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We’re soaking up the best of the week and a half of summer here at Northern Sky. ✨
Whether it's your first visit or your fiftieth, there’s still time to catch a show under the stars. 💫
Join us tonight at 7:30pm with "The Thing with Feathers" and come early to hang out with Open Door Bird Sanctuary and their bird ambassadors!
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Holy Land O Lakes! You butter believe it's real butter! 🧈
Big thanks to Laurie Baum for teaching our cast and crew how to make homemade butter.
So don't churn away now! "When Butter Churns to Gold" tonight at 7:30 pm in Peninsula State Park. 🌲
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We mustache you a question... 🥸
Have you been out to Peninsula State Park to see our back to back showing of "The Thing with Feathers" and "Something in the Water"? With only two weeks left of the season, you have tonight and Monday, August 24 to catch these hilarious and heartwarming stories!
🪶 5:00pm - "The Thing with Feathers"
💦 7:30pm - "Something in the Water"
📸Photos by Len Villano Photography
“Something in the Water”
Pictured: Jeff Herbst and Jamie Mercado
Book, Lyrics, & Music by Matt Zembrowski
Directed by Molly Rhode
Music Direction by Ryan Cappleman
Orchestrations by Alissa Rhode
Pit Musicians include Ryan Cappleman, Dennis Keith Johnson, & various cast members
Scenic Design by Lisa Schlenker
Costume Design by Karen Brown-Larimore
Lighting Design by Jason Fassl
Sound Design by Jack Purves
Stage Management by Shawn Galligan
Assistant Stage Management by Anna Brooks & Peyton White
“The Thing with Feathers”
Pictured: Rachael Zientek, Nathaniel Contreras, and Najee Robinson
Book & Lyrics by Robin Share
Music & Lyrics by Clay Zambo
Directed by Zachary Thomas Woods
Choreography by Molly Rhode
Music Direction by Alissa Rhode
Pit Musicians include Alissa Rhode, Chase Stoeger, & various cast members
Scenic Design by Lisa Schlenker
Puppet Design by Lisa Schlenker
Costume Design by Karen Brown-Larimore
Lighting Design by Jason Fassl
Sound Design by Jack Purves
Stage Management by Shawn Galligan
Assistant Stage Management by Anna Brooks & Peyton White
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Grab your friends and flock together to Peninsula State Park tonight at 7:30pm for "The Thing with Feathers"! 🪶
"Talon" you, no "egrets" with this performance. "Wren" you arrive, expect good vibes and great birds. It's all going to be a real hoot so "heron" over and we'll see you under the stars!💫
“The Thing with Feathers”
Cast: Rachael Zientek, Nathaniel Contreras, Najee Robinson, Alex Campea, Kelly Doherty, Doug Mancheski, Karen Estrada, Ryan Cappleman, Jamie Mercado, Dan Klarer, Chase Stoeger, Maxine Danni, Silvia Stoeger, & Emily Odegard
Book & Lyrics by Robin Share
Music & Lyrics by Clay Zambo
Directed by Zachary Thomas Woods
Choreography by Molly Rhode
Music Direction by Alissa Rhode
Pit Musicians include Alissa Rhode, Chase Stoeger, & various cast members
Scenic Design by Lisa Schlenker
Puppet Design by Lisa Schlenker
Costume Design by Karen Brown-Larimore
Lighting Design by Jason Fassl
Sound Design by Jack Purves
Stage Management by Shawn Galligan
Assistant Stage Management by Anna Brooks & Peyton White
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We know you'll feel a whole lot 🧈 butter 🧈 after seeing "When Butter Churns to Gold" and with only five performances left, it's not to be missed.
Tuesdays & Fridays, 7:30pm, Peninsula State Park, through August 28. ✨
📸 Photo by Len Villano Photography
“When Butter Churns to Gold”
Cast: Dan Klarer, Doug Mancheski, Alex Campea, Molly Rhode, Kelly Doherty, Chase Stoeger
Book by Peter Welkin
Music by Ron Barnett
Lyrics by Randi Wolfe
Co-Directed by Bill Theisen & Molly Rhode
Co-Music Direction by Ryan Cappleman & Alissa Rhode
Pit Musicians include Ryan Cappleman, Dennis Keith Johnson, Bruce Newbern
Scenic Design by Lisa Schlenker
Costume Design by Karen Brown-Larimore
Lighting Design by Jason Fassl
Sound Design by Nic Trapani
Stage Management by Shawn Galligan
Assistant Stage Management by Anna Brooks & Peyton White
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There’s “Something in the Water”…in Ephraim!
This week, join Walter at the High Point Inn!
The High Point Inn has been welcoming guests since 1993! Relax in one of their 1-, 2-, or 3-bedroom suites complete with a fireplace and full kitchen. Their suites allow for everyone from solo travelers to family reunions to find something that fits their needs. In addition to their spacious suites, guests can also enjoy their resort amenities like their indoor pool and hot tub, outdoor pool, newly expanded exercise room, grilling area, and children’s playground. And guests can conveniently walk to nearby shops and restaurants with the new North End Walking Path!
You can catch Walter and the rest of the cast of “Something in the Water” at Northern Sky Theater in Peninsula State Park through August 27!
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Join interns Maxine and Emily as they take you on a prop tour of "The Thing with Feathers"!🦅
See these props in action tonight at 7:30pm in Peninsula State Park. Come early to meet the bird ambassadors from Open Door Bird Sanctuary for added fun to your evening. See you under the stars! 💫
Music by Clay Zambo
Scenic Design by Lisa Schlenker
Puppet Design by Lisa Schlenker
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"Northern Sky Theater is a true gem of Door County! We make it a point to attend 2-3 shows on every visit and have enjoyed them all. The production of 'When Butter Churns to Gold' this season was especially fun with interaction from the audience by cheering on the hero and heroine and booing the villain. And you can't beat the atmosphere of being outside at the theater in Peninsula State Park!" - Rhonda V.
There's just under three weeks left in our 2026 summer season, and we'd love to share the magic of live theater in Peninsula State Park with all of you!
📸 Photo by Len Villano Photography
“When Butter Churns to Gold”
Cast: Dan Klarer, Doug Mancheski, Alex Campea, Molly Rhode, Kelly Doherty, Chase Stoeger
Book by Peter Welkin
Music by Ron Barnett
Lyrics by Randi Wolfe
Co-Directed by Bill Theisen & Molly Rhode
Co-Music Direction by Ryan Cappleman & Alissa Rhode
Pit Musicians include Ryan Cappleman, Dennis Keith Johnson, Bruce Newbern
Scenic Design by Lisa Schlenker
Costume Design by Karen Brown-Larimore
Lighting Design by Jason Fassl
Sound Design by Nic Trapani
Stage Management by Shawn Galligan
Assistant Stage Management by Anna Brooks & Peyton White
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Yesterday we gathered at Coyote Roadhouse for our annual volunteer picnic to celebrate and thank the incredible 191 volunteers who give their time and energy to Northern Sky. ✨
As we enter our remaining three weeks of this unforgettable summer, we want to take a moment to reflect and give thanks to the volunteers who make it all possible. From ushering guests and driving patrons to their seats in our golf cart, to our award-winning Tuesday Crew, your time and dedication keep Northern Sky shining bright.
We couldn’t do what we do without you. Thank you, Thank you, THANK YOU! 💛
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Our interns' top 5 "horror movies" for Northern Sky audience members:
1. Cheering for the villain
2. Missing out on our awesome bird puppets
3. Not drinking the Waukesha spring wate
4. Forgetting to wear a mustache to "Something in the Water"
5. Not seeing a Northern Sky show this summer!
Save yourself from the scariest fate of all... missing out on the season. Come by Peninsula State Park tonight at 7:30pm for "The Thing with Feathers"!
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Meet the cast of characters in "When Butter Churns to Gold" and learn exactly how you're supposed to react when they hit the stage! 🧈
Boo the villains, cheer the heroes... but hold your applause for the sidekicks. They don't get songs, and they're definitely not allowed to share their innermost thoughts.
Catch it every Tuesday & Friday at 7:30pm at Peninsula State Park, now through August 28!✨
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Huge thanks to Destination Door County for creating this amazing overview of how lucky we are to have four professional theatre companies in Door County!
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There’s “Something in the Water”…in Ephraim!
This week, join Walter at the Ephraim Shores Resort!
Ephraim Shores - Door County Waterfront Lodging offers relaxed, waterfront lodging right here in Ephraim. Their beautiful front lawn and private dock, sun deck, and beach allow guests to fully soak up the natural beauty of Eagle Harbor. Conveniently located on the second floor, Sunset Harbor Grill is open for breakfast, lunch, and dinner so you can enjoy a delicious meal with a gorgeous view without leaving the hotel! If you’re looking for waterfront views, comfortable rooms, helpful staff, and delicious food - Ephraim Shores Resort is the place for you!
Check back next week to see where Walter stops next.
And you can catch Walter and the rest of the cast of “Something in the Water” at Northern Sky Theater in Peninsula State Park through August 27!
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While some spend Big Day counting real bird species, every Monday, Wednesday, and Saturday we spend it counting over 20 bird puppets at "The Thing with Feathers" in Peninsula State Park!🌲 🐦
Come early and add a few real birds to your count at 6:30pm tonight with Open Door Bird Sanctuary's birding ambassadors at the fire ring. 💫
📸 Photos by Larry Mohr
“The Thing with Feathers”
Cast: Rachael Zientek, Nathaniel Contreras, Najee Robinson, Alex Campea, Kelly Doherty, Doug Mancheski, Karen Estrada, Ryan Cappleman, Jamie Mercado, Dan Klarer, Chase Stoeger, Maxine Danni, Silvia Stoeger, & Emily Odegard
Book & Lyrics by Robin Share
Music & Lyrics by Clay Zambo
Directed by Zachary Thomas Woods
Choreography by Molly Rhode
Music Direction by Alissa Rhode
Pit Musicians include Alissa Rhode, Chase Stoeger, & various cast members
Scenic Design by Lisa Schlenker
Puppet Design by Lisa Schlenker
Costume Design by Karen Brown-Larimore
Lighting Design by Jason Fassl
Sound Design by Jack Purves
Stage Management by Shawn Galligan
Assistant Stage Management by Anna Brooks & Peyton White
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One year ago, journalist Elisabeth Vincentelli traveled to Door County to check out our little corner of the world, and the result of her stay was a beautiful feature on Northern Sky in The New York Times. 🌟
We're still deeply grateful for her time, attention, and the thoughtful article she wrote about our work. Coverage like this helps Northern Sky reach new fans across the state and country who might be looking for their next Door County tradition.
If you haven't read it yet (or want to revisit it), check out the link in the comments for a "gift" article and share it with someone who loves live theater under the stars. ✨
📸 Photos by Jenn Ackerman and Tim Gruber for The New York Times
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There's only one month left of the summer 2026 season!
Let’s check in with the cast and crew see how they are feeling with our mid-summer check-in! You have until August 29th to catch them all in Peninsula State Park💫
🦆 "The Thing with Feathers" - Mondays at 5pm, Wednesdays & Saturdays at 7:30pm
💦 "Something in the Water" - Mondays & Thursdays at 7:30pm
🧈 "When Butter Churns to Gold" - Tuesdays & Fridays at 7:30pm
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There’s “Something in the Water”…in Ephraim!
This week, join Walter at The Water Street Inn where he checks out everything they offer in their lobby, like making coffee for guests and their stroopwafel s’mores kits!
The Water Street Inn Ephraim is celebrating their 130th season right here in Ephraim! Centrally located in the heart of Ephraim, Gretchen and the team at the Water Street are sure to have everything you need for a relaxing Door County stay. With their own signature scent in the toiletry products, custom spa-quality bathrobes, and sprawling front porch over looking Eagle Harbor, a stay at the Water Street Inn feels more like a sanctuary than a hotel!
Check back later this week to see where Walter stops next!
And you can catch Walter and the rest of the cast of “Something in the Water” at Northern Sky Theater in Peninsula State Park through August 27!
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Don't run...Don't walk...FLY to Peninsula State Park tonight at 7:30 PM for "The Thing with Feathers"!
Happy August!☀️ Don’t miss your chance to laugh, sing, and celebrate the summer with us before we close on Saturday, August 29th. 🌟
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🌟"One of the can't miss highlights of any family trip to Door County Wisconsin is to see at least one show at Northern Sky Theater. The entertainment always hits home with all ages. Our family ranged from an 18 year old to my 84 year old Mother.
We saw 'When Butter Churns to Gold' as we had not seen it in the past. I wish we had time for one of the other two shows they were running this summer. The theater at dusk is wonderful. If on the fence, it is well worth your time and money." - Bill M🌟
Take a page out of Bill's book and see "When Butter Churns to Gold" tonight at 7:30 PM in Peninsula State Park. See you under the stars! ✨
📸 Photos by Len Villano Photography
“When Butter Churns to Gold”
Cast: Dan Klarer, Doug Mancheski, Alex Campea, Molly Rhode, Kelly Doherty, Chase Stoeger
Book by Peter Welkin
Music by Ron Barnett
Lyrics by Randi Wolfe
Co-Directed by Bill Theisen & Molly Rhode
Co-Music Direction by Ryan Cappleman & Alissa Rhode
Pit Musicians include Ryan Cappleman, Dennis Keith Johnson, Bruce Newbern
Scenic Design by Lisa Schlenker
Costume Design by Karen Brown-Larimore
Lighting Design by Jason Fassl
Sound Design by Nic Trapani
Stage Management by Shawn Galligan
Assistant Stage Management by Anna Brooks & Peyton White
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There’s “Something in the Water”…in Ephraim!
This week, join Walter at the Lodgings at Pioneer Lane where owner Carly teaches him how to do the final checks before guests arrive!
Lodgings at Pioneer Lane is centrally located in downtown Ephraim tucked just behind Ephraim Village Hall. This second generation, family-owned business has seven individually decorated rooms that are adorned with a king bed, a spacious shower, a refrigerator and microwave, and a personal outdoor seating area. Select rooms also include fireplaces and water views! If you’re looking for easy access to all that Ephraim has to offer, a stay at the Lodgings at Pioneer Lane could be perfect for you!
Check back next week to see where Walter stops next.
And you can catch Walter and the rest of the cast of “Something in the Water” at Northern Sky Theater in Peninsula State Park through August 27!
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Happy National Intern Day! 🥳
Our interns are the backbone of our summer season. From acting, to run crew, to marketing, and everything in between, they make sure our shows go up smoothing every day!
Nathaniel, Maxine, Nahjee, Emily, and Micah, thank you for your hard work and dedication to Northern Sky. 💫🌲
Want to catch them onstage? Join us in Peninsula State Park before August 29th and see all their amazing work come to life.✨
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Before flocking to Peninsula State Park tonight for "The Thing with Feathers" at 7:30pm, we're giving you a leg up on your birding vocab to get you started! 🦉
Test your lingo tonight with Open Door Bird Sanctuary as they join us before the show around the fire ring at 6:30pm with their bird ambassadors. It's certainly something to tweet about! 🦜
📸Photos by Len Villano Photography
“The Thing with Feathers”
Cast: Rachael Zientek, Nathaniel Contreras, Najee Robinson, Alex Campea, Kelly Doherty, Doug Mancheski, Karen Estrada, Ryan Cappleman, Jamie Mercado, Dan Klarer, Chase Stoeger, Maxine Danni, Silvia Stoeger, & Emily Odegard
Book & Lyrics by Robin Share
Music & Lyrics by Clay Zambo
Directed by Zachary Thomas Woods
Choreography by Molly Rhode
Music Direction by Alissa Rhode
Pit Musicians include Alissa Rhode, Chase Stoeger, & various cast members
Scenic Design by Lisa Schlenker
Puppet Design by Lisa Schlenker
Costume Design by Karen Brown-Larimore
Lighting Design by Jason Fassl
Sound Design by Jack Purves
Stage Management by Shawn Galligan
Assistant Stage Management by Anna Brooks & Peyton White
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Curious about Bandit the Raccoon and the prophecy of the Golden Sapphire in "When Butter Churns to Gold"? 🦝
Hear it from the book writer himself, Peter Welkin! The answer might surprise you...✨ See it tonight at 7:30pm in Peninsula State Park!
“When Butter Churns to Gold”
Cast: Dan Klarer, Doug Mancheski, Alex Campea, Molly Rhode, Kelly Doherty, Chase Stoeger
Book by Peter Welkin
Music by Ron Barnett
Lyrics by Randi Wolfe
Co-Directed by Bill Theisen & Molly Rhode
Co-Music Direction by Ryan Cappleman & Alissa Rhode
Pit Musicians include Ryan Cappleman, Dennis Keith Johnson, Bruce Newbern
Scenic Design by Lisa Schlenker
Costume Design by Karen Brown-Larimore
Lighting Design by Jason Fassl
Sound Design by Nic Trapani
Stage Management by Shawn Galligan
Assistant Stage Management by Anna Brooks & Peyton White
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🌟"Northern Sky Theater has become a part of our Door County tradition! And this year was so fun hanging out with the birds, birders, and their spot on messaging embedded in a great story. If you're thinking about it, just do it!" – Martha S
Martha said it best. Thanks for joining us under the stars and making Northern Sky part of your traditions!
It's a two-show night in Peninsula State Park! "The Thing with Feathers" at 5:00 pm, then "Something in the Water" at 7:30 pm. See you under the stars✨
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Behold: rare and majestic Northern Sky company members, mid-courtship display 🐦
Witness this behavior in its natural habitat at the Peninsula State Park Amphitheater for "the Thing with Feathers" tonight at 7:30pm and see if any of these moves made it into the show...
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*GASP*
Can you believe we're already halfway through the summer season? Don't worry! There's still plenty of time to catch all three of our incredible shows under the stars at Peninsula State Park 🌲✨
🧈 When Butter Churns to Gold - Tuesdays and Fridays at 7:30pm
💦Something in the Water - Mondays and Thursdays at 7:30pm
🪶The Thing with Feathers - Mondays at 5:00pm, Wednesdays and Saturdays at 7:30pm
Grab your tickets before the season flies by! 🎟️
📸Photos by Len Villano Photography
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There’s “Something in the Water”…in Ephraim!
This week, join Walter at the Ephraim Village Cottages where he learns how to make a bed from owner Ruann.
Ephraim Village Cottages is located just steps from the Ephraim public beach, with charming, fully-equipped cottages, perfect for your next family vacation. Spread across three acres of lush grass and shady trees, the property offers a tranquil retreat just steps from the beach and downtown Ephraim. And they’re dog friendly!
Check back next week to see where Walter stops next.
And you can catch Walter and the rest of the cast of “Something in the Water” at Northern Sky Theater in Peninsula State Park through August 27!
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We're flying high after this feature from the Peninsula Pulse Newspaper on the inside look at our puppets for The Thing with Feathers! 🪶 Big thanks to Eleanor Corbin for such an intricate look at the craft and creativity our production manager and resident designer Lisa Schlenker pours into each and every puppet.
Read up on the article below, then come see these winged wonders take flight on stage! 🌲
📸 Photos by Larry Mohr
"The Thing with Feathers" - Door County Pulse
doorcountypulse.com
Cast of puppets hits Northern Sky stage Puppets are, in a word, joyful, said Northern Sky Theater production designer Lisa Schlenker. So is any project that allows her to work […]6 CommentsComment on Facebook
We wanted to take a moment to thank the Women's Fund of Door County for their incredible support of NOVA!
For those who are unfamiliar, NOVA (Nurturing Original Voices and Artists) is Northern Sky's next-generation new works development and incubation initiative. Thanks to the generous grant from the Women's Fund, our workshops, writing circles, and more are set to soar to new heights for seasons to come! 🌟
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We're back home at Peninsula State Park tonight! Join us for The Thing with Feathers at 5pm and Something in the Water at 7:30pm. Two gorgeous shows that will lift and lighten you. Music. 🎶 Laughter. 😂 JOY. 🩵
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What a wild ride of a weekend! We moved two shows inside to safer air quality, and man, it was a fun time! Joy-making is what we do best, wherever we happen to be. And a full-to-bursting Gould Theater is a joyful thing indeed. ❤
We even got to welcome special guest Jim Bull to The Thing with Feathers. Jim is a board member of the Kirtland's Warbler Alliance, protecting the rare bird at the center of our story. Thanks for visiting, Jim!
We'll see what tomorrow brings. Hopefully we'll be back at the Park! But we've learned we can adapt if the conditions demand it. Inside or out, we've got great stories to share and impeccable artists at the helm. Big gratitude to all the fans who joined us indoors. We love ya!
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Wowee, wow, wow! Thank you, Northern Sky fans! 👏👏👏 We did an experiment and moved our shows indoors the past two nights to have safe air quality, and boy did you show up for us! What a joy to have our indoor Gould Theater full to bursting. ❤️ Thanks for trusting us to try something new. 🥰
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Come INSIDE for a show tonight! The Thing with Feathers takes flight safely indoors at the Gould Theater at 8pm. General admission. Free-will offering. First come, first served. Doors open at 7:30. See you soon!
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Stay out of the smoke! Come INSIDE with us! New show plans for tonight: we're MOVING TO THE GOULD!
Our Gould Theater is located at 9058 County Rd. A, Fish Creek! (Featuring the best filtered air in Door County.) 😉 Plus comfy seats!
Same cast. New venue. And ALL the puppets! ❤
See the show indoors that you would have seen at Pen Park. The Thing with Feathers tonight will be general admission seating and will be a first-come, first-served, free-will offering at the door. 8:00pm curtain. Door open at 7:30pm.
Didn’t have a ticket for tonight? That’s OK! You can join us as well. Seats will be limited to the first 250 people who arrive.
Stay safe, everyone. We'll see you inside!
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Due to the continued poor air quality, we have altered our plans for tonight’s performance of The Thing With Feathers. Our experiment last night moving our performance to our indoor Gould Theater was wonderful for all involved - especially the audience. It was so much fun, we’re going to do it again!
FOR TONIGHT ONLY (7/18), We will offer an INDOOR alternative at our Gould Theater located at 9058 County Rd. A, Fish Creek!
At 8:00pm, we will take the stage at the Gould to perform a concert-style version of the show you would have seen at the outdoor amphitheater complete with the cast of puppets featured so beautifully in the show. The performance will be general admission seating and will be a first-come, first-served, free-will offering at the door.
If you had tickets for tonight's performance, we strongly encourage you to join us at the Gould. After last night, we can promise that you won’t be disappointed. Please watch your email outlining your options for this evening.
Don’t have a ticket for tonight? That’s OK! You can join us as well. Keep in mind that seats are limited to the first 250 people who arrive.
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