Get thee to an outdoor theater production

Linda Falkenstein, Isthmus

It’s a truism that Wisconsinites like getting outside to do pretty much everything during the warm weather months. That holds true for watching live theater, too, because despite the possible impediments of unexpected downpours, swarms of mosquitoes, and the occasional threatening bat, there is something magical about watching the (metaphorical) curtain rise as the sun sets.

American Players Theatre

June 8-Sept. 29 (outdoor season only) • Spring Green

The gold standard for area outdoor theater, APT has an idyllic, removed setting in the Driftless Area, a more-or-less convenient 45-minute drive from the west side of Madison, and an extensive, well-equipped picnic table area for pre-show dining or even grilling. Yes, there are gas grills on site. Or the less ambitious can order a box lunch for pickup. This year’s outdoor slate is varied. There are two from Shakespeare, a comedy — Much Ado About Nothing — and the biggest of the tragedies — King Lear. Rounding out the season are a trio of well known plays: Jean Anouilh’s Ring Around the Moon, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, and Brian Friel’s Dancing at Lughnasa. Don’t dally if you plan to buy tickets; shows sell out rapidly.

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