A Whirlwind of Romance, Murder, and Cold War Intrigue in 'Red Herring'

STURGEON BAY, Wis. - June 23, 2026 - PRLog -- Third Avenue PlayWorks (TAP) is proud to announce the upcoming production of Red Herring, by Michael Hollinger. The third show of the 2026 season at Third Avenue PlayWorks runs from July 15 through August 9, 2026, featuring performances by Ellie Duffey, Seth K. Hale, Carolyn Hoerdemann, Alicia Rice, Ethan Serpan, and Noah Simon.

1952, Boston, a hardboiled female homicide detective finds herself caught in an impossible situation: catch a killer, recover a stolen atomic secret, and keep her fiancé—an FBI agent—from discovering her latest suspect may be his own father. Three couples' lives collide as love and loyalty are put to the ultimate test.  If you love Raymond Chandler and Dashiell Hammett—with a dash of screwball mayhem—you'll be hooked from the first clue. This production runs two hours, plus a fifteen-minute intermission.

"Red Herring is a classic comedy, and our audience is in for a thrilling time," said TAP's Jackie & Steve Kane Artistic Director Jacob Janssen. "A hilarious, fast-paced mashup of a Cold War spy thriller and a classic film noir spoof. This play delivers non-stop laughs, sharp wit, and a wonderfully chaotic energy that keeps you guessing until the very end."

The production of Red Herring at Third Avenue Playworks is directed by Karen Estrada with scenic design by Steve Barnes, costume design by Kellyn Gagner, lighting design by Karen Wallace, sound design by Josh Schmidt, props design by Haley Anne Cranstoun, and production stage management by Kelsey Brennan York.

PERFORMANCE SCHEDULE

July 15 - August 9, 2026
Wednesday-Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m.
Special matinees Friday, July 24 and August 7 at 2:00 p.m.
Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m.

Pay-What-You-Will Preview: Wednesday, July 15 at 7:30 p.m. with half of the proceeds benefiting Friends of Door County Libraries
Ticketed Preview & Wine Night: Thursday, July 16, 2026
Opening Night Reception: Friday, July 17, 2026
Young Professionals Networking: Wednesday, June 22, 2026
Post-Show Conversation: Friday, July 24, 2026, following 2:00 p.m. matinee
Closing Day: Sunday, August 9, 2026

For more information about performances of Red Herring at Third Avenue PlayWorks or to purchase tickets, visit thirdavenueplayworks.org/red-herring or call the box office at (920) 743-1760.