Theatrical Previews

WIDOWER’S HOUSES
The American Players Theatre presents George Bernard Shaw’s engrossing look at the ethics of money. Matt Schwader stars as a young doctor who is bequeathed a questionable inheritance. August 1 – October 4 in Spring Green. 608-588-2361 or playinthewoods.org

HANSEL AND GRETEL
Missoula Children's Theatre returns to the Schauer Center August 1 and 2 with an original musical adaptation of the Brother's Grimm tale about the wayward brother and sister. 262-670-0560, ext. 3 or schauercenter.org

COCK ‘N’ TOAST
Late night improv returns to Comedy Sportz August 2, 9, 16, 23 and 30. The late night show is bereft of referee, which means there are no rules. 18+. 414-272-8888 or comedysportzmilwaukee.com

THE GENTLEMAN’S HOUR
If you couldn’t get enough of the local improv group at the Sketch Fest, you can find them at the Alchemist Theatre August 3 and 17. 414-426-4169 or alchemisttheatre.com

STAGE COMBAT AND COMEDY SHOW
New York stage actors Blake Bradford and Matt Klan exhibit the fine (and entertaining) art of stage combat August 3 at Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point. 608-987-3292 or shakeragalley.com

JACKIE ROBINSON: A GAME APART
Mike Wiley stars as the legendary athlete in a one-man show August 6 at Shake Rag Alley in Mineral Point. 608-987-3292 or shakeragalley.com

MILWAUKEE SKETCH COMEDY AND IMPROV FESTIVAL
Now in its third year, the Sketch and Improv Fest finds an upscale home in the Third Ward. Participants include local ensembles Broadminded and The Gentleman’s Hour and a healthy smattering of groups from Chicago, Portland, Minneapolis and Louisville. August 7 – 9 at the Off-Broadway Theater 414-698-8991 or milwaukeesketchfest.com

THE LIFE AND TIMES OF VINCE LOMBARDI
John Pinero is the legendary Green Bay Packers coach in this stunning one-man play. August 7 at the Schauer Center. 262-670-0560, ext. 3 or schauercenter.org

ANNIE
The Wartman Endowment for the Performing Arts impressively presents a cast of well over 60 people – and we’re guessing lots of children – in the popular Broadway play. August 7 –17 at the Edgerton Performing Arts Center in Edgerton, Wisconsin. 608-884-9402 or edgerton.k12.wi.us/pac

FAME
The Peter Quince Performing Company in Manitowoc presents a large-scale production of the classic musical August 7 -10 at the Capitol Civic Centre. 920-683-2184 or cccshows.org

WELL
Milwaukee Chamber Theatre opens its ‘08-‘09 season with the Milwaukee premiere of Lisa Kron’s comedy about a young performance artist and her family. Directed by Laura Gordon, the play stars Marti Gobel, Angela Iannone, Bo Johnson, Travis A. Knight, Ruth Schudson and Tami Workentin. August 7 – 24 at the Broadway Theatre Center’s Cabot Theatre. 414-291-7800 or chamber-theatre.com

THE BELLE’S STRATEGEM
After 30 years in the business, the American Players Theatre presents its final opening of the season – its first-ever production of a work by a female playwright. Better late than never. August 8 – October 3. 608-588-2361 or playinthewoods.org

SHINY THINGS
The Broom Street Theatre in Madison presents a shiny new play written and directed by Heather Renkin about living with Attention Deficit Disorder. Featuring Vaudeville-inspired dreams – probably worth the trip west. August 8 – September 14. 608-244-8338 or broomstreet.org

THE COLOR PURPLE
The Oprah Winfrey-produced touring production of the Broadway musical comes to the Marcus Center August 12 – 17. 414-273-7206 or marcuscenter.org

THE MISANTHROPE
The Boulevard Theatre in Bay View begins its season with a production of Moliere’s classic. Cesar Gamino, David Flores and Beth Monhollen star. August 12 – 24. 414-744-5757 or boulevardtheatre.com

STUCK
Wisconsin theatre is undeniably influenced by the mighty and largely unsung UW-Whitewater Theatre Department. In Tandem Theatre showcases that influence with an offbeat comedy by UW-Whitewater grad Neil Haven. August 14 at the Tenth Street Theatre. 414-271-1371 or intandemtheatre.com

DEFENDING THE CAVEMAN
The longest-running solo play in Broadway history comes to the Marcus Center August 21 -23. 414-273-7206 or marcuscenter.org

HOW TO SUCCEED IN BUSINESS WITHOUT REALLY TRYING
The Fireside Dinner Theatre in Fort Atkinson presents the cheeky ‘60s musical August 21 – October 19. 800-477-9505 or firesidetheatre.com