American Players Launch 2015 Season This Weekend with THE MERRY WIVES OF WINDSOR Tonight

American Players Theatre (APT) will launch its 36th Season tonight, June 6, 2015 with a preview performance of William Shakespeare's The Merry Wives of Windsor. The performance begins at 8:00 p.m. Tickets are still available.

Also opening on the Hill in June, Tennessee Williams' American masterpiece A Streetcar Named Desire, featuring Tracy Michelle Arnold as Blanche DuBois; and Pride and Prejudice, featuring Kelsey Brennan and Marcus Truschinski as Elizabeth Bennet and Mr. Darcy, in the first Jane Austen play to be produced at APT. Opening in the first half in the indoor Touchstone Theatre, An Iliad, a fascinating retelling of Homer's The Iliad featuring Jim DeVita; and The Island by Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona, portraying the hopes and tribulations of two black South African political prisoners during apartheid (played by La Shawn Banks and APT newcomer Chike? Johnson).

Tickets to all nine of the season's plays (plus events, picnics, gift certificates and more) are on sale now. Online sales are available 24/7 at www.americanplayers.org. Customers can also order by phone at 608-588-2361, Monday through Friday from 10:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

APT's "Beyond the Plays" is a series of talks, tours and events to enrich patrons' APT experience. This season, the series includes: Talks on the APT grounds on Saturdays and Sundays; Tours of the grounds, shops and the theater at large; Skippeth-Out-Of-Work-Early on Thursdays and enjoy strolling musicians in the picnic areas; Post-Show Discussions, where artists stick around for a Q&A after the performance; and new this year, Sunday Salons, a free, non-ticketed talk in the park on Sunday mornings. Dates, time and prices vary. More information at www.americanplayers.org/events.

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American Players Theatre's 2015 Season:
June 6 - November 22

The Merry Wives of Windsor (Opens June 13)

By William Shakespeare
Directed by Tim Ocel
When infamous mooch and layabout Sir John Falstaff arrives in Windsor, he immediately decides his path to riches lies in finding a wealthy woman to woo. A funny exploration of marriage, miscommunication and forgiveness, featuring David Daniel, Sarah Day, Colleen Madden, Brian Mani, James Ridge and Deborah Staples.

A Streetcar Named Desire (Opens June 20)

By Tennessee Williams
Directed by William Brown
After losing her job and family home, fading Southern beauty Blanche DuBois heads to New Orleans to stay with her sister, Stella and her volatile husband, Stanley. A stunning story of complicated love and last chances. Featuring Tracy Michelle Arnold, La Shawn Banks, Tim Gittings, Cristina Panfilio. Eric Parks and Jonathan Smoots.

Pride and Prejudice (Opens June 27)

Adapted by Joseph Hanreddy and J.R. Sullivan
From the novel by Jane Austen
Directed by Tyne Rafaeli
The Bennet sisters look for love under the watchful eye of their mother, for whom love takes a backseat to social placement. An irresistible romantic comedy based on the novel by Jane Austen. Featuring Tracy Michelle Arnold, Kelsey Brennan, Nate Burger, David Daniel, Sarah Day, Colleen Madden, Brian Mani, James Ridge, Laura Rook and Marcus Truschinski.

Private Lives (Opens August 8)

By Noe?l Coward
Directed by James Bohnen
Determined to forget their first volatile marriage, Elyot and Amanda have moved on to more reasonable partners. But when the two run into each other, it turns out their spark remains. A cosmopolitan comedy of Noe?l Coward proportions perfectly suited to APT's company. Featuring Kelsey Brennan, Jim DeVita John Taylor Phillips and Deborah Staples.

Othello (Opens August 15)

By William Shakespeare
Directed by John Langs
Othello has successfully won Desdemona's heart. But not everyone is happy about their marriage, whether they admit it openly or not. Love and jealousy fight to the death, spurred by the actions of one of literature's most compelling villains. Featuring Nate Burger, David Daniel, Tim Gittings, Chike? Johnson, Colleen Madden, Brian Mani, James Ridge, Laura Rook and Marcus Truschinski.

In the Touchstone Theatre

An Iliad (Opens June 13)

By Lisa Peterson and Denis O'Hare
Adapted from Homer's The Iliad by Robert Fagles
Directed by John Langs
Homer's epic tale distilled to one war-torn poet, actor Jim DeVita takes us on a thrilling, wrenching tour of the Trojan War. A riveting exploration of the contradictory conditions of glory and violence, and the human race's endless fascination with war.

The Island (Opens June 23)

By Athol Fugard, John Kani and Winston Ntshona
Directed by Derrick Sanders
John and Winston are black political prisoners in South Africa, spending their days at hard labor and their evenings rehearsing Sophocles' Antigone. A profile on the depth of human resilience in the face of unspeakable injustice and racism, featuring La Shawn Banks and Chike? Johnson.

Edward Albee's Seascape (Opens August 15)

Directed by Laura Gordon
On the cusp of retirement, Nancy and Charlie take a trip to the seaside to contemplate the changing expectations that come with long-term love. The two of them ponder how to embark on this final life- stage, and gain new perspective from some unlikely visitors. Featuring La Shawn Banks, Sarah Day, Cristina Panfilio and Jonathan Smoots.

The Game of Love and Chance (Opens November 1)

By Marivaux
Translated by Stephen Wadsworth
Directed by David Frank
Making the most of her arranged marriage, Silvia switches places with her ladies' maid Lisette to observe her betrothed more carefully. What she doesn't know is that her husband-to-be had the exact same idea, trading identities with his valet. A hilarious period comedy featuring Kelsey Brennan, Jim DeVita, Melisa Pereyra and Marcus Truschinski.

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APT is a professional repertory theater devoted to the great and future classics. It was founded in 1979 and continues to be one of the most popular outdoor classical theaters in the nation. The Theatre is located in Spring Green, Wis., on 110 acres of hilly woods and meadows above the Wisconsin River. The APT amphitheater is built within a natural hollow atop an oak-wooded hill. Under the dome of sky, 1148 comfortably cushioned seats encircle three sides of the stage. In 2009, APT opened the indoor Touchstone Theatre, offering a different type of play and experience. For more information, visit www.americanplayers.org.

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