A chance to experience the arts uniquely is on the horizon in the New Year after Peninsula Players Theatre unveiled its winter play reading series last week.

The Play’s The Thing, which takes place on February 5th, March 4th, and April 1st at Bjorklunden in Baileys Harbor, will showcase productions that Peninsula Players Theatre may not otherwise be able to put on by themselves or that they want to gauge the reactions of the audiences. Managing Director Brian Kelsey says it is a unique experience for the audience and the actors as they can only rely on the words to tell the story, not other aspects like set design, costume choices, or physical movement.

The Play’s The Thing is partly funded by a grant from the Wisconsin Arts Board, Door County Medical Center, Friends of Door County Libraries, The Shubert Foundation, and Peninsula Players Theatre. The performances are free, but donations are encouraged. You can read about the play selections below:

February 5, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

The Nature Plays by Patrick Gabridge

The playwright crafted several short plays to coincide with a walk-through of Boston’s Mount Auburn Cemetery, a designated National Historic Landmark and arboretum. America’s first garden cemetery features winding paths, picturesque landscapes with various horticultural features, ponds, trees, shrubs, flowers, and art sculptures. The Nature Plays is produced with support from and in coordination with Door County Reads and its exploration of “Braiding Sweetgrass For Young Adults: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge and the Teaching of Plants” ?by Robin Wall Kimmerer, adapted by Monique Gray Smith and illustrated by Nicole Neidhardt. A complete listing of Door County Reads events is available on its website.

March 4, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

4000 Days by Peter Quilter

Michael has been in a coma for three weeks, watched over by his mother and his partner. The two are united in their grief and strong dislike of one another. But they both have to deal with the unexpected when Michael wakes.

April 1, 2024, at 7:00 p.m.

Last Train to Nibroc by Arlene Hunter

May and Raleigh meet in 1940 on an eastbound train and discover they are both from Kentucky. This funny and touching boy-meets-girl period romance follows the couple over time as they search for happiness and what their hearts truly desire.