorks Technical Director Alex Polzin, costume design by Kaoiṁe E. Malloy, lighting design by Colin Gawronski, sound design by J Grover Hollway, props design by Haley Anne Brown, and production stage management by Kelsey Brennan York.
THE CAST
Eva Nimmer as Samantha Fischer
PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE
September 23 – October 11, 2026
Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
Special matinees Friday, October 2 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
Pay-What-You-Will Preview: Wednesday, September 23 at 7:30 p.m. with half of the proceeds benefiting Prevent Suicide Door County
Ticketed Preview & Wine Night: Thursday, September 24, 2026
Opening Night Reception: Friday, September 25, 2026
Collaborative Post-Show Conversation with DKAF: Friday, September 26 following 7:30 p.m. performance
Post-Show Conversation: Friday, October 2, 2026, following 2:00 p.m. matinee
Closing Day: Sunday, October 11, 2026
For more information about performances of The Call List at Third Avenue PlayWorks or to purchase tickets, visit thirdavenueplayworks.org/the-call-list or call the box office at (920) 743-1760.
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Click to Download Photos (Show photography available September 24)
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.