Pink Banana Theatre Company
Sadly the demise of the Pink Banana Theatre Company occurred two months after their 2015, 11th annual Pink Banana Theatre Company festival of one-act plays. This was their website circa 2007- 2011. Content has been provided from the site's achieved pages. Enjoy the nostalgic stroll.
Pink Banana Theatre is dedicated to you: The aspiring theatre artist. Let us know what you are interested in doing and we will do our best to make that happen for you.
We began in 2004 with a dedication and drive to produce quality theatre using local talent. Our journey has taken us through several published shows such as "Grandma Duck is Dead" and one acts by Shel Silverstein, as well as putting on hundreds of one acts by local writers.
Our seasons include two shows per year, the occasional surprise pop-up shows when something sparks our attention, and a yearly fundraiser. We are always accepting scripts and new faces so please contact us if you are interested.
Pink Banana Theatre Co’s mission is to provide professional opportunities to emerging artists.
"Having the opportunity to have my one-act play, "The Ring," performed by the Pink Banana Theatre Company was a truly transformative experience. This ensemble, with their unwavering dedication to showcasing new talents, brought to life the intricate story of a family torn apart over a seemingly simple birthday gift – a sterling silver ring. This piece wasn't just about the ring but the layers of misunderstanding surrounding the family's debt, which was misconstrued as gambling losses instead of the stark reality of overwhelming educational expenses. The actors' ability to capture the emotional depth of these characters, amidst the turmoil of financial strain and lost hopes symbolized by the lost ring, was remarkable. Their performance added layers of nuance and depth to the narrative, making "The Ring" not only a reflection on the materialistic values but also on the miscommunication and sacrifices within a family structure. The acclaim it received from local critics was a testament to the ensemble's exceptional talent and their significant role in nurturing playwrights like myself. Pink Banana Theatre Company's legacy is one of passion, talent, and an unwavering commitment to the arts, which has left an indelible mark on my career and many others. Their spirit will continue to inspire and influence the Milwaukee arts scene for years to come." Lyle Longstreet
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Donate to the cause! Our 2008 Kickstarter campaign is under way!
Pink Banana’s Fall Rummage Sale!
Check out our rummage sale Saturday and Sunday Only!! Get some cool stuff and support a good cause at the same time! We have golf clubs and bag, rollerblades, kitchenware, housewares, wedding supplies, clothes and more. All money from the sale goes directly to producing our fall show, DEAD MAN'S CELL PHONE by Sara Ruhl.
Saturday Sept. 10 and Sunday the 11th only! 8:00 am – 4:00 pm 8000 West Van Beck Avenue, Milwaukee, Wisconsin
PB's Dead Man's Party Fall Fundraiser
Saturday, October 15 at 8:00 pm - 11:00 pm Great Lakes Distillery, 616 West Virginia Street, Milwaukee, WI
Cover: $10 in advanced/ $15 at the door
Meet the cast of PBTC fall production Dead Man's Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl, bid on our exciting silent auction, grab a delicious drink from the cash bar, listen to some live music and more!
$6 Cocktails and Live music from Hadley! 50/50 Raffle Silent Auction sponsors include: Grand Geneva, Skin Candy Tattoo, Full Harvest Farm, Milwaukee Wave, Milwaukee Art Museum, Milwaukee Magazine, Bloom Floral, SC Johnson, Jockey International, Rishi Tea, Milwaukee Shirt Guys, Bartolotta's, In Tandem Theatre, Next Act Theatre, James Boland, Sprecher Brewing, Milwaukee Food Tours, Atomic Tattoo and more to come.
Join us for a great time for a great cause!
Vote in the Shepherd Express Readers Poll!
PB has been nominated for Best Theatre Company in the Shepherd Express Best of Awards! Show your support and click here to cast your vote!
And Rob Maas, Pink Banana actor extraordinary (Pb One Acts, TAPE) is nominated for Best Actor!
"Of all the "best of" lists in the city, the Shepherd Express Best of Milwaukee Reader's Choice poll is the oldest and most revered. For over two decades, Milwaukeans have weighed in on their favorite eateries, parks, bike trails, salons, bars, and...well, you get the picture."
Dead Man's Cell Phone This November!
Don't miss Pink Banana’s Fall Production: Dead Man’s Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl November 3-12, 2011 at Next Act’s brand new theatre space, 255 S. Water St.!
Featuring Kelly Coffey, Nate Press, Joan End, Layna Davis, Luke Erickson, Liz Shipe, Ellen Dunphy and Jeff Kriesel
An incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man with a lot of loose ends.
“beguiling new comedy…Ms. Ruhl’s work blends the mundane and the metaphysical, the blunt and the obscure, the patently bizarre and the bizarrely moving.” -New York Times
PB's One Acts: Check out the Reviews!
"Pink Banana Theatre Co. fashioned an entertaining mix in their annual one-act play festival"
-Michael Barndt, Third Coast Digest
"Pink Banana Theatre’s annual shorts program is always a lot of fun ... hugely entertaining... more than enough to recommend this year’s Banana shorts."
-Russ Bickerstaff, Shepherd Express
Thanks to everyone who submitted scripts and auditioned for this year's one-act festival, as well as the Ferris Greeney Family Foundation and the Wisconsin Community Fund for providing support for the one-acts.
TAPE
Our groundbreaking, site-specific production of TAPE by Stephen Belber was a truly unique experience for the audience, directors and actors involved!
"Brilliant!" - Tom Strini, ThirdCoast Digest
"...very tight, emotionally authentic presentation ...a bizarrely hip theatrical experience. Pink Banana’s environmental production is a truly unique theatrical experience." - Russ Bickerstaff, Shepherd Express
Incredible News!
Summer 2010: Milwaukee, WI Pink Banana Theatre Co is now officially a non-profit organization! After more than two years of paperwork and planning, PB is recognized under section 501(c)3 of the IRS code. What does this mean? It means a donation to Pink Banana Theatre is tax-deductible and we can now pursue local and national grant money. It also means that you- yes YOU- helped us get here by seeing our shows and supporting local theatre in Milwaukee. This is a huge step for us; thanks to everyone that made this possible!
"Pink Banana once again showed itself to be a hot bed of young Milwaukee talent." - Jenna Raymond (April 7th, 2009Third Coast Digest)
Pink Banana Supporters
Please support the organizations and people that make Pink Banana possible.
Our Mission
Pink Banana Theatre is committed to creating an open studio for the pre-professional theatre entrepreneur. Our core values emphasize quality, integrity, respect, and creation.
Pink Banana Theatre Co.'s mission is to provide professional opportunities to emerging artists.
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This November! 2011
Pink Banana’s Fall Production: Dead Man’s Cell Phone by Sarah Ruhl November 3-12, 2011 at Next Act’s brand new theatre space, 255 S. Water St.!
Featuring Kelly Coffey, Nate Press, Joan End, Layna Davis, Luke Erickson, Liz Shipe, Ellen Dunphy, Jeff Kriesel
Buy Tickets!
What it’s all about: An incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man with a lot of loose ends. So begins Dead Man’s Cell Phone, a wildly imaginative new comedy by MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient and Pulitzer Prize finalist, Sarah Ruhl. “Satire is her oxygen. . . . In her new oddball comedy, Dead Man’s Cell Phone, Sarah Ruhl is forever vital in her lyrical and biting takes on how we behave.” - The Washington Post”Ruhl’s zany probe of the razor-thin line between life and death delivers a fresh and humorous look at the times we live in.” - Variety “[Ruhl] tackles big ideas with a voice that entertains” -NPR
“beguiling new comedy…Ms. Ruhl’s work blends the mundane and the metaphysical, the blunt and the obscure, the patently bizarre and the bizarrely moving.” -New York Times
“If you think that wearing inner tubes to the prom is weird, you haven't met our lead. Searching incessantly for restaurant dish soap, and persuing her over the top clean freakness is actually funny. We were laughing at toilet paper that doesn't dispense properly from the dispensers, paper dishes that stick together so you can't get just one, a witch who's a janitor and riding a mop, and you must see the trash can castle (the flag is a black plastic bag). On my home from this hilarious event, I was forced to buy some dish soap.” -Show Times
Buy Tickets!
An incessantly ringing cell phone in a quiet café. A stranger at the next table who has had enough. And a dead man with a lot of loose ends. So begins Dead Man’s Cell Phone, a wildly imaginative new comedy by MacArthur “Genius” Grant recipient and Pulitzer Prize finalist, Sarah Ruhl.
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Production History
We have attempted to include information about all of our past productions.
1. Pb One Acts: Higher Learning
June 10th - 18th, 2011
2. Tape
by Stephen Belber
November 2010
3. Sex, Drugs and the American Way
Annual One Acts
4. True West
by Sam Shepherd
5. Someone Who'll Watch Over Me
By Frank McGuinness
July 9-18, 2009
An Englishman, an Irishman and an American are locked up together in a cell in the Middle East. As victims of political action, powerless to initiate change, what can they do? How do the live and survive?
Featuring: Adam Gaulke, Rob Maass, Nick Firer
6. TALES FROM THE DUGOUT:
A ONE-ACTS FESTIVAL OF RELATIONSHIP MADNESS
March 27 - April 11, 2009 10pm
Big sister company Renaissance Theaterworks collaborated with Pink Banana Theatre for a set of one acts.
A Family Thing
Written and Directed by Jessica Betts
Featuring Gwen Zupan, Ashlea Woodley and Liz Whitford
Along for the Ride
Written by Mike Q. Hanlon, Directed by James Boland
Featuring Jazmin Vollmar, Gwen Zupan and Karl Lewandowski
Big Joke
Written by Anonymous
Directed by Rose Wasielewski, Featuring Karl Lewandowski
Gus & Lissette
Written by Anne Asher, Directed by Casey Harding
Featuring Jason Waszak and Melissa Keith
Muffin's, Man
Written by Patrik Beck, Directed by Michael Cotey
Featuring Rob Maass, Dan Koester and Travis Knight
Subject To Change
Written by Alison Niles, Directed by Joe Foti
Featuring Jes Hayes, Sammi Ditloff, Melissa Murphy and Chris Klopatek
Suburban Statues
Written by Laura Lynn MacDonald, Directed by Sarah Dolens-Moon
Featuring Jamie Ansley and Alice Wilson
Unrequited Hate
Written by Russ Bickerstaff, Directed by Fjosh Redbeard
Featuring Nick Firer and Adrian Feliciano
Squirrel's Nest
Written and Directed by Stephanie A.B. Wiedenhoeft
Featuring Libby Amato, Alice Wilson, Laurie Birmingham, Cathy Beck, Rachelle Raven Lilly Sophia
The Interpreters
Written by Rose Wasielewski, Directed by Patrik Beck
Featuring Karl Lewandowski, Sammi Ditloff
7. Pink Banana Mini-Showette
8. One Acts: The Titanic
April 13-21, 2007 8PM
Nothing to do with the ship that sank, this show features 4 hours of one-act plays by local playwrights. Pink Banana Theatre specializes in putting up unpublished works by local Milwaukee playwrights. Going strong since 2004, Pink Banana is committed to creating a purely local theatre culture here in Milwaukee.
9. Summer Mullet Show
Act I: Short in the Front
The Great Motivator by Peter Woods
Directed by Peter Woods
Performed by Darrel Cherney and Sanam Sadeghi
Happiness is a Long Shot by Mike Moynihan
Directed by Mike Q. Hanlon and Kat Danielson
Performed by Jonathan S. Curvin, Lindsey Fitzgerald, Carissa Svatek and Andy North
For a bit of variety, we also put on a handful of dance pieces choreographed by Nick Kane. Over 12 dancers were involved.
Act II: Long in the Back
What Toes and Holes Might Touch by Wesley Tank
Directed by John Manno
Performed by: David Oplinger, Craig Mueller, Juanita Cordova, and others.
10. One Acts: Bigger and Longer
ACT I
Guys House the Musicalby Ryan Spiering
Directed by Ryan Spiering
Performed by Ryan Spiering, Jacob Liptack, and Patrick “Guido” Vitrano.
“Everyday Low Prices”
Written by Michael Moynihan
Directed by Tracy Doyle
Performed by Katie Shorer, and Sarah T. Klinzing.
Ciao Ricky by Michael Neville
Directed by John Manno
Performed by Peter Woods and Donna McMaster.
Thanksgiving by Alisa Rosenthal
Performed by Alamo Basement: Mike Q Hanlon, James Freer, Jacob Janssen, Beth Erdey, Jodie Tempas, Andy North, Rob Maass, Rhonda Jackson, and Matt Koester.
Act II
Reflections
Written and Directed by Shiren Rattigan
Performed by Megan Whitney, Peter Woods, Clifford Smith, Brian Jones, and Ian Clark.
Eternally Yours by Lindsay Hayden and Jason Hart
Directed by Laura Holterman
Performed by The Paris Business Review: Laura Holterman, Katie Shorer, Lindsay Hayden, and Erik Martin.
Chickens are Stupid by Jason Hart
Directed by Jason Hart
Performed by The Paris Business Review: Jason Hart, Lindsay Hayden, Laura Holterman, Simon Eichinger and Erik Martin.
Modern Technology is all the Rage by Jason Hart
Directed by Jason Hart
Performed by The Paris Business Review: Lindsay Hayden, Laura Holterman, Jason Hart and Simon Eichinger.
The Rifle by Ben Turk
Directed by Ben Turk
Performed by Juanita Cordova and Jason Hames.
Aquarius by John Manno
Directed by John Manno
Performed by Matt Kemple, Ian Clark, Joe Alvarez-Manilla, Veronica Hernandez, Tracy Doyle, and several dancers and musicians.
11. Pink Banana Theatre’s Totally Gay Show
PRIDEFEST WEEKEND!!
June 9 and 10, 2007 12:30PM
Gay Arts Center Pavilion, Summerfest Grounds
12. One Act Extravaganza
Portrait of an Artist by Robert Pham
Directed by Andy North
Performed by Hissoni Johnson and Matt Kemple
Corneille`s Winter’s Tale of a Midsummer Night’s Dream About Cymbeline, The Magic Flute by John Manno
Directed by John Manno
Performed by Darrel Cherney and Lindsey Gagliano
The Diner by Ryan Spiering
Directed by Ryan Spiering
Performed by Brian Holman and Sarah Stashek
Rock `em, Sock `em by Mike Q. Hanlon
Performed by guest group Alamo Basement: Darrel Cherney, Andy North, Mike Q. Hanlon, and Tony Brandl
Dance off
Performed by Mike Q. Hanlon and Tony Brandl
Intervention by Darrel Cherney
Performed by Mike Q. Hanlon, Tony Brandl and Andy North
With Darrel Cherney, Matt Kemple, Hissoni Johnson, and Ryan Spiering
Nation Building by Jason hart
Directed by Sean Quirk
Performed by guest group The Paris Business Review: Jason Hart, Juanita Cordova, Victoria Hudziak, Sean Quirk, and Erik Martin
Professor Reluctant by Jason Hart and Lindsay Hayden
Directed by Sean Quirk
Performed by Jason Hart, Hisonni Johnson, Erick Martin, and Simon Eichinge
13. One Acts: The Next Big Thing
May 8th-24th, 2008 - Join us for an evening of one-act plays written and performed by local artists.
May 8,9,10,15,16,17,22,23,24
14. Spinning Into Butter by Rebecca Gilman
July 17-26th, 2008 at the 10th Street Theatre, 628 N. 10th St. Milwaukee, WI 53233.
The play takes place at the fictional Belmont College, a mostly white liberal arts school in Vermont. Simon Brick, one of the few African-American students, begins receiving hateful, racist notes. The all-white administration, including a dean named Sarah Daniels, scrambles to contain the problem and reassure parents that everything is under control. But Daniels, in a controversial scene, reveals her not-so-latent racism, calling blacks lazy, stupid, and scary.
