Month: June 2026

The Perfect Friday Night Out: ComedyCity Theatre Returns to Abrams

Assistant Director

An interview with ComedyCity’s own Mike Eserkaln

Looking for the perfect way to kick off your weekend? ComedyCity Theatre Troupe is returning to Abrams Spotlight Productions on Friday, July 24 for an evening of fast-paced, family-friendly improv comedy that promises plenty of laughs and surprises.

What makes ComedyCity different from other live entertainment options is simple: it’s completely improvised. As performer Mike Eserkaln explains, “What makes us different is that our show is totally improvised. Neither we, nor the audience, know what will happen next.” That unpredictability is what keeps every performance fresh, spontaneous, and full of energy.

When audiences attend a ComedyCity show, they play an important role in shaping the experience. “Subject-wise, the audience give suggestions, so they do steer the show that way. What they can expect is fast paced, high-energy comedy appropriate for all ages.” That interactive element helps create a show that feels alive in the moment, with the audience directly influencing where the comedy goes.

Part of what makes ComedyCity especially fun-whether it’s your first time or you’re returning after a previous show-is the atmosphere in the room. Mike describes it best: “What makes it fun is the energy in the room. There is a loose fun atmosphere, with non-confrontational audience interaction and participation. It is an even more collective experience than a scripted performance.” And when it comes to audience suggestions, he notes that the best moments often come from a playful, relaxed crowd: “So, don’t worry about giving the ‘right’ answer… relax, we’ll do the driving, you the audience enjoy the scenery.”

We’re also grateful to Glover’s Bar and Grill for sponsoring this special event. Their continued support of theater in Abrams helps make events like this possible and strengthens the arts in our community. After the show, keep the fun going by heading over to Glover’s for great food, drinks, and more laughs with friends and family.

Join us for ComedyCity on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 PM at the Nancy Byng Community Theater in Abrams. Doors open at 6:00 PM, and our concession stand will be open serving all your favorite snacks and beverages. General Admission tickets are $15 and available now. The last time ComedyCity performed at ASPI, the show sold out, so be sure to grab tickets early.

Purchase tickets online at AbramsTheater.com or call the box office at 920-826-5852. Then sit back, relax, and get ready for a Friday night full of laughter!

Celebrating the Heart of ASPI: Appetites & Applause Returns

Assistant Director

At Abrams Spotlight Productions, we know that every standing ovation begins with a volunteer. From performers and directors to ushers, set builders, costume creators, concession workers, and countless others behind the scenes, our volunteers are the heart of everything we do. That’s why we’re excited to once again host Appetites & Applause 2026, our annual Volunteer Picnic, on Thursday, August 20. Open to past, current, and future volunteers, this special evening is our opportunity to celebrate the people who make community theater possible.

Last year’s picnic was filled with laughter, friendly competition, and plenty of memorable moments. Volunteers tested their theater knowledge with trivia, tried their luck at Theater Bingo, and took home a variety of fun giveaways throughout the evening. Those activities were such a hit that we’re bringing them back for 2026! Whether you’re a longtime volunteer or someone considering getting involved for the first time, Appetites & Applause is a wonderful chance to connect with fellow theater lovers and enjoy an evening of food, fun, and community.

This year’s event also comes with an exciting bonus: attendees will be the first to learn what lies ahead for Abrams Spotlight Productions as we officially reveal our 2027 season. Our volunteers help bring each production to life, so it’s only fitting that they receive the first look at the shows that will take the stage next year. We can’t wait to gather together, celebrate another incredible year of community theater, and share our vision for the season ahead.

Kids Camp is HERE! -a blog by Kids Camp Director Bobby Buffington

Assistant Director

I live in an interesting intersection when it comes to the entertainment I consume.   On one hand, as many of you know, I am a huge fan of theater.  Both on and off stage, I love performing as much as I do sitting in the audience and watching others perform.   On the other side of that I am also an avid sports fan.  My summers are full of short trips down to Milwaukee to watch baseball, and fall will find me watching Football every Sunday.

I’ve found that people from both camps have a hard time understanding my love of the other.   Theater people can’t understand why I skipped rehearsal to watch the Super Bowl, and my cousins were dumbfounded at the idea of me missing a playoff game to go perform in a show.  However, these two worlds are not as different as they might seem.

The reason I love both of them is because I get extremely motivated watching people live out peak moments in their lives.  On May 13th, 2018.  The Milwaukee Brewers due to injury had to call up one of their young players to pitch for them, Freddy Peralta.  The journey from little league to MLB is a harrowing journey, filled with thousands of hours of struggle and doubt, so when a player makes their debut in Major League Baseball it tends to be a big celebration.  When Freddy pitched in his first ever MLB game his family dropped everything, including his mom who flew out to Colorado to watch her son.  He pitched incredibly well 13 strikeouts breaking a record.

The camera throughout the game kept showing his mom, often in tears, sometimes jumping around on her feet celebrating another strikeout.   May 13th 2018 also happened to fall on Mothers day.  It was such a beautiful triumphant moment of humanity I couldn’t help but have tears in my eyes.

Those same tears were in my eyes In December 2024 during the curtain call of Suessical The Musical.  I watched as a teenager went up and took her first bow, and was met to a chorus of loud cheers from her family, seeing her mom in particular beaming with pride.   It was such a cool moment to be on stage for, she had worked so hard, stepped out of her comfort zone, owned the stage, and now the crowd was responding in turn.

These are incredibly special moments we get to be a part of, whether on stage, backstage, or in the audience.  That’s why at ASPI we have been so passionate about trying to equip students with the skills and confidence they need to have their own breakthrough moments. That’s why we are thrilled to announce our summer youth camp, now a 3 day experience August 14th-16th. Our 2nd annual Abrams FLASHLIGHT Productions Kids Camp is now open for registration- so act fast cause last year spots filled up quickly! This year we are offering an expanded camp full of 3 days of fun! So if you have a kid who was like me and craved that passion up on the stage, this kids camp is for them. Taking that first bow on the stage is sure to create core memories.

ComedyCity Returns to Abrams for One Night of Laughter!

Assistant Director

Get ready, Abrams- ComedyCity is coming back!

Abrams Spotlight Productions is excited to welcome ComedyCity Theatre Troupe from De Pere back to the Nancy Byng Community Theater on July 24 for an evening filled with laughter, creativity, and family-friendly fun.

If you’ve seen ComedyCity before, you already know why we’re excited. Their last appearance at ASPI resulted in a sold-out show, with audiences packing the theater and laughing from start to finish. If you missed out last time, now is your chance to see what everyone has been talking about.

ComedyCity specializes in improvisational comedy, which means no two shows are ever the same. Using audience suggestions and quick-thinking performers, the troupe creates hilarious scenes, games, and moments right before your eyes. The result is a fast-paced, interactive experience that keeps audiences of all ages engaged and entertained.

One of the best things about improv is the unexpected. You never know what will happen next, and that’s what makes every performance unique. Whether you’re attending with friends, family, or as a date night outing, ComedyCity offers something everyone can enjoy.

We’re also grateful to Glover’s for sponsoring this special event and helping bring quality live entertainment to our community.

The show takes place on Friday, July 24 at 7:00 PM, with doors opening at 6:00 PM. Seating is general admission and available on a first-come, first-served basis.

Tickets go on sale June 24 and are just $15. With a sold-out performance the last time ComedyCity visited ASPI, we encourage everyone to mark their calendars and purchase tickets early once sales open.

Join us for an unforgettable night of laughter and community as ComedyCity returns to Abrams. We can’t wait to see you there!