Thursday, February 26, 2009

Peninsula Players Announce 2009 Season


Just in from our friends at Peninsula Players Theatre! The new season is coming!

______

For Immediate Release
Contact: Audra Baakari Boyle
920.868.3287


Fish Creek, Wisconsin – Peninsula Players Theatre, America’s oldest professional resident summer theater and Door County’s theatrical icon is pleased to announce its 74th season running June 16 through October 18.

A major role of Peninsula Players’ Artistic Director Greg Vinkler is play selection. Vinkler not only looks for shows to stir excitement in patrons, but also in the resident company of actors and designers. “Enthusiasm builds in the company to meet the challenges of each show,” Vinkler said, “and the creative results are expressed in the final product on stage.”

Selecting a variety of works to highlight the Players 74th year of professional theater in northeast Wisconsin was especially exciting for Vinkler this year. In addition to his work for Peninsula Players Vinkler is also in previews for Broadway’s “West Side Story.”


“I am always on the look-out for theatrical works to bring to Door County audiences,” Vinkler said. “I read and re-read scripts. I go see shows. I take time to search not only for thrilling new theatrical pieces to bring to the stage, but also classic pieces that engage audiences. I believe the choices I have made will offer audiences a thrilling, challenging and above all exciting experience at the theater.”

The Peninsula Players will open its 74th season June 16 with David Rambo’s “The Lady with all the Answers.” This comedy is drawn from the life and letters of Ann Landers, the “Mistress of Manners,” with the cooperation of her daughter Margo Howard. From an accomplished playwright who has producer credits for “CSI: Crime Scene Investigation,” Rambo delivers a hilarious look into the life of Ann Landers. If one needed blunt advice, they wrote to Ann. But to whom can Ann turn when life hands her lemons? “The Lady with all the Answers” will run through July 5.


Peninsula Players 2009 Season Add One …

Next up will be a double-feature musical “A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine” (July 8 – July 26) with book and libretto by Dick Vosburgh, music by Frank Lazarus and additional lyrics and music by Jerry Herman. This Tony Award-winning musical comedy is first a musical tribute from the ushers at Grauman’s Chinese Theatre, who imagine themselves upon the silver screen; then in Act Two audiences are off to a Russian mansion and a fast-paced comedy à la the Marx Brothers, including tap dancing and rubber chickens!

From July 29 through August 16 the Peninsula Players presents the Midwest première of “Is He Dead?” by Mark Twain, adapted by David Ives. Written in 1898, the play was not published until it was rediscovered by Twain scholar, Shelly Fisher Fishkin, while doing research work at Berkley. First performed on Broadway in 2007, it garnered a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor. Millet, a young painter, fakes his death in order to pay off his girlfriend Marie’s debts. Millet then puts on a dress and passes himself off as his own sister while figuring a way to come back to life, don trousers again and marry Marie!

“Wait Until Dark” a thriller by Franklin Knott moves onto the stage from August 19 through Sept. 6. Sinister con men, who are willing to kill for what they want, meet their match in a courageous blind woman. They claim to seek material evidence against her husband, who is implicated in a murder. Susy struggles to outwit them in a cunning game of cat and mouse. “Wait Until Dark” is a meticulously crafted thrill-ride which was adapted to film in 1968 staring Audrey Hepburn.

Closing the season and bringing fast-paced adventure to the stage is “Around the World in 80 Days” (Sept. 9 – Oct. 18), adapted by Mark Brown based on the novel by Jules Verne. Take a whirlwind spin around the globe with fearless adventurer Phileas Fogg in a comic, family-friendly escapade as Fogg races to save the fortune he wagered.

Peninsula Players has been entertaining and exciting audiences since 1935, when the theater opened behind the Bonnie Brook Motel in Fish Creek on July 25 with Noel Coward’s “Hay Fever.” The company was founded by a brother and sister team, Caroline and Richard Fisher, who dreamed of an artistic utopia in the northwoods where actors, designers and technicians could focus on their craft while being surrounded by nature in a contemplative setting.


Peninsula Players 2009 Season Add two …


Peninsula Players moved to the theater’s present location along the shore of Green Bay in 1937. Prior to performances, patrons relax on the grounds while watching the setting sun over the waters of Green Bay from the cedar-lined shore and enjoying the ambience of the beer garden and various other gardens featuring flora and native greens.

The Fishers’ dream lives on as professional actors, directors and designers work side-by-side with college interns while living on the Players 16-acre campus as they bring audiences a variety of works including dramas, mysteries, comedies and musicals. In the fall of 2005, the troupe closed its season early to being construction on its new stagehouse and audience pavilion

“We hope you join the Peninsula Players in its 74th year,” Vinkler said. “From warm-hearted glimpses of a down-to-earth writer’s life to light comic romps, from romance to song and dance, from the thrill of mystery to a whirl-wind adventure around the world - we have so much for everyone to enjoy!”

The Peninsula Players perform Tuesdays through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7:30 p.m. in the summer. With the opening of the fall show Sept. 9 curtain times are Tuesday through Saturdays at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 7 p.m. The closing performance of each show will have a 4 p.m. matinee, July 5, July 26, August 16, Sept. 6 and Oct. 19. Season, group and individual tickets are available. Individual ticket prices range from $30, $33 to $35; there are no performances on Mondays. For more information or to reserve tickets phone the Peninsula Players’ box office at 920-868-3287 or visit the website at www.peninsulaplayers.com.

**End**

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

February is Cherry Month - Here's A Recipe!

February is cherry month, so we are posting this cherry growers information press release, which includes a cherry buttermilk scones recipe! All content released below (except photo)is responsibility of the Wisconsin Cherry Growers! Eat well!


___________________________

PRESS RELEASE

Contact Info:
Wisconsin Cherry Growers
Norb Grenchik
(920) 421-1032

FEBRUARY IS CHERRY MONTH

February is National Cherry Month and although summer is fresh cherry season, canned cherries, frozen cherries and cherry juice, preserved at the peak of goodness, are all available year-round for use in favorite cold weather recipes. Tart cherries, such as the Montmorency found in orchards across Door County, can be used in a variety of mouth-watering recipes right now during the deep freeze of winter.

Dried cherries, a relatively new cherry product, are tasty as a snack, wonderful in salads, and increasingly popular in recipes for everything from appetizers to entrees and desserts. Dried cherries, cherry juice, cherry jam, cherry jelly, and a variety of fresh and frozen cherry pies, cakes and pastries can be found at the market any time of year.

Along with being delicious, fresh, frozen, canned or dried tart cherries offer amazing health benefits. Cherries are a great source of vitamins and minerals for the winter season. According to ongoing research, cherries contain high levels of powerful antioxidants that can reduce the risk of heart attacks and help fight cancer. Cherries also contain anti-inflammatory compounds that may also help relieve the pain of headaches and arthritis.

Antioxidants are the big buzzword in nutrition these days, but experts suggest you should look to buy yours in the grocery store instead of the health food store. A new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association found that antioxidant supplements do not significantly reduce mortality. In fact, betacarotene, vitamin A and vitamin E supplements may actually increase the risk of death. The authors conclude that it's best to get antioxidants and nutrients from food sources. Tart cherries contain among the highest level of antioxidants compared to other fruits and are a natural source of vitamin A (beta carotene) and fiber.

Ellie Krieger, M.S., R.D. is a registered dietitian specializing in nutrition and health communications and author of Small Changes, Big Results (Clarkson Potter, February 2005). She also is the host of the Food Network's Healthy Appetite with Ellie Krieger and is a regular contributor to nutrition columns in major women's and parenting magazines.

"As a dietitian, I'm a big proponent of foods that can help you live healthier and feel better, which is why I love cherries. Cherries are not only rich in several vitamins, but they are an antioxidant powerhouse. Because they are available year-round in a variety of forms, including dried, frozen or juice, tart cherries are a delicious, convenient way to add more disease-fighting compounds to your diet everyday throughout the year. Including cherries in your diet may be especially important for older adults as studies show that tart cherries may offer protection from age-related diseases, such as arthritis and gout.”

“Best of all, incorporating cherries into your diet is easy. Substitute anything you currently make with berries, from topping your cereal or salad with dried cherries, baking or making yogurt parfaits with frozen cherries. Or, substitute your regular juice by mixing cherry juice into a smoothie once a day."

Here are a few more ways you can include this new "Super Fruit" in your daily routine.

Grab and Go – Get your antioxidants on-the-go with an easy "do-it-yourself" trail mix using dried cherries, almonds and whole-grain cereal. Or add dried cherries to ready-made granola.
Brighten up Breakfast – Swap your typical berries for dried cherries and add them to your cereal, oatmeal, yogurt or pancakes. Just a cup of dried tart cherries gives you one whole serving of fruit!
Make Salads Sensational – Add dried cherries to tossed salads, fruit salads and chicken salads for added taste and nutrition.
Switch from Blue to Red – Make a change from your standard blueberry muffin recipe and use dried or frozen cherries instead. Visit www.choosecherries.com for delicious cherry muffin recipes.
Straight from the Bag – Keep a stash of dried cherries on hand for an antioxidant-rich snack break. Buy single-serve packages or portion out those bought in bulk to keep in your purse, desk or gym bag.
C is for Cookie... and Cherries – Enjoy a new twist on the standard oatmeal raisin cookie by using dried cherries instead of raisins.
Greater Grains – Add dried cherries to couscous, rice pilaf, grits, risotto and pasta.
Be Smooth – Blend frozen cherries with cherry juice concentrate and lowfat yogurt. Add a straw and you have a sensational smoothie for breakfast or a snack.
A Perfect Parfait – Keep a bag of frozen cherries in the freezer and grab a handful when hunger strikes. Thaw them for a few minutes and then layer with lowfat vanilla yogurt and granola.
Fruit Fizz – Make a refreshing cherry spritzer by adding cherry juice concentrate to ice cold seltzer water – a refreshing treat or party beverage.
Mix it Up – Look for cherry juice blends, like cherry apple juice. Or, make your own blend and combine ready-to-drink 100% cherry juice with another juice favorite.
Juice on the Run – Grab a single-serve bottle of 100% cherry juice or fill a water bottle with diluted cherry juice concentrate as you head out to the gym. Some research suggests cherry juice may help reduce exercise-related joint pain!

Unlike their fresh cousins that show up only during the summer, tart cherries are available every month of the year. Dried and frozen tart cherries, as well as cherry juice (or juice concentrate) can be found year-round at several regional cherry producers. Cherry growers who offer these products year-round are listed below. Many cherry products can even be ordered from the comfort of your own home via these businesses websites.

Bea’s Ho-Made Products
763 Hwy 42, Ellison Bay
Ph: 920-854-2268
www.beashomadeproducts.com

Cherryland’s Best
W2751 Fullview Drive, Appleton
Ph: 920-687-1440
www.cherrylandsbest.com

Country Ovens, Ltd.
29 East Main, Forestville
Ph: 920-856-6767
www.countryovens.com

Hyline Orchards Farm Market
8429 Hwy 42, Fish Creek
Ph: 920-868-3067
www.hylineorchardfarmmarket.com

Orchard Country Winery & Market
9197 Hwy 42 (1/2 mi. S.) Fish Creek
Ph: 920-868-3479
www.orchardcountry.com

Wienke’s Market
292 Hwy “S” North Algoma
Ph: 920-487-5722
www.wienkes.com

For more information on Door County Cherries, including a map of growers, Cherry Ambassador Information and favorite local cherry recipes visit the Wisconsin Cherry Growers website at www.wisconsincherries.org.

_________________




Side Bar Recipe:

Cherry Buttermilk Scones
Scones are best freshly baked and straight from the oven.

Ingredients:

2 1/4 cups all-purpose flour 

1/2 cup oatmeal 
1/3 cup sugar + 1 tablespoon sugar, divided 

2 teaspoons baking powder 

1/2 teaspoon baking soda 

1/2 teaspoon ground cinnamon 

1/4 teaspoon salt 

1/4 cup cold unsalted butter, cut into small pieces 

3/4 cup dried tart cherries, finely chopped 

1/2 cup low-fat buttermilk 

3 large eggs, divided (2 for scone batter; 1 for egg wash) 

Additional flour for cutting scones, etc.

Directions: 
Combine dry ingredients in a mixing bowl. Cut in butter with a pastry blender until the mixture resembles coarse meal. Stir in the dried cherries. In another bowl, whisk together the buttermilk and two of the eggs. Add liquid mixture to dry mixture, stirring just until moist (dough will be soft and sticky). Allow dough to rest for 10 minutes. Preheat oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Prepare egg wash. Flour surface for forming scones. Turn out dough and knead two to three times. Dough will be very soft. Divide dough in half. Roll each piece of dough into a 5-inch circle about 3/4 inch thick. Using a sharp knife, cut each round into 8 pie-shaped wedges. Using a metal spatula, carefully transfer wedges onto a cookie sheet, arranging so that wedges are not touching. They should be at least 1 1/2 inches apart. In a small bowl, whisk remaining egg with 1 tablespoon of water to make an egg wash. Brush a very light coat of egg wash onto the top of each scone; sprinkle tops of scones with remaining tablespoon of sugar, and bake for about 13 minutes, or until the tops are lightly browned and the insides are fully baked. The scones will be firm to the touch. Serve warm. 

Makes 16 scones

Nutrition Info:
Calories 142, Total Fat g 4, Sat Fat g 2, Chol mg 34, Sodium mg 191, Total Carb g 24, Fiber g 2 ,Sugars g 8, Protein g 3

2nd Eli Mattson Concert Added at Door Community Auditorium

This just in!
______

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Press contact: Patricia Podgers
(920) 868.2728
patricia@dcauditorium.org

The Door Community Auditorium announces the addition of second Eli Mattson concert!


The Door Community Auditorium is announcing the addition of a second Eli Mattson on May 1st at 8 pm. Door County’s own piano man, Eli Mattson is a singer/songwriter/pianist who won the runner-up title of the third America’s Got Talent competition and captured the hearts of fans with his vocal style. Drawing inspiration from Elton John, Billy Joel, and Bruce Hornsby, Eli is Door County’s own piano man. Passionate and dynamic, Eli embraces every song with emotion, his hands playing the piano keys with a confidence that belies his youth.


Tickets for Eli Mattson are $26, $22, and $18. All tickets are available at the Door Community Auditorium box office, by phone (920.868.2728), or via the www.dcauditorium.org. Box office hours are Monday through Friday, 10 – 3 pm; weekend show days, 11 – 3 pm; and one hour prior to a performance. The Door Community Auditorium is located in Fish Creek, just north of the town center on Highway 42.

Monday, February 23, 2009

The Cookery - On Its Way Back - Better Than Ever!




As you know, about a year ago, one of our favorite places to dine, The Cookery in Fish Creek, had a fire which closed the restaurant for last season.

Well, it is on its way back, bigger and better than ever! We just spoke with the owners who said that construction of the new restaurant is going well, and on target for a late May opening!



EXCITING NEWS!
The New Cookery, will be a two story building, with the main dining room on the first floor, and a wine bar on the second floor A great place to hang out while waiting for dinner, or before or after a show, or just at night for some wine and appetizers or deserts. AND, both the main floor and the second floor wine bar will have some outdoor seating available! Awesome!

They will serve lunch and dinner daily in season, and breakfasts on the weekends only.

We are looking forward to The Cookery's return, and wanted you to know about it ASAP. If you want to check out their BLOG, you can by clicking here for The Cookery BLOG!

Monday, February 16, 2009


Baileys Harbor Fish Market & Grille Announces the New England Lobster Boil is Avaialble at Both Locations!


See the announcement they just sent to us below!
________


By Popular Demand!

Announcing our Traditional New England Lobster Boil Now on Wednesdays in Green Bay & Baileys Harbor for only $39.95!


Greetings!

We are thrilled with the Green Bay community response to our Saturday night lobster boils --- so much so that we are adding another night by popular demand! Beginning Wednesday, February 18, 2009, you can enjoy our Traditional New England Lobster Boil on Wednesday nights also at a special Wednesday night price of $39.95! The lobster boil includes a cup of our creamy Lobster Bisque, a 1.5#-2# live Maine lobster, baby red potatoes, corn on the cob, New Zealand mussels, steamer clams and a great portion of our Homemade Door County Cherry Bread Pudding! Reservations are recommended! This special Wednesday price is available at BOTH our Door County and our Green Bay locations!



Best Wishes!
Carl & Karen Berndt and Staff
Harbor Fish Market & Grille, Green Bay & Baileys Harbor

Sunday, February 8, 2009

Sleigh Bells & Romance!


We just received this great announcement from the DoorCountyLighthouse Inn in Egg Harbor! Sounds wonderful!

_____

Door County Lighthouse Inn, located in downtown Egg Harbor, would like
to announce that their Sleigh Bells and Romance Packages are selling
out fast. This package consists of a visit to 2 wineries, horse drawn
sleigh ride, lunch at the White Gull Inn with trolley ride, dinner
coupon at the English Inn and 2 nights stay with full breakfast each
morning. The package cost is $348-$448 and is good through March 29,
2009. For more information call 866-868-9088 or visit online at www.dclighthouseinn.com

Tuesday, February 3, 2009

Gold Fish Races at Hands-On Art Studio to Benefit the Door County Humane Society! February 7th!


Goldfish Races

This Saturday, February 7th - Noon to 4 pm

Racing proceeds to benefit the Door County Humane Society.

- Free Trolley rides to and from Fish Creek!
- WIN valuable projects at Hands On!
- Adopt a racing goldfish
- Paint a glass goldfish bowl for your athlete.
- Help Spread the Word and be there!

Download a Printer-Friendly Poster

This will take place at the Hands-On Art Studio in Fish Creek:
Where: 1 3/4 mi. East of Hwy 42 on Peninsula Players Rd.
920-868-9311 or 888-868-9311 or visit their website at www.handsonartstudio.com

February Giveaway Begins! 2 Nights At Bridgeport Resort!


The January Giveaway has ended (and a winner has been notified and will be posted shortly). But February is upon us, and so is the Two-Night Stay at the Bridgeport Resort in Sturgeon Bay!

So come to the website right now and enter - as a reminder, you can enter everyday! And if you are a Navigator News(tm) subscriber (our monthly newsletter), you have already received the announcement about the February Giveaway earlier today - hint hint - there are secret words there to get you more entries!

Not a subscriber yet?
Subscribe on our site!


Have fun in Door County!

Sunday, February 1, 2009

Winter Sunset Video Released!


Just a few moments ago, we released Chasing a Winter Sunset. We shot the video partially in Ephraim, then finished it off at Sunset Park in Fish Creek. We actually BLOGGed while we were shooting.

Hope you enjoy! Go to our Homepage and click on Chasing a Winter Sunset. You'll also sse our other new video there too, On the Road in Door County.

You'll also find the new videos listed under New Releases in our Sights & Sounds section.

New Video Released!


We just released On the Road In Door County, a quick little tour through the seasons that we think you will enjoy!

So go right to our Homepage and click the link or go to our Sights and Sounds page in New Releases!

Enjoy! Another new video will be released this week!