American Players Theatre embraces roots while expanding

By Mike Fischer, The Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

May 19, 2017

On July 18, 1980, actor Jonathan Smoots, 26, stepped onto a primitive stage in Spring Green, kicking off Shakespeare’s “A Midsummer Night’s Dream” as Theseus. It was the first performance of the first-ever production at American Players Theatre, now justly renowned as one of the best classical theater companies in North America.

On June 10, the 63-year-old Smoots will mount APT’s new stage – part of an $8 million off-season renovation project – and once again embody Theseus, introducing APT’s first 2017 audience to a production of “Midsummer” being directed by frequent APT collaborator John Langs. 

“I wanted Jonathan to play Theseus,” APT artistic director Brenda DeVita said, during a wide-ranging discussion in her Spring Green office on the second day of rehearsal for the 2017 season.  “Jonathan spoke the first-ever line delivered from an APT stage.  Introducing the new one, I wanted where we’ve been to be part of where we’re going.” 

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