On Stage

Thirty years as a core company actor and director at American Players Theatre — from Shakespeare's tragedies to an award-winning solo epic.

Acting

A man with dark, slicked-back hair and a mustache, dressed in a gray suit with a waistcoat and tie, holding an open book in his right hand, standing against a backdrop with a bright white circle creating halo-like effect.

Three decades on stage, from Shakespeare's tragedies to new work.

Murder on the Orient Express
Hercule Poirot

Directed by Peter Amster
Asolo Repertory Theatre, 2019

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A man sitting on a chair, reading a newspaper, with a dark background.

A View from the Bridge
Eddie Carbone

Directed by Tim Ocel

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A man squatting on the floor, resting his arms on his knees, in a room with a white cabinet and colorful pots on top.

Blood Knot
Morris

Directed by Ron OJ Parson

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Man sitting on a chair on stage, wearing a dark blazer and jeans, with a dark background.

In Acting Shakespeare
James

Directed by John Langs
The Pearl Theater

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A woman with red curly hair wearing a purple dress and a man with dark hair in a tuxedo with a bow tie. They are close, with the woman smiling softly and the man looking at her, suggesting an intimate or romantic moment.

The Seagull
Trigorin

Directed by John Langs

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A man kneels on stage with his fists clenched, looking upward with a determined expression, wearing a beige shirt, black pants, and a checkered scarf.

An Iliad
The Poet

Directed by John Langs
The Milwaukee Repertory Theater, 2014
American Players Theatre, 2015

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A man with dark hair and light skin, wearing a vest over a long-sleeved shirt, is holding his hand to his chin and appears to be in a thoughtful pose.

Macbeth
Macbeth

Directed by Kate Buckley
American Players Theatre

A woman and man having an intense argument, with the woman clenched fist and angry expression, and the man gripping her arm, on a stage with a dark background.

Antony and Cleopatra
Antony

Directed by Kate Buckley

American Players Theatre, Touchstone Theatre, 2014

A man sitting in a blue Adirondack chair on a stage, wearing glasses, a white shirt, and beige pants, with one hand raised and a relaxed pose.

Red
Rothko

Directed by Laura Gordon
Forward Theater Co., 2014

A man with short dark hair, a beard, and mustache, sitting on a stone bench outdoors during dusk. He wears a plaid shirt, brown pants, and hiking boots, with his hands clasped in front of him. Behind him are wood planks, rocks, and a water bottle.

An American Song
Andy

Directed by Mark Clements
Milwaukee Repertory Theater, 2016

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Directing

Bringing the classics, and a few originals, to the American Players Theatre stage.

Two characters dressed as medieval warriors, wearing weathered armor and tattered clothing, standing close together in a forest setting. They appear to be in a moment of concern or fear, with one holding a sword.

American Players Theatre, 2019

Voice & Text Coach: Sara Becker
Assistant Director: Erin Nicole Eggers
Costume Design: Daniel Tyler Mathews
Scenic Design: Takeshi Kata †
Lighting Design: Michael A. Peterson
Sound Design & Original Music: Josh Schmidt †
Choreographer: Jessica Bess Lanius
Fight Director: Brian Byrnes
Stage Manager: Evelyn Matten *​

* Member of Actors' Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers
** Member of Society of Stage Directors and Choreographers, an Independent Labor Union
† Member of United Scenic Artists

Macbeth

"A bloody ‘Macbeth’ played on a Wisconsin night in the rain, and no one in the audience even budged."
— Chris Jones, Chicago Tribune

Full Review
A theatrical stage scene with actors in period costumes, some standing and some kneeling, engaging in a dramatic moment as part of a play.

American Players Theatre, 2017

Costume Design -- Mathew J. LeFebvre 
Scenic Design -- Nathan Stuber
Lighting Design -- Michael A. Peterson
Sound Design -- Sarah Pickett 
Fight Director -- Kevin Asselin
Movement Director -- Jessica Lanius
Stage Manager -- Evelyn Matten 
Voice & Text Coach -- Eva Breneman

Cyrano de Bergerac

"A 'Cyrano' of near-Shakespearean weight, never exaggerated and never frivolous."
— The Wall Street Journal

Full Review
A man in a military uniform holding a glass of water up in front of a blue wooden wall.

American Players Theatre, 2012

Costume Design -- Rachel Anne Healy
Scenic Design -- Takeshi Kata
Lighting Design -- Michael A. Peterson
Stage Manager -- Evelyn Matten
Sound Design -- Josh Schmidt
Voice and Text -- Gigi Buffington
Fight Director -- Kevin Asselin
Asst. Costume Design -- Ren LaDassor
Stage Manager -- Evelyn Matten

Richard III

"Passionate Acting, Impeccable Setting . . . Staged with brutally lucid directness by James DeVita."
— The Wall Street Journal

Full Review
Madison.com Review
Two men kneeling and facing each other with a woman lying on the floor behind them.

Someone to Watch Over Me

Two Crows Theatre Company, 2019

Costume, sound and lighting design -- Rob Doyle  
Scenic Design -- Rob Doyle and Brian Byrnes

"Deftly directed by APT stalwart James DeVita."
— Gwendolyn Rice, Post Script

Full Review
A theatrical performance outdoors with a woman in a white dress standing on a balcony and a man kneeling on the stage, looking up at her. Stage lighting is visible above, with trees in the background.

American Players Theatre, 2014

Costume Design -- Rachel Anne Healy
Scenic Design -- Takeshi Kata
Lighting Design -- Michael A. Peterson
Stage Manager -- Evelyn Matten
Sound Design -- Josh Schmidt
Voice and Text -- Gigi Buffington
Fight Director -- Matt Hawkins
Choreographer -- Linda Fortunato
Asst. Costume Design -- Ren LaDassor
Stage Manager -- Sarah Deming-Henes

Romeo and Juliet

Madison.com Review
Three actors on a theater stage, with two standing in water, and one standing behind a desk, set up for a play.

American Players Theatre, 2010

Book by James DeVita
Lyrics by James DeVita and Josh Schmidt
Music by Josh Schmidt

​Costume Design -- Holly Payne
Scenic Design-- Nate Stuber
Lighting Design-- Keith Parm
Stage Manager-- Evelyn Matten

A Gift of the magi

"A show such as this awakens body, mind and soul and moves us to celebrate the holiday season in the best way for the best reasons. The Gift of the Magi is a star worth following."
— Urban Milwaukee

Full Review