Many choices for summer outdoor theater nearby

This summer, local theater-goers can enjoy free outdoor performances of Shakespeare's great romantic comedy with the Milwaukee River as a backdrop.

Optimist Theatre will stage "Much Ado About Nothing" July 6-22 at the Peck Pavilion on the grounds of the Marcus Center, 929 N. Water St. Since 2010, Optimist has performed a free, outdoor Shakespeare production each summer in Milwaukee.

Here's a look at some outdoor theater productions this summer within easy driving distance of Milwaukee. (I've also included a few indoor productions that fit a summer vibe.)

Keep in mind we're talking about a Wisconsin summer, so plan sun and mosquito protection, and check with individual groups for their rainout procedures.

American Players Theatre: This leading classical theater company will take advantage of its bucolic setting in Spring Green to stage Shakespeare's "A Midsummer Night's Dream." Other outdoor main stage shows include Feydeau's farce "A Flea in Her Ear," James DeVita's adaptation of "Cyrano de Bergerac," Chekhov's "Three Sisters" and Shakespeare's "Pericles." The APT lineup in its smaller indoor theater includes Jean Genet’s "The Maids," Yasmina Reza’s "The Unexpected Man," Arthur Miller’s "A View from the Bridge" and August Strindberg’s "The Creditors." For ticket and other information, visit americanplayers.org or call (608) 588-2361.

Door Shakespeare: Former Milwaukee Rep Artistic Director Joseph Hanreddy directs a production of Shakespeare's "Twelfth Night," featuring Elyse Edelman as Viola. Door Shakes will also stage "The Heart of Robin Hood." Performances take place July 1 through Aug. 19 at 7590 Boynton Lane, Baileys Harbor. Tickets: doorshakespeare.com or (920) 839-1500.

Milwaukee Repertory Theater: The Rep will bring back "McGuire," Dick Enberg's play about the legendary Marquette University basketball coach, for an encore June 1-18 at the Stackner Cabaret, 108 E. Wells St. Broadway star and former Marquette student Anthony Crivello returns to portray the coach. For tickets, visit milwaukeerep.com or call (414) 224-9490.

Northern Sky Theater: Formerly known as American Folklore Theatre, Northern Sky stages original, family-friendly musicals, often with a Wisconsin or rural flavor, in the Peninsula State Park Amphitheater in Fish Creek. This year's shows include the premiere of "Oklahoma in Wisconsin" and the return of "Doctor! Doctor!," "Lumberjacks in Love" and "Victory Farm." Performances take place June 14 through Aug. 26. Tickets: northernskytheater.com or call (920) 854-6117.

Optimist Theatre: The announced cast for "Much Ado About Nothing" includes local veterans Jim Pickering, Jonathan Wainwright and Kelley Faulkner. Information: optimisttheatre.org.

Peninsula Players: Door County's Peninsula Players will stage five shows in sequence June 13 through Oct. 15, including "The Actuary" (a world premiere comedy-drama), "Peter and the Starcatcher," "The Bridges of Madison County," "Lord Arthur Saville's Crime" and "Almost, Maine." The Players perform in a covered theater, but when the weather cooperates, its movable sides can be adjusted to allow patrons to enjoy the elements as well as the actors. 4351 Peninsula Players Road, Fish Creek. Tickets: peninsulaplayers.com or call (920) 868-3287.

SummerStage: Using Delafield's Lapham Peak park, SummerStage will present "Little Women," Noel Coward's "Present Laughter" and "Romeo and Juliet" in sequence on Thursdays through Saturdays June 8 through Sept. 9. Info: summerstageofdelafield.org.

Summit Players: Now in its third summer season, this group led by recent Marquette University graduates will stage free performances and related workshops of Shakespeare's "The Comedy of Errors" in state parks. Summit's confirmed season begins June 17 at the Richard Bong State Recreation Area in Kansasville and runs through July 14 at Three Bridges Park. Pending funding, Summit will add more performances and workshops later in July. Info: summitplayerstheatre.com.

Third Avenue Playhouse: Door County also hosts TAP, performing in an intimate theater in Sturgeon Bay. This summer’s productions are “Velvet Gentleman” (an original piece by James Valcq profiling composer Erik Satie) May 18-June 4, “Red” (2010 Tony for best play) June 29-July 22 and Leonard Bernstein’s “Candide” July 27-Sept. 2.  Tickets: thirdavenueplayhouse.com or call (920) 743-1760.