Send in....A Little Night Music

Yearning for more Sondheim?

We at Middleton Players Theatre are thrilled to continue the Spring of Sondheim as local theaters showcase the works of Stephen Sondheim each month.

Maybe you’re a longtime lover of Sondheim’s works. Maybe you’d; like to form a new infatuation with the famous composer and lyricist. Maybe you’re yearning for more after seeing the brilliant production of Company from Four Seasons Theatre.

Whatever the situation, send in…

University Opera Presents: A Little Night Music

In collaboration with the Wisconsin Union Theater, University Opera is presenting A Little Night Music March 14-16 in Shannon Hall.

Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece, A Little Night Music is set in early 20th century Sweden on the longest night of the year. Sondheim’s ravishing score, featuring his best-known song, “Send in the Clowns,” is entirely written in 3/4 time. The story explores the tangled web of affairs centered around actress, Desirée Armfeldt , and the men who love her. he men – as well as their jealous wives – meet at a country estate. In the perpetual twilight of the Nordic summer, lovers waltz in and out of each other’s lives and arms during a weekend romp filled with possibility, second chances, and endless surprises.

The production features several talents familiar to patrons of Middleton Players Theatre. The central role of Desirée Armfeldt will be performed by Madison Barrett (Sondheim on Sondheim). Danielle Bullock (The Kid in Lumberjacks in Love) will share the role of the Egerman’s maid, Petra. Elena Paul (Heavenly Friend in Carousel) shares the role of Anne Egerman. Jessica Kasinski (Sondheim on Sondheim) will play Desirée’s mother, Madame Armfeldt. The stage management is by MPT’s Production Stage Manager Alissa Berman, with assistant stage manager Meghan Stecker (Iola Stover in Parade). The props designer is Zak Wolff (Dirty Bob in Lumberjacks in Love). The sound design is by frequent MPT Sound Designer Taylor Marshall.

MPT’s very own artistic director, Thomas Kasdorf, joins the musical team for this production in his role as UW-Madison Mead Witter School of Music Vocal Coach. Thomas says, “We at MPT have been simply blessed to work with so many University Opera alumni, either during their education or after graduation. In addition to the above names, we have enjoyed working with Alexxis McDade (Ensemble in Big Fish), Noah Strube (Moonlight in Lumberjacks in Love), Isabel Celata (Shelby in Steel Magnolias), Kirsten Larson (Johanna in Sweeney Todd), Gavin Waid (Tobias in Sweeney Todd), Daniel O’Dea (Enoch Snow in Carousel), and Erik Larson (Billy Bigelow in Carousel). It has been so wonderful to work on a production of this caliber with so many friendly faces to MPT.”

Performances are on Friday March 14 and Saturday March 15 at 7:30 pm, as well as Sunday March 16 at 2:00 pm. Tickets available through Campus Arts Ticketing, by calling (608) 265-ARTS, or in person at the Wisconsin Union Theater Box Office (M-F, 11:30 am-5:30 pm and Sat 12:00 pm-5:00 pm). $47 Premium Seating, $42 Regular Admission, $35 Seniors, $15 Students.

More Sondheim to Fill Your Spring

Music Theatre of Madison 

MARRY ME A LITTLE 

April 24-26, 2025

The Bur Oak

Two single strangers, left alone in their studio apartments on a Saturday night, pass their time with sweetly secret, unshared fantasies, never knowing that they're just a floor away from each other and the end of their lonely dreams.  Learn more.

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While we’re celebrating Sondheim this spring, it’s never too early to start thinking ahead to summer. We at Middleton Players Theatre are preparing for an entire Summer of Sondheim, with season and individual tickets on sale now!

Stay tuned for some additional programming and opportunities this summer that we’ll be announcing soon! 

In the meantime, we know you’re someone who values the arts, so if you’re able, please consider making a donation to MPT by clicking the button below.  Thank you!

In Good COMPANY

There’s never been a better time to celebrate Stephen Sondheim around Madison. While we at Middleton Players Theatre are preparing for an entire Summer of Sondheim, there’s no reason you have to wait. MPT has teamed up with three other local arts organizations to showcase a Spring of Sondheim Shows!

Four Seasons Theatre Presents: COMPANY

Four Seasons Theatre is “dropping by” first to present COMPANY February 20-March 2, 2025 in the Playhouse at Overture.

Stephen Sondheim and George Furth’s groundbreaking musical comedy is at once boldly sophisticated, deeply insightful, and downright hilarious. It’s Bobby’s 35th birthday party, and all his friends keep asking, “Why aren’t you married? Isn’t it time to settle down and start a family?”  An examination of the choices we make about life, love, and friendship, Company takes us through the gamut of emotions “sorry-grateful, regretful-happy.”

The cast features many Middleton Players Theatre veterans, including Chaz Ingraham as Bobby (Chad in All Shook Up), Kate Jajewski as Amy (Truvy in Steel Magnolias), Dan Jajewski as Paul (Slim in Lumberjacks in Love), Zak Wolff as David (Dirty Bob in Lumberjacks in Love), Isabel Celata as Jenny (Shelby in Steel Magnolias), Sam Taylor as Harry (Edward Bloom in Big Fish), Kevin Blakeslee as Peter (Baker in Into the Woods 2012), Sarah Blakeslee as Susan (Baker’s Wife in Into the Woods 2012), Natalie Miller as April (Percy in Spitfire Grill), Katie Norton as Kathy (Natalie in All Shook Up), and Sheridan Hearn as Marta (Cosette in Les Miserables). The musical direction is by MPT Artistic Director Thomas Kasdorf, the lighting design by frequent MPT Lighting Designer Matthew Albrecht, the sound design by frequent MPT Sound Designer Kyle Spradling, and the stage management is by MPT’s Production Stage Manager Alissa Berman.

Performances on Thursdays & Fridays are at 7:30 pm, and Saturdays & Sundays at 2:00 pm. Tickets ($30, $38) are available at Overture Center Box Office in person, online, or by phone at (608) 258-4141.  Student tickets ($25) are available for in person purchase at the Box Office.

COMPANY Preshow Lectures by Thomas Kasdorf

Arrive early to hear from MPT’s very own Artistic Director, Thomas Kasdorf. Preshow Lectures will be a deep dive into COMPANY and related works by Sondheim. Lectures will be Thursdays & Fridays at 6:30 pm, and Sundays at 1 pm.

With a specialty in Stephen Sondheim’s work, he has been called upon to direct, coach, arrange, and perform reduced or solo orchestrations of Sondheim scores, including A Little Night Music, Sunday in the Park with George, Putting It Together, Sweeney Todd, Side by Side by Sondheim, Into the Woods, and Company.

More Sondheim to fill your Spring…

Want to enjoy more Sondheim? Then keep these dates on your calendar as well!

University Opera presents:

A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC

Fri. 3/14, Sat. 3/15, Sun. 3/16

Wisconsin Union Theater

Tickets: (608) 265-ARTS or online.

“In the perpetual twilight of the Nordic summer, lovers waltz in and out of each other’s lives and arms during a weekend romp filled with possibility, second chances, and endless surprises.”

Music Theatre of Madison presents:

MARRY ME A LITTLE 

April 24-26, 2025

The Bur Oak

Click for tickets and more information.

“Two single strangers, left alone in their studio apartments on a Saturday night, pass their time with sweetly secret, unshared fantasies, never knowing that they're just a floor away from each other and the end of their lonely dreams.”

With so many great Sondheim options, please don't forget to check out MPT’s great season of shows, which will be here sooner than you think. In the meantime, we know you’re someone who values the arts, so if you’re able, please consider making a donation to MPT by clicking the button below. Thanks!

Too Colorful For Words: Isabel Celata

Isabel Celata returns for her fourth MPT production, after appearing in Musical of Musicals, Avenue Q, and Sondheim on Sondheim. This fall she plays the pretty and rebellious Shelby in Steel Magnolias!

Describe your character in three words. What has been fun/exciting/challenging about playing her?

Loving, lively, and quick-witted. Shelby has been raised and formed by the strong women in her life. The best part about the show has been working with the other incredible women in the cast, developing deep, meaningful relationships between our characters. In my experience, there is little more powerful than bonds between women, and I am so excited to showcase the strength of those relationships in this show. 

Truvys is a place where these characters can match wits and build community with each other. Did/do you have a place like Truvy's in your life? What makes it special?

Not a physical place, but I do have multiple group chats with important women from different stages of my life that feel very much like a virtual Truvy's. We celebrate each other, cry together, and make each other laugh like there's no tomorrow. 

Shelby's colors are Blush and Bashful, M'lynns are peach and cream. What are yours? 

Cornflower blue and sage green.

Which Steel Magnolias meal sounds most appealing: Ouiser's Shrimp pies, Truvys Strawberry pie, Clairee's Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa (cuppa flour, cuppa suger, cuppa fruit cocktail), or the cake shaped like an armadillo?

Definitely Ouiser's Shrimp pies. I'm actually from New Orleans, Louisiana, so Cajun cooking tastes like home to me.

Steel Magnolias is a staple of American theatre. What does this story mean to you?

Steel Magnolias has a very special place in my heart. This production is actually my second as Shelby, the first being at my high school in Louisiana. In a lot of ways, this production feels like coming home, to a character who I adore and strive to be more like, to a powerful story of womanhood and friendship, and to my home state, Louisiana, which deeply impacted the person I am today.

What do you think audiences will like about Steel Magnolias?

It has a little bit of everything - hilarity, joy, nostalgia, tragedy, and love. It's a pretty perfect microcosm of life, in that way. 

Don’t miss Isabel onstage in Steel Magnolias September 13-21! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Too Colorful For Words: Stephanie Monday

We are thrilled to have Stephanie Monday join us this fall for her very first MPT production! She plays the over-protective M’Lynn in Steel Magnolias.

Describe your character in three words. What has been fun/exciting/challenging about playing her?

M'Lynn is warm, pragmatic, and clear...she takes life as it comes, and always tries to do her best by everyone.  It is difficult to be in this role because she has to confront one of life's greatest challenges:  loss.

Truvys is a place where these characters can match wits and build community with each other. Did/do you have a place like Truvy's in your life? What makes it special?

My home is my Truvy's.  I can be authentically myself there with my dear ones, where it is a warm, nurturing and comfortable atmosphere.

Shelby's colors are Blush and Bashful, M'lynns are peach and cream. What are yours? 

I'm with Shelby, PINK is where it's at! :)

Which Steel Magnolias meal sounds most appealing: Ouiser's Shrimp pies, Truvys Strawberry pie, Clairee's Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa (cuppa flour, cuppa suger, cuppa fruit cocktail), or the cake shaped like an armadillo?

Ouiser's Shrimp Pies...I am crazy about seafood, except for scallops, to which I am extremely allergic.

Steel Magnolias is a staple of American theatre. What does this story mean to you?

Steel Magnolias addresses the blessings of deep loyalty, friendship, and resiliency...it is life at its highest points, love and birth, and also at its lowest, death.  The profound thoughts and feelings expressed by the characters in this play, are inspiring to me.  To live my life to its fullest, knowing there will always be moments of great joy, as well as great sorrow, one informs the other.

What do you think audiences will like about Steel Magnolias?

Audiences will love the humor these characters show each other in the simplest of settings, addressing the ridiculously simple instances of life as well as the most complex...all done so with love and respect.

Don’t miss Stephanie onstage in Steel Magnolias September 13-21! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Too Colorful For Words: Kate Jajewski

Kate Jajewski is back on the MPT stage in her 22nd show with us! This fall she plays wise hair-stylist Truvy in Steel Magnolias.

Describe your character in three words. What has been fun/exciting/challenging about playing her?

Truvy is empathetic, fun, and a caretaker. She’s an excellent challenge because while she is often bringing some comedic relief she is acutely aware of how everyone around her is feeling and often tries to care for them or lighten the mood when needed.

Truvys is a place where these characters can match wits and build community with each other. Did/do you have a place like Truvy's in your life? What makes it special?

This very theater! Some of my closest friends and chosen family were made in this space and we’ve been through a lot together. While I’m coming in for rehearsal or a show it also feels like going to my safe place with the people who know me best. 

Shelby's colors are Blush and Bashful, M'lynns are peach and cream. What are yours? 

I haven’t had my colors done, so I wouldn’t know! 

Which Steel Magnolias meal sounds most appealing: Ouiser's Shrimp pies, Truvys Strawberry pie, Clairee's Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa (cuppa flour, cuppa suger, cuppa fruit cocktail), or the cake shaped like an armadillo?

Definitely Strawberry Pie! 

Steel Magnolias is a staple of American theatre. What does this story mean to you?

I love this story and how it shows the experiences of womanhood. While this takes place a few decades ago, I think many women including myself feel its message rings just as true. When the chips are down, we find ourselves there to care for, lift up, and protect those around us, often in ways that go unnoticed because it’s just assumed we’ll make it happen. 

What do you think audiences will like about Steel Magnolias?

The strong bond that is palpable between these women! We haven’t been in rehearsals long, but the community we’ve built feels very real to me. I feel extremely lucky to have the chance to work with all of these amazing actresses. It’s a joy to watch them work! 

Don’t miss Kate onstage in Steel Magnolias September 13-21! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Too Colorful For Words: Natalie Miller

Natalie Miller, who we most recently saw as Jenny Hill in Big Fish, returns for her fourth MPT show. This fall she plays the shy newcomer Annelle in Steel Magnolias!

Describe your character in three words. What has been fun/exciting/challenging about playing her?

Malleable, passionate, and caring. I have loved exploring how Annelle changes from the beginning of the show to the end! She has such a strong character arc.

Truvys is a place where these characters can match wits and build community with each other. Did/do you have a place like Truvy's in your life? What makes it special?

Honestly, the theatre! I love how vulnerable it can be to perform, and that creates a special bond with the people you’re with.

Which Steel Magnolias meal sounds most appealing: Ouiser's Shrimp pies, Truvys Strawberry pie, Clairee's Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa (cuppa flour, cuppa suger, cuppa fruit cocktail), or the cake shaped like an armadillo?

The armadillo cake. I love red velvet!

Steel Magnolias is a staple of American theatre. What does this story mean to you?

I love how this show highlights the strength that women possess especially in tough times. 

What do you think audiences will like about Steel Magnolias?

I think audiences will like how unique each of the characters are- it makes it fun to watch how they progress throughout the show!

Don’t miss Natalie onstage in Steel Magnolias September 13-21! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Too Colorful For Words: Patricia Hetland

Patricia Hetland first graced the MPT stage 30 years ago in City of Angels, and has been an important part of our creative team ever since. This fall she plays the nosey and well-to-do Clairee in Steel Magnolias!

Describe your character in three words. What has been fun/exciting/challenging about playing her?

I need seven words to describe Clairee: quick-witted, warm-heartedly generous, fiercely loyal. I am most excited to tell this story with my talented friends. 

Truvys is a place where these characters can match wits and build community with each other. Did/do you have a place like Truvy's in your life? What makes it special?

I find the atmosphere of a rehearsal room to be supportive, collaborative, and satisfying. But I think my house/yard/pool have also built quite a community. ;)

Shelby's colors are Blush and Bashful, M'lynns are peach and cream. What are yours? 

Royal purple and midnight black

Which Steel Magnolias meal sounds most appealing: Ouiser's Shrimp pies, Truvys Strawberry pie, Clairee's Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa (cuppa flour, cuppa suger, cuppa fruit cocktail), or the cake shaped like an armadillo?

Truvy’s Strawberry Pie for breakfast, a finger-full of gray armadillo icing as an afternoon treat,  Ouiser’s Shrimp Pies for supper, and Shelby’s white chocolate cherry mini cheesecakes for dessert. 

Steel Magnolias is a staple of American theatre. What does this story mean to you?

My family has a very personal connection to the phrase, “Normality is very important to Shelby.” 

What do you think audiences will like about Steel Magnolias?

Its heart, heart, heart! And Isabel is cute as a button. 

Don’t miss Patricia onstage in Steel Magnolias September 13-21! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Too Colorful For Words: Julia Fure

Julia Fure joins us this fall for her very first MPT production! She is understudying the roles of both Shelby and Annelle in Steel Magnolias.

Describe your character in three words. What has been fun/exciting/challenging about playing her?

Sassy, Loving, Fierce. I love Shelby because she doesn't let anyone make decisions for her and always has a sense of humor.

Truvys is a place where these characters can match wits and build community with each other. Did/do you have a place like Truvy's in your life? What makes it special?

Anytime I'm doing a show feels like being at Truvy's. Shoutout to the cast of SPCT's Rent cast, one of my favorites.

Shelby's colors are Blush and Bashful, M'lynns are peach and cream. What are yours? 

Green, black, and purple.

Which Steel Magnolias meal sounds most appealing: Ouiser's Shrimp pies, Truvys Strawberry pie, Clairee's Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa (cuppa flour, cuppa suger, cuppa fruit cocktail), or the cake shaped like an armadillo?

Shrimp pies, for sure!

Steel Magnolias is a staple of American theatre. What does this story mean to you?

This show is important because it shows the power of a found family and sisterhood.

What do you think audiences will like about Steel Magnolias?

Audiences will love how funny it is; it really catches you off guard sometimes with its humor!

Don’t miss Julia in Steel Magnolias September 13-21! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Too Colorful For Words: Amy Welk

Amy Welk returns for her third MPT show, after appearing in Company and Chicago. This fall she plays the loveably miserable Ouiser in Steel Magnolias!

Describe your character in three words. What has been fun/exciting/challenging about playing her?

Severe, sarcastic, vulnerable.  The challenge of this role is to find the humanity in Ouiser.  She uses sarcasm and snarky comments to protect herself from being hurt.  Exposing her true emotions is the challenge.  

Truvys is a place where these characters can match wits and build community with each other. Did/do you have a place like Truvy's in your life? What makes it special?

I have always thought that the theatre was the place I could go to find community.  Each cast and crew deliver a new blend of wit, fun, and joy.  

Shelby's colors are Blush and Bashful, M'lynns are peach and cream. What are yours? 

Gray and Grey.

Which Steel Magnolias meal sounds most appealing: Ouiser's Shrimp pies, Truvys Strawberry pie, Clairee's Cuppa Cuppa Cuppa (cuppa flour, cuppa suger, cuppa fruit cocktail), or the cake shaped like an armadillo?

Unlike Ouiser, I love tomatoes!

Steel Magnolias is a staple of American theatre. What does this story mean to you?

Everyone should have a place where they are accepted, questioned, challenged, and ultimately loved.  Finding those individuals who love you in spite of your faults is what life should be for everyone.  

What do you think audiences will like about Steel Magnolias?

The true friendships in this story are inspiring.  

Don’t miss Amy onstage in Steel Magnolias September 13-21! Tickets are on sale now at www.middletonplayers.com/tickets.

Happy Lumberjack: Marielle Shiring

Marielle Shiring returns for her second MPT show after appearing with us in Big Fish. This time she plays Rosemary Rodgers, the feisty mail-order bride who upends the boys’ lives at Haywire Lumber Camp!

Describe your character in three words:

Intelligent. Creative. Ambitious.

Long johns or overalls?

Overalls, for sure.

What is your favorite Northern Wisconsin activity?

I love sitting by the fire and drinking and making s’mores under the stars!

What is your favorite part of the show?

I love getting to share the stage with everyone, but especially with Zak. He’s a really fun scene partner to work with!

What do you think audiences will like about Lumberjacks in Love?

I think the audience will enjoy how humorous the show is, but it’s also very genuine and light-hearted. It’s just a great show to lift your spirits up.

Lumberjacks in Love will perform at the Middleton Black Box Theater August 9-11 and August 16-18. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount! https://www.middletonplayers.com/tickets

Happy Lumberjack: Dan Jajewski

We’ve lost count of how many times Dan Jajewski has graced the MPT stage since his debut in 2013, but we’re thrilled he’s back with us as Minnesota Slim in Lumberjacks in Love!

Describe your character in three words:

Cocky. Cockyyy. And COCKYYY.

Long johns or overalls?

Long johns for sure.

What is your favorite Northern Wisconsin activity?

Sledding.

What is your favorite part of the show?

Zak.

What do you think audiences will like about Lumberjacks in Love?

The goofiness.

Lumberjacks in Love will perform at the Middleton Black Box Theater August 9-11 and August 16-18. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount! https://www.middletonplayers.com/tickets

Happy Lumberjack: Michael Myers

Michael Myers, who returns for his fourth MPT production, has the immense responsibility of understudying all four male lumberjacks in Lumberjacks in Love!

Describe your character(s) in three words:

Burly. They all have a lot of heart. And they all have a relatable story and character arc that people will appreciate when they see all the story lines interact.

Long johns or overalls?

Long johns are so comfy!

What is your favorite Northern Wisconsin activity?

I went camping last weekend and I just love a good campfire. We were having s’mores and telling stories and stuff like that.

What is your favorite part of the show?

There are a few parts where there are five or six characters all kind of exploding into chaos. Those are special moments, when there’s a lot going on and you don’t know where to look.

What do you think audiences will like about Lumberjacks in Love?

It’s just goofy! There’s a lot of heart; it’s just some guys that are really close to each other, navigating some issues that maybe resonate with what you see today. A lot of it is very earnest and I think the humor plays into that really well.

Lumberjacks in Love will perform at the Middleton Black Box Theater August 9-11 and August 16-18. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount! https://www.middletonplayers.com/tickets

Happy Lumberjack: Nathan Connor

We’ve previously seen Nathan Connor as the Beast, a cat, the Phantom, and much more. This summer he’s back on the MPT stage as Muskrat in Lumberjacks in Love!

Describe your character in three words:

Misunderstood. Sad. Caring.

Long johns or overalls?

Overalls.

What is your favorite Northern Wisconsin activity?

Sitting around a fire with a drink.

What is your favorite part of the show?

The overall sweetness.

What do you think audiences will like about Lumberjacks in Love?

It’s fun, light, heartwarming, and kind. And the music is prettier than people expect.

Lumberjacks in Love will perform at the Middleton Black Box Theater August 9-11 and August 16-18. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount! https://www.middletonplayers.com/tickets

Happy Lumberjack: Danielle Bullock

Danielle Bullock returns for her second MPT show after playing the pregnant Josephine in Big Fish. This time she plays The Kid, a girl who successfully masquerades as a boy in Lumberjacks in Love!

Describe your character in three words:

Energetic. Genuine. Naive.

Long johns or overalls?

Overalls for sure.

What is your favorite Northern Wisconsin activity?

I love a good paddleboard.

What is your favorite part of the show?

In Act I when I get to jump on a bunk bed!

What do you think audiences will like about Lumberjacks in Love?

I think the audience will like the relationships in the show. And you can tell that everyone on stage is having such a good time and are friends on and off stage.

Lumberjacks in Love will perform at the Middleton Black Box Theater August 9-11 and August 16-18. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount! https://www.middletonplayers.com/tickets

Happy Lumberjack: Noah Strube

We last saw Noah Strube as the bully Don Price in our season opener Big Fish. He’s back for his fourth MPT production in a much nicer role: Moonlight in Lumberjacks in Love!

Describe your character in three words:

Romantic. Sincere. A little dumb.

Long johns or overalls?

Long johns.

What is your favorite Northern Wisconsin activity?

Does daydrinking count? That or kayaking.

What is your favorite part of the show?

Zak.

What do you think audiences will like about Lumberjacks in Love?

The fun chemistry that all of us have.

Lumberjacks in Love will perform at the Middleton Black Box Theater August 9-11 and August 16-18. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount! https://www.middletonplayers.com/tickets

Happy Lumberjack: Zak Wolff

Fresh off of playing Will in our season opener Big Fish, Zak Wolff now tackles a MUCH less serious role: Dirty Bob in Lumberjacks in Love!

Describe your character in three words:

Dirty. Wild, Chaotic.

Long johns or overalls?

Long johns all the way.

What is your favorite Northern Wisconsin activity?

I like stargazing. I love going out and trying to look for constellations even though I don’t know any of them.

What is your favorite part of the show?

This whole process I haven’t been super fixated on trying to do the right thing. I've been very experimental. I’m just enjoying being with friends and doing what I want to do in the moment!

What do you think audiences will like about Lumberjacks in Love?

There’s a lot of Wisconsin humor that will be hilarious to those that have grown up around here. I also think they’ll like the craziness of the show and to see something not so serious, a breath of fresh air!

Lumberjacks in Love will perform at the Middleton Black Box Theater August 9-11 and August 16-18. Tickets can be purchased online or at the box office. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount! https://www.middletonplayers.com/tickets

Magic in the Wo/Man: Kate and Dan Jajewski

MPT veterans and married couple Kate and Dan Jajewski take on the roles of Sandra Bloom and Amos Calloway in Big Fish. We are honored that this power couple keeps returning to perform with us summer after summer!

How many shows have you performed in with Middleton Players Theatre? 

Kate: This is my 20th show with MPT! My first MPT show was RENT, which was 10 years ago this summer!

Dan: This is my 22nd MPT show! My first production was Les Miserables in 2013!

What role do you play and what is your favorite part about the character?

Kate: I play Sandra Bloom. My favorite thing about Sandra is that she realizes that while all of Edward’s stories may not be factually accurate, they are an important part of who he is as a person. She loves the entirety of him, not just the parts that are convenient and clear cut. 

Dan: I play Amos Calloway the circus owner. I’d say my favorite part about Amos is how funny and goofy I get to be while playing him.

What is your favorite song from Big Fish?

Kate: Daffodils

Dan: Daffodils

Big Fish revolves around a man who tells big stories about his life that seem unbelievable. What's something true from your life that sounds unbelievable?

Kate: I once danced back up for Weird Al Yankovic and I met my husband while performing for MPT!

Dan: I can tuck my hands behind my back and touch my elbows together in front of my body.

What do you like about performing with your spouse? 

Dan: I love getting to share the stage with such an amazingly talented and beautiful woman. She pushes me and encourages me to be better than I ever thought I could be.

Kate: Everything! I love to have the support system, as well as the shared passion for theater to be a part of our love story. Dan and I met in 2014 rehearsing for RENT, started dating in 2016 during Jesus Christ Superstar, and got married in 2020! There’s something so comforting and wonderful about sharing this experience together in the place we met with the people we love. 

What does it mean for you to be able to perform for your friends, family and community? 

Kate: I love the community that is found in live theater, where the energy from the audience is truly part of the performance! It’s such an important part of the experience and it makes my heart so happy to be able to tell these stories and immediately feel the response from those around me.

Big Fish the musical will perform at the Middleton Performing Arts Center June 14-16 and June 21-23. Tickets to this show and discounted season tickets to all 3 of our summer shows can be purchased online or at the box office. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount on tickets. https://www.middletonplayers.com/tickets

Magic in the Man: Keith Christianson

Keith Christianson joins us as the giant man with a giant heart in his very first production with Middleton Players Theatre!

What role do you play and what is your favorite part about that character?

I play Karl the Giant. I love a comedic bit part with some heart in it.

What is your favorite song from Big Fish?

Fight the Dragons

Big Fish revolves around a man who tells big stories about his life that seem unbelievable. What's something true from your life that sounds unbelievable?

There was a war game played all over the world. I got good enough at it that they had to change the rules. On top of that a major TV show even made a cheeky reference to me for the same reason.

What does it mean for you to be able to perform for your friends, family and community? 

It's a wonderful form of therapy.

Big Fish the musical will perform at the Middleton Performing Arts Center June 14-16 and June 21-23. Tickets to this show and discounted season tickets to all 3 of our summer shows can be purchased online or at the box office. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount on tickets. https://www.middletonplayers.com/tickets

Magic in the Woman: Maddy Sylvester

We last saw Maddy on stage with MPT with a sultry puppet on her arm. This summer, as The Witch in Big Fish, she’s looking into her crystal ball to see your future… and she sees you in the audience!

What was your first show with Middleton Players Theater? 

My first show with MPT was Avenue Q last year where I played Lucy.

What role do you play and what is your favorite part about that character?

I play The Witch. I love that she comes across as this powerful all knowing person, but deep down she is a misunderstood softie that truly cares about other people. She’s just one of the girls.

Big Fish revolves around a man who tells big stories about his life that seem unbelievable. What's something true from your life that sounds unbelievable?

When I was in high school I worked as a party host for a local fun center in Northwest Indiana. One day, we had security come up to the front counter and ask if we had a secret back entrance for special guests. Come to find out the special guest was Jennifer Hudson and she was there to celebrate her family member’s birthday party that I was booked for. So I served them all pizza and cupcakes and sang happy birthday to the little one. It was a cool experience that I can always use in two truths and a lie!

What is your favorite song from Big Fish?

My favorite song from Big Fish varies depending on my mood. There are so many good ones to choose! Want to cry your eyes out? What’s Next going into How it Ends or I Don’t Need a Roof. Want to feel powerful? I Know What You Want/The Witch.

What does it mean for you to be able to perform for your friends, family and community? 

It truly means a lot to me that I’ve been given the opportunity to perform in Big Fish. Everyone in the cast is so incredibly talented and the story is one of my favorites! It’s so inspiring to be surrounded by cast mates, crew, and audience members so passionate about the arts. Thanks for all the support!

Big Fish the musical will perform at the Middleton Performing Arts Center June 14-16 and June 21-23. Tickets to this show and discounted season tickets to all 3 of our summer shows can be purchased online or at the box office. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount on tickets. https://www.middletonplayers.com/tickets

Magic in the Men: David and Patrick Sisson

David Sisson joins us for his first MPT production and his first time being on stage since 2005! To make his return back to stage even more special, he gets to perform with his son Patrick.

How many shows have you done with Middleton Players Theatre? 

Patrick: This will be my fourth. The first was All Shook Up in 2017 where I met my fiance!

Big Fish revolves around a man who tells big stories about his life that seem unbelievable. What's something true from your life that sounds unbelievable?

David: I am a Shaman.

Patrick: I once held hands with Tina Fey!

What is your favorite song from Big Fish?

David: Fight the Dragons

Patrick: I Don’t Need a Roof

Have you ever shared the stage with your son/dad?

Patrick: Yes! My dad and I did our first show together back in 2003 when we performed in A Christmas Carol with the Children's Theater of Madison.

David: Yes, we were both in the Children's Theater of Madison's A Christmas Carol for 3 years in a row, and that was 2 decades ago! It was Patrick’s first show and he was playing Tiny Tim and they asked me to read some parts that hadn’t been cast yet at the first table read and let me know after that I would be playing those parts since I was going to be there with Patrick anyway! It was a great experience. 

What do you like about performing with your son/dad?

Patrick: It has been such a joy to watch my dad push himself outside of his comfort zone in this production. His positive attitude and commitment to lifelong learning is so inspiring!

David: This story in particular hits close to my heart. I retired from my 46 year prosthetics career during the pandemic…..done fighting my dragons and my son is fully engaged in developing his own story and career, fighting his dragons.  I am entering my last third of life and to watch him and the whole cast spend hours every night for months preparing for this show with all their passion and talent  is really good for the soul.  I will remember this experience forever.

What does it mean for you to be able to perform for your friends, family and community? 

Patrick: This will be my first time on stage since the pre-COVID times! I am so excited to share this beautiful story with so many friends and loved ones within the Madison theater community.

David: Scary good!  I haven’t done a show in 20 years and was worried about learning the Lines, songs , cues and dancing at 67 years old and being on stage with my son. What a gift! Thank you Middleton Players Theatre. Helping with my neuroplasticity.

Big Fish the musical will perform at the Middleton Performing Arts Center June 14-16 and June 21-23. Tickets to this show and discounted season tickets to all 3 of our summer shows can be purchased online or at the box office. Groups of 10 or more receive a 10% discount on tickets. https://www.middletonplayers.com/tickets