By Dave Begel Contributing Writer Published Aug 23, 2014 at 3:06 PM

Terry Teachout is probably the second most respected theater critic in the United States behind Ben Brantley of The New York Times, who is the acknowledged king of all critics.

But Teachout, critic for the Wall Street Journal, isn’t far behind. And after a recent visit to review Anton Chekhov's "The Seagull," he called Wisconsin's very own American Players Theatre in Spring Green the "finest classical-repertory company in the U.S."

That’s the whole United States, and it’s incredible to get that kind of honor from such a respected critic.

If you haven’t been to Spring Green and seen a play in one of their two venues, this is a trip well worth making.

Teachout's review of APT’s production of "The Seagull" is here, concluding the piece by calling the company's rendition the best he has ever seen.

Very heady words for a Wisconsin company, and something we can all take pride in.

Dave Begel Contributing Writer

With a history in Milwaukee stretching back decades, Dave tries to bring a unique perspective to his writing, whether it's sports, politics, theater or any other issue.

He's seen Milwaukee grow, suffer pangs of growth, strive for success and has been involved in many efforts to both shape and re-shape the city. He's a happy man, now that he's quit playing golf, and enjoys music, his children and grandchildren and the myriad of sports in this state. He loves great food and hates bullies and people who think they are smarter than everyone else.

This whole Internet thing continues to baffle him, but he's willing to play the game as long as OnMilwaukee.com keeps lending him a helping hand. He is constantly amazed that just a few dedicated people can provide so much news and information to a hungry public.

Despite some opinions to the contrary, Dave likes most stuff. But he is a skeptic who constantly wonders about the world around him. So many questions, so few answers.