Southwest Side Represented in Acacia Theatre's “Quality Street"

Shannon Nettesheim, Greenfield actor, performs the role of Fanny in "Quality Street" by J.M. Barrie, the author of Peter Pan. Janet Peterson, Acacia’s artistic director, and Caitlin Straw, stage manager, are both residents of Hales Corners.A huge hit in London, the comedy was adapted for film twice and became so popular that a candy company was named after it. Acacia is thrilled to reintroduce “Quality Street” to Milwaukee, where it has not been produced for decades.Erin Nicole Eggers directs this production.

In her youth, “Phoebe of the ringlets” imagines marrying Valentine Brown, but he leaves to fight in the Napoleonic Wars. Ten years pass and the wars take their toll on the country and the characters. Upon his return, Valentine is shocked at the sight of Phoebe - older, tired and overworked - which she interprets as rejection. Through a comical serious of misunderstandings involving misdirection and meddling friends, Phoebe finds herself impersonating a younger and invented relative, Livvy, to have her revenge. Will her ruse end in heartache for them all, or will each discover who they truly are?

Nettesheim is proud of the cast and the production. She said, “People should come to see a performance of this show because everyone in the ‘Quality Street’ cast so incredibly talented. Not only is it a fun script, but the actors do amazing work. It will no doubt be a treat for audiences to enjoy.”

Peterson carefully selected the play. She said, “When I chose the show I knew it needed a director with a strong vision, so before making final selection I wanted to be sure I had that director, which I did, in Erin Nicole Eggers. She saw how the play can be relevant for today. Together with Acacia’s business manager, Ben Parman, we moved ahead. The cast is larger than we’ve had in a while, but each of them brings a unique voice to the play. I couldn’t be happier with the cast that has been assembled. My hope is that people will recognize themselves in a character, that they will learn to love others based on what is internal, and not external. And I hope they will have fun watching this play that is having a resurgence.”

The performances will be given in Concordia University Wisconsin’s Todd Wehr Auditorium, 12800 North Lake Shore Drive in Mequon, Wis.

Performances

Fri., July 13 at 7:30 PM; Sat., July 14 at 7:30 PM; Sun., July 15 at 3:00 PM; Thurs., July 19 7:30 PM; Fri., July 20 at 7:30 PM; Sat., July 21 at 4:00 PM; Sun., July 22 at 3:00.

Single Ticket Information

The single ticket prices are $16 for adults, and $13 for seniors, full-time students, and full-time clergy.More information is available by calling (414) 744-5995 or visiting www.acaciatheatre.com.

About Acacia Theatre Company

Founded in 1980, Acacia Theatre Company is an independent, non-profit, interdenominational group of dramatic artists who share a common desire to integrate art and faith by presenting theatre from a Judeo-Christian worldview. Through uplifting, quality entertainment, Acacia provides occasion for thanksgiving, growth and enjoyment, and the opportunity for Christians and non-Christians to consider their lives in relation to God. More information is available at www.acaciatheatre.com.

Quality Street by J.M. Barrie
Directed by Erin Nicole Eggers
Photo by Laura Heise
L-R: Ashley S. Jordan, Cara Johnston, Ben Parman, Josh Scheibe, Andrés R. Garuz.