Address/Location: Tell Grounds

Ticket source: Wilhelm Tell Guild. Purchase in advance or at the door.

Ticket price: $8.00 for adults, $5.00 for children

The crowd in the natural amphitheater collectively holds its breath while Wilhelm Tell, the mythical Swiss hero, draws his arrow, aiming directly at an apple resting on his son's head. He releases the bow, and the arrow goes flying, a hundred paces in the air, before it stabs the apple straight on, knocking it to the ground. With this act, Wilhelm and his child, Walter, have avenged the Austrian tyrant and his evil vice regent, Herman Gessler.

Because of this, Wilhelm Tell is the Swiss national hero. The story, of how Tell helped Switzerland gain its independence, was told by the famous 18th century German playwright Friedrich Schiller. Since his story depicts history as well as legend, the drama of Wilhelm Tell is as much a living part of a Swiss today as it was in the years past. In New Glarus, the performance of Tell's story - actually two performances, with two casts used to do one in English and one in German - is more than a nod toward ethnic legend and history. The only other place this drama is performed in German is in Switzerland.

A Labor Day weekend tradition since 1938, more than 200 local volunteers join to bring Friedrich Schiller's dramatic story of Swiss independence to life. Staged in a beautiful outdoor setting with intricate costumes and a lively cast that includes frisky goats, stubborn cows and whinnying horses. Participating in the play is a rite of passage handed down among family members of New Glarus locals.

In addition to the play which is composed of two acts, there is additional entertainment provided. Girls dressed up in traditional Swiss costumes (the Tell Usherettes) hand out programs and help the visitors find their seats. Before the beginning of the play local children play a few songs with choir bells.

During intermission, the Swiss Miss Dancers and the Tell Usherette both perform Swiss dances. A concession stand is set up selling hot dogs, bratwurst, pretzels and beer made at the local New Glarus Brewery.

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