Door Shakespeare offering comedy and tragedy up north

A vacation to Door County does not mean taking a break from some excellent theater. Door Shakespeare, which was created by the American Folklore Theatre in 1995, is taking the summer to produce William Shakespeare’s Love’s Labour’s Lost and Macbeth—both strong productions.

Love’s Labour’s Lost is directed by Kennedy Center award-winner Matt Foss, while Macbeth is directed by Chicago-based actor/director Jason Economus, a former Door Shakespeare performer. Both Foss and Economus are part of the newly created team of Artistic Associates at Door Shakes (also including Jennefer Ludwigsen), and will perform in both shows.

This marks Amy Ludwigsen’s first full season as executive director, and there’s a whole new feeling in the garden with her presence. The performance area has now been changed to a thrust, with a huge maple tree serving as the background for Macbeth’s witches and forest scenes. Ludwigsen also noted that the lighting equipment has been updated, much appreciated by lighting designer Jason Fassl.

The cast assembled for the summer performs in both shows, often with very different personas. Take Angela Iannone, a Milwaukee favorite, who plays an advisor to the princess of France in Love’s Labour’s Lost, and the pivotal, dramatic role of Lady Macbeth in Macbeth. She performs opposite her fellow Milwaukee Rep Associate Artist, New York-based Reese Madigan, in the latter play; Madigan will make his Door Shakespeare debut as Macbeth.

Amy Ludwigsen says her cast is an integral part of what is making both productions work, even though Shakespeare can be tough for some audience members to connect to right off the bat. “The actors are having so much fun on the stage that, whether or not people are getting adjusted to the language, it’s literally the feeling of the space. If we’re having fun, the audience is going to have fun.”

Both Love’s Labour’s Lost and Macbeth run through August 17 at Door Shakespeare’s outdoor garden at Björklunden, 7590 Boyton Lane, just south of Baileys Harbor off Hwy 57. Love’s Labour’s Lost plays Mondays, Wednesdays, and Fridays; Macbeth plays Tuesdays, Thursdays, and Saturdays. All performances begin at 8 p.m., and tickets are $27, $17 for students and $7 for children 11 or younger. Queen’s Box reserved seating (for up to eight people) is also available for $37. For tickets or more information, call (920) 839-1500, or visit www.doorshakespeare.com.