The Many Talents of Wisconsin's James DeVita

Michael Muckian, The Wisconsin Gazette, March 12, 2017.

At one time, Wisconsin theatergoers had to wait until American Players Theatre opened each June to get a glimpse of actor James DeVita’s latest Shakespeare-under the-stars characterizations. For many, his performances became one of the main reasons to make the trek to the Spring Green open-air amphitheater.

But in the last decade or so, things have changed. DeVita, who once filled his offseasons with only the occasional stage role in Milwaukee or Madison, has branched out in other directions.

In fact, the Long Island, New York, native may be Wisconsin’s most successful theatrical “triple threat,” adding playwriting and direction to a résumé already chock-full of memorable classical and contemporary performances.

He’s also the author of YA books and crime thrillers.

Consider what DeVita has teed up for 2017:

• In January, DeVita and wife Brenda DeVita, APT’s artistic director, joined the Madison Symphony Orchestra in Overture Hall for its “Beyond the Score” performance of Rimsky-Korsakov’s Scheherezade, with DeVita in the role of the Russian composer.

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