Three-Week Run Begins at Peninsula Players Theatre
Fish Creek, Wisconsin — Peninsula Players Theatre, America’s oldest professional resident summer theatre, continues its 90th season with “Little Women The Broadway Musical,” a joyful adaptation of Louisa May Alcott’s treasured classic running from July 30 to August 17, 2025. With a book by Allan Knee, lyrics by Mindi Dickstein, and music by Jason Howland, this captivating musical brings to life the coming-of-age story of the March sisters—Jo, Meg, Beth, and Amy—as they navigate love, loss and discover who they are in Civil War-era New England. This heartfelt and inspiring musical will sweep audiences away—made even more magical by the unique setting of Peninsula Players Theatre, where world-class performances blend seamlessly with the serenity of nature. “Little Women The Broadway Musical” performs Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. except for Sunday, August 17 at 2:00 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at (920) 868-3287 or visit www.peninsulaplayers.com.
“Little Women” was published in 1868 and quickly became a success for Alcott, who wrote the sequels “Good Wives,” “Little Men,” and “Jo’s Boys.” The series’ popularity helped shape modern children’s literature. Alcott focused on character development and relatable experiences, rather than imparting morality lessons. Drawing inspiration from her family, Alcott based the March sisters on her siblings, offering readers a glimpse into domestic life, the strength of sisterhood, the challenges of growing up, and the desire to forge one’s path.
Meg is the responsible and romantic oldest sister; Beth is the gentle and selfless peacemaker; Amy, the youngest, has a flair for drama and a desire for sophistication; while Jo is a fiercely independent aspiring writer determined to break free from societal expectations. Their nurturing mother, Marmee, lovingly guides the sisters as they discover who they are—all set to a rich, emotionally powerful score. Along the way, audiences meet Alcott’s cherished characters, including the charming boy-next-door Laurie, the wealthy yet stern Aunt March, the kind-hearted Professor Bhaer, and their reserved neighbor Mr. Laurence.
The cast includes returning Peninsula Players Theatre alumni Janet Ulrich Brooks (“Blithe Spirit,” “A Rock Sails By”) as Aunt March; Emma Rosenthal (“Lord Arthur Savile’s Crime,” “Peter and the Starcatcher”) as Beth; Cassie Slater (“Nunsense,” “Sunday in the Park with George”) as Marmee; Patrick Michael Tierney (“4000 Days,” play reading) as Mr. John Brooke; and Greg Vinkler (“The Drowsy Chaperone,” “The Actuary”) as the reserved Mr. Laurence. These returning artists have extensive stage credits, including performances at regional theatres such as Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Court Theatre, Drury Lane Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Indiana Repertory Theatre, Paramount Theatre, Porchlight Music Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company of Washington, D.C., Steppenwolf Theatre Company, and Writers Theatre.
Making their debuts at Peninsula Players Theatre are Luke Nowakowski as Laurie, Ryan Reilly as Professor Bhaer, Emily Scinto as Meg, Elizabeth Stenholt as Jo, and Amanda Walker as Amy. Nowakowski has previously performed with Porchlight Music Theatre and Chicago Shakespeare Theatre; Reilly with Broadway Rose Theatre in Oregon and Metropolitan Playhouse in New York City; Scinto with Chanhassen Dinner Theatre and Drury Lane Theatre; Stenholt with Steppenwolf Theatre Company and Writers Theatre; Walker with Marriott Theatre and Cortland Repertory Theatre.
Stephen Schellhardt, a versatile Chicago-based theatre artist, makes his directorial debut at Peninsula Players Theatre. As an actor, he was part of the national tour of “Altar Boys,” performed in England with Chamber Opera Chicago, and graced the stages of TimeLine Theatre and Marriott Theatre. He served as artistic director for BoHo Theatre, was an associate producer for Writers Theatre, and casting director for About Face Theatre. Schellhardt earned a Joseph Jefferson Award for his direction of BoHo Theatre’s “Big Fish.”
Valerie Maze (“The Drowsy Chaperone,” “The Bridges of Madison County”) returns to Peninsula Players Theatre for her ninth season as music director. Maze served as associate music director of Broadway’s “SIX: The Musical” and has conducted at esteemed venues, including the Lyric Opera of Chicago, Goodman Theatre, Writers Theatre, Chicago Shakespeare, and the Repertory Theatre of St. Louis. Maze will play keyboards and conduct the six-piece orchestra featuring notable Door County musicians Char Bogda, Pamela Kraase, Kent Moraga, Bruce Newbern and Wisconsin-based composer Brian Grimm (“Barefoot in the Park.”)
The creative team includes Joe Court, sound design (“Million Dollar Quartet,” “The Rainmaker”); Kärin Simonson Kopischke, costume design (“Silent Sky,” “Write Me A Murder”); Michelle Lilly, scenic design (“The Angel Next Door”); Kyle Pingel-Hickey, wig design (“Nunsense,” “Almost, Maine”); and Guy Rhodes, lighting design (“Million Dollar Quartet,” “Dames at Sea.”)
Nestled along Door County’s scenic shore, Peninsula Players Theatre has captivated generations of audiences in its 600-plus-seat, all-weather pavilion since 1935. The organization has staged hundreds of classic dramas, comedies, musicals, pre-Broadway tryouts, and world premieres. Peninsula Players Theatre is a professional, not-for-profit theatre that employs members of Actors’ Equity Association (AEA), the union of professional actors and stage managers; United Scenic Artists (USA), a labor union and professional association of designers, artists and craftspeople; and the Stage Directors and Choreographers Society (SDC), a theatrical union of stage directors and choreographers.
The audience pavilion’s side panels, doors, and vents will remain open throughout the summer season. Patrons should dress for the weather and be prepared for shifting temperatures and breezes off the bay. Peninsula Players Theatre is a smoke-free campus; smoking is strictly prohibited at all times on the grounds. Audience members are invited to come early for a pre-show beverage or snack at the Luna Bar and Canteen. The grounds open 90 minutes before the show.
“Little Women The Broadway Musical” performs Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8:00 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. except for Sunday, August 17 at 2:00 p.m. For more information or to purchase tickets, call the Box Office at (920) 868-3287 or visit www.peninsulaplayers.com.
