February 15, 2025 | Green Bay, WI
The Tin Woman at Green Bay Community Theater
A Stage That Feels Like Home
There are places in this world where stories come to life, where laughter and tears mingle in the air like old friends embracing. Green Bay Community Theater is one of those places. Nestled within the Robert Lee Brault Playhouse, a renovated church over a century old, this venue is more than a space—it’s a sanctuary for the human spirit. Here, every seat is a front-row ticket to something extraordinary. The walls hum with the echoes of past performances, and the air is thick with the promise of something beautiful about to unfold.
The Tin Woman: A Story That Finds Its Way Into Your Heart
Some stories reach out and shake you awake. Others slip in quietly and take root, growing long after the curtain falls. The Tin Woman does both. Walking into the theater, I thought I was prepared. I had read about the play, studied its themes, even skimmed through the playbill. But nothing—nothing—could have prepared me for the depth of feeling, the artistry, the sheer magic of what unfolded on that stage.
The lighting cast a glow that felt almost ethereal. The set, simple yet profound, whispered of quiet moments and untold stories. And then there were the performances—raw, unguarded, achingly real. As someone who has witnessed the grandeur of Broadway and sat in the glow of major touring productions, I can say without hesitation: the talent on this stage stands shoulder to shoulder with the best I have ever seen.
Performances That Resonate Like an Old Song
There are moments in theater that feel like a familiar melody, stirring something deep within. This was one of those nights.
Darby McCarthy (Darla) – A burst of energy and humor, her performance was like the sound of a room erupting in laughter—bold, joyful, and unforgettable.
Madelyn Glosny (Sammy) – Expressive and electric, she didn’t just act—she lived every moment of her role with a punch that left an impact.
Lexi Wallenberg (Nurse Lexi) – Authentic and effortlessly funny, she brought an ease to her role that made every interaction feel like a moment stolen from real life.
Kathy Treankler (Alice) – Wove sincerity and warmth into every line, making her performance feel like a conversation with an old friend.
Doug Landwehr (Hank) – The heartbeat of the play. There was something in his performance—an ache, a tenderness—that made every word ring true. His presence on stage was a reminder of the love we hold, the losses we carry, and the way both shape us.
Raechal Wozniak-Sanford (Joy) – A revelation. There was a quiet power in her performance, a way she commanded attention without demanding it. When she needed to be small, she was breathtakingly soft. When she needed to be grand, she filled the room. A masterclass in balance and nuance.
James Hickey (Jack) – Sometimes the most profound performances are found in silence. Jack’s role had fewer words, but his presence spoke volumes. The weight of grief, the struggle of connection—it was all there, written in his expressions, his movements. Watching him interact with Landwehr, I saw something familiar, something deeply human. And in the quiet moments, I felt the echo of my own experiences—the people we love, just on the other side of memory, still with us, thinking of us as much as we think of them.
Dave Zochert (Director) – The director’s vision was clear: to weave humor and heartache seamlessly, allowing the audience to feel the weight of grief while still embracing the lightness of laughter. Every detail—lighting shifts, blocking, even the spaces between words—was carefully considered, creating an experience that was both intimate and unforgettable.
The Lifeblood of a Community
Some say the soul of a city is found in its tallest buildings or its bustling streets. I’d argue it’s found in places like GBCT. In a world that moves too fast, where moments are fleeting and connections are too often lost, community theater stands as a reminder of what matters. It gathers us together, side by side, to share in something fleeting yet eternal.
Green Bay Community Theater is more than a stage—it’s a testament to the power of storytelling, the importance of shared experiences, and the magic of human connection. If we want these places to endure, we must champion them. We must show up, not just as audiences, but as stewards of something precious.
A Call to Keep the Story Alive
Stories like The Tin Woman deserve to be told, and spaces like Green Bay Community Theater deserve to thrive. There’s a way to help make that happen. As they embark on a capital campaign, the theater invites you to be a part of its next chapter. By supporting this campaign, you’re ensuring that these walls continue to hold the echoes of laughter, the weight of tears, the triumph of a well-told tale. Visit Green Bay Community Theater’s donation page to learn how you can keep the magic alive.
Final Thought: Don’t Miss This Moment
If you have the chance to see The Tin Woman, don’t hesitate. Step into that theater, take a seat, and let yourself be swept away. Because some performances don’t just entertain—they change you. This is one of them. And it’s happening right now, in the heart of our community.
Go. Feel. Remember.
About the author: Travis Vanden Heuvel is a business executive, community leader, and the President + Editor-in-Chief of Reviews and Trends Magazine. With over 15 years of experience in marketing and storytelling, he writes across all major RTM categories, specializing in current events, arts and culture, books and print media, and influencers and entrepreneurs. His work blends insightful analysis with compelling narratives, making him a trusted voice in trend reporting and cultural commentary.
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