Fish Creek, Wis. (March 22, 2021) –Greg and Audra visit February and March of 1961 when the fate of the theater was decided at the courthouse in Sturgeon Bay where the Door County Sheriff held a public auction.
Although a citizen group rallied to pull the 1960 season together, Caroline’s health did not improve. The Fisher family had lost Mama and medical bills had piled up. Unable to come up with the funds to save the theater, the bank foreclosed in December of 1960 and the theater was slated to be sold at a sheriff’s auction on Saturday, February 11, 1961. Caroline still had a few friends up her sleeve who helped to save her dream. There was hope!
The auction was filled with drama, as bids were tersely placed for an hour. A stranger, who turned out to be the owner of The Millay House in New York City’s Greenwich Village came out on top. Affectionately known as the “Skinny House’ because it is only nine-feet and six-inches wide, it was saved from demolition by an investor who, in turn, saved Peninsula Players Theater.
Join Greg and Audra as they introduce you to the new owner and producers.
Coming Soon … 1961, part two
In the next episode of Peninsula Players Presents Greg and Audra will explore the 1961 season, including the theater’s first “fresh-off” Broadway musical!
They will also introduce you to some of the exciting new company members who honed their skills along the scenic Door County shoreline. Two members of the 1961 company included a future award-winning director and writer. One was a graduate of Sturgeon Bay High School and both were alumni of Northwestern University and its Waa-Mu Show. Another went on to win several Tony Awards.