Guys On Ice Role Was Written For Him

“Guys on Ice” may not have been the only reason Doug Mancheski returned to Wisconsin after studying and working in New York, but it sure kept him busy here. He’s been playing Marvin to sold-out audiences since the inception of the play in 1998.

Thelma Sadoff Center for the Arts (THELMA) and Go Fish Productions LLC, along with sponsors Horicon Bank, C.D. Smith, Spies Painting and The Goldsmith are bringing you “Guys on Ice” on Ice during Sturgeon Spectacular. Show dates are February 11 and 12.

This hilarious and charming Wisconsin-based musical celebrating ice fishing has been performed thousands of times at theatres including the Milwaukee Rep, the Barrymore in Madison, and others in Door County. It has also been replayed on Public Television however it has never been performed quite like this – on ice.

“Guys on Ice on Ice” once again features Mancheski along with Fond du Lac native Steve Koehler, who have performed the comedy together over a thousand times—including for Wisconsin Public Television.

“I knew one day that if the theatre gods were looking down on me, I’d finally perform the show on Ice!” Mancheski said. “After performing the show for well over a decade, I can stop faking it’s cold and icy inside a temperature controlled theater. It’s the method actor in me. Looking forward to slipping and sliding, and hoping I don’t fall through.”

The role of Lloyd, a man with a troubled marriage, was written for Mancheski by his friend, Fred Alley until Alley realized that Mancheski would make a better Marvin, the single, quirky guy who wants to impress the grocery checkout girl. Alley played Lloyd until he died suddenly. Koehler joined the cast in 2002 as Lloyd.

Marking the value of this play celebrating Wisconsin culture, in 2004, Mancheski received a commendation from Governor Jim Doyle for his 500th performance of “Guys on Ice.”

Prior to his run with “Guys on Ice,” Mancheski studied under Uta Hagen, a Tony-Award winning actress who also trained Robert De Niro, Liza Minnelli and Al Pacino. The Madison, Wisconsin native also wrote “Respect for Acting,” required reading for generations of actors.

It was family that finally brought Mancheski back to Wisconsin. The opportunity to work as an actor here was icing on the cake. He has been a member of the Northern Sky Theater for over 20 years. Other credits include Milwaukee Rep, Chamber Theatre, Door Shakespeare and Madison Rep and his most recent film is APPLETON.

“Guys on Ice on Ice” will be performed February 11 (2 pm and 7 pm) and February 12 (2 pm) inside a heated tent. The tent will be placed just off the shore near the Pavilion in Lakeside Park.

Tickets are available at the THELMA Box Office and at thelmaarts.org. For the Matinee performances, general admission tickets (bleacher seats) are $15 and VIP seats (chairs with heated cushions) are $20. For the performance Saturday evening, general admission tickets are $20 and VIP for the Saturday evening performance are SOLD OUT. All sales are final. And be sure to dress for the ice.