american players theatre

If you are a Chicagoan, and haven't been to APT yet, well, get on it! Spring Green is the perfect weekend getaway- with Frank L. Wright's first school, Taliesen, state parks, heck- house on the Rock nearby is even worth a gander! But APT is the jewel of the Midwest, as far as theatre is concerned. Try to get tickets to an early summer or fall show. Wonderful Bard productions. (But be prepared- you won't hear many Brit accents.) Pack a picnic, or buy sandwiches there. Be ready for a hike up a hill to the outdoor theatre. It can be buggy, since Wisconsin River is nearby, so be sure to bring bug spray if it is summer. (Yes, there's an indoor theatre, too, I haven't checked it out yet, though. I can go to indoor theaters anywhere.)

Whether in the large open theatre or the small "black Box" indoor theatre, American Players is always a pleasant experience. A weekend in Spring Green offers many delightful surprises. There is Taliesen, Frank Loydd Wright's first school of architecture, the House on the Rock with its eccentric delights, Art on 23, a beautiful art gallery specializing in the hand blown glass art of ColleenOtt, and a number of other very talented artists. There are small shops specializing in unusual handcrafted objects, jewelry and clothing, a delightful restaurant in an old bank, Freddy Valentine's, and the beautiful Wisconsin river, where if the season is right, there is kayaking, canoeing and other river adventures.

As a Brit, it took a little time to get used to Shakespeare with American accents, but that did not detract in any way from the excellent production of "Much Ado about Nothing". Had a great evening thanks to my friend in the US's recommendation.

Have attended since the early 90's when I took my preteen daughter to "Romeo and Juliet" -- the addition of the indoor Touchstone Theatre is great for more intimate shows.

It was easy to book a play, pick up tickets at will call and the short trek to the theater was fun! Nice little area to picnic pre-show and the little shop outside the actual theater had many beautiful items!

First time here to see Romeo and Juliet on a Saturday evening. Awesome venue and cannot wait to come back to see an afternoon show at the outdoor theater. Reasonable cost for such a quality production. Going to bring the kids next time!

We've been taking our kids to the APT yearly since they were 8 and 6 years old. This year it was just my 14 daughter and I, and it was an amazing experience, as it always is.

American Players Theater (APT) in Spring Green, Wisconsin uses the headline 'Play in the Woods' in highlighting the setting and purpose of activities. Let me first confess my bias. I am a long-time supporter of APT. Long-time thru attending performances and following the theater beginning in 1983. Another bias is that the outdoor setting makes for wonderful theater. that's all the more given the enhancements to facilities and inclusion of an indoor venue supporting year-round productions.Those points made - I find the quality of work outstanding in any comparison. Reference includes having the good fortune for living in the Philadelphia area - offering proximity to productions in the City, Princeton and New York. There's the further enjoyment in attending performances in Chicago - including the known and highly professional smaller companies.Effect of presentations at APT tend to transcend performance. The players move toward creating the sense of engagement with each audience that defines the role of drama involving, thoughtful and entertaining. I attend with friends and we never leave without some level of conversation on the play, the players and quality of the production.The venue is nice. Picnic facilities as well as sandwiches are available. The walk up the Hill makes the performance all the more special in a sense of anticipation. Point particularly applies for evening sessions - Summer and into Fall.

I've been going to APT for 35 years and it just gets better and better - and I loved it the first time I went. They now have the bonus of a small indoor theatre as well as the large expansive outdoor amphitheater. Everyone that works there is friendly and will help in whatever way they can. The theater, of course, is the main attraction and will not disappoint - good to great acting, wonderful costumes and creative sets - and sometimes some great music. Bringing your own picnic is the best way to experience it and they provide the tables AND gas grills and lots of beverage choices in the concession stands. If you don't have time, you can pick up something from the concession stand or any of the area restaurants. Allow time for the walk up the hill - they do have a shuttle if that's a problem - but if possible to walk, you'll enjoy the stroll. And a stop at their gift shop is always a treat as well. Just remember it's outdoors so come prepared - umbrella, blanket for fall evening, sunhat for during the day, etc. You'll leave with your soul refreshed and your mind invigorated.

Bring a picnic for dinner before the play. The plays are always great: the acting is good, the theater is great, the ambiance is one of a kind. If you get rained out in the first half of the play, they will give you a refund or tickets to another play.

APT's Up the Hill is an amazing outdoor venue for Shakespearen and classic productions. We enjoy a weekend of theater here every summer. On this visit we saw Romeo and Juliet and Much Ado about Nothing, which were performed flawlessly. We have watched performances under the hot sun, drizzly skies, and starry nights. No matter what the weather, the actors are able to deliver their lines and move the audience, as they sustain the elements, without skipping a beat. This is must see theater with a breath- taking setting, great acoustics, and sets that Shakespeare would have found familiar. The talent of the cast and the production staff is beyond compare.

Great theater, beautiful setting; really not much more you could ask for. We saw a show in both the outdoor and indoor theaters, and both are great in their own way.

Recently, the Wall Street Journal visited and reviewed APT. They called it the best classical repertory theater in America. We agree completely. For 35 years APT has thrilled audiences with well directed and produced theater with actors who are passionate and love this bucolic, verdant setting. Whether you attend the outdoor Theater Up The Hill or the indoor Topuchstone Theater, your thirst for great theater will be sated. There is ample room for picnicing before the play. Our recent visit of Chekov's The Seagull was very well presented. APT should be on everyone's bucket list if they enjoy Shakespeare or other classical plays.

We come every September for 2 shows: one Up the Hill and one at the Touchstone Theatre. The company talent is second to none; likewise the selection and production. This year we enjoyed Travestied and Much Ado About Nothing. We'll be back!

I've been driving the 2hrs from Milwaukee to see APT productions on and off for many years and the drive is well worth it. To avoid overnight lodging costs I attended Sat matinees of "Much Ado" and "Importance...Earnest" plus a Wed morning performance of "Travesties" and all were well-done and entertaining. For matinees we take a cooler & wine, stop at the Carr Valley cheese shop in Mazomanie, then pick up a salad or sandwich at the Arcadia Book store in Spring Green and have a picnic on the APT grounds. Many people bring their own or you can order ahead & pick up right there. The Up the Hill theater is, indeed, way up on the hill but a shuttle is available for those not wishing to make the long trek. Nearly all the seats offer good views and the restroom lines at intermission are the most efficient and fast moving I've ever seen! They've got it down to a science. We make a day of it by stopping somewhere for an evening meal after the play. It's a most enjoyable day and even better when shared with friends.