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Tag: Whidbey theater

  • Katie Woodzick Takes A Final Bow on Whidbey Island

    Katie Woodzick Takes A Final Bow on Whidbey Island

    BY OLENA HODGES
    Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
    July 20, 2016

    A performer, a master networker and an innovator (who now uses the singular “they” pronoun)—Katie Woodzick has created a space for themself* in the Whidbey community that will certainly leave an impression long after they’ve moved on to their next adventure.

    Woodzick came to Whidbey Island nine years ago. In the summer of 2003, they had recently graduated with a BA in Theatre and was touring as an actor and director with Prairie Fire Children’s Theatre’s production of “Jack and the Beanstalk.”

    Woodzick harasses Ed Cornachio in the role of the “Defenseless Creature” in Neil Simon’s “The Good Doctor. “ (photo by Jason Dittmer)
    Woodzick harasses Ed Cornachio in the role of the “Defenseless Creature” in Neil Simon’s “The Good Doctor. “ (photo by Jason Dittmer)

    They had the option to renew their contract and continue to tour the Midwest, but decided instead to apply for multiple AmeriCorps positions. They submitted 12 applications for positions all over the country, and Whidbey Island was the first to offer them a spot.

    “I was in a place where I didn’t know what I wanted to do with my life, so I decided I was willing to move anywhere, even though I had never been to Washington State,” Woodzick remembered. “It ended up being one of the best decisions I’ve ever made.”

    In August of 2003, Woodzick packed all of their belongings into their car and drove from Minnesota to Washington State in two days. By spring of 2004, they were cast in two plays and offered a directing spot in Whidbey Island Center for the Arts’ 2004-2005 Theatre Series season.

    Promo shot for “Franklin and Figaro” with Katie, left, Deana Duncan and Patricia Duff. (photo by Jason Dittmer)
    Promo shot for “Franklin and Figaro” with (l-r) Woodzick, Deana Duncan and Patricia Duff. (photo by Jason Dittmer)

    “Katie brought their familiar energy, creativity, intelligence and flair to Island Coffeehouse and Books [in 2008], and made a difference in the lives of many, many young people in our community,” recalled Susie Richards, who led the AmeriCorps program at the time. “It’s been a joy for me to watch that passion and talent continue to touch our community in so many, many ways. Katie will always be a member of this community!”

    Deana Duncan is the Programming and Production Director at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. She remembers Woodzick coming in to pitch the idea of a partnership with AmeriCorps. Duncan has since worked with them on multiple productions.

    “Directing Katie is a lot like trying to hold on to a thunderstorm,” she said. “Katie brings a power to the process and the roles created that can sometimes be misunderstood. I remember sitting with Katie in rehearsal, deep in conversation about how to spark the role and realizing again that this actor needs everyone involved to be giving 100 percent or we would be in trouble. How wonderful is it when one person on the team can hold the bar so high that everyone else strives to stay at top form? That’s Katie.”

    Curtain call shot from “The Rocky Horror Show,” in which Woodzick played Magenta. (photo by April Forde)
    Curtain call shot from “The Rocky Horror Show,” in which Woodzick played Magenta. (photo by April Forde)

    Woodzick has worked with multiple theatres on Whidbey Island and in Seattle. Their love of the craft of theatre inspired them to start the Theatrical Mustang podcast, which features interviews with local artists and innovators. The podcast has produced over 90 episodes, which have been listened to over 8,000 times.

    Most recently, they directed “The Flick” with OutCast Productions. Artistic Director Ned Farley has worked with Woodzick as both an actor and a director. He spoke enthusiastically of Woodzick’s artistic and marketing work with the company:

    Woodzick strikes a pose with Ned Farley and Ken Martinez in “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.” (photo by Jim Carroll)
    Woodzick strikes a pose with Ned Farley and Ken Martinez in “Jacques Brel is Alive and Well and Living in Paris.” (photo by Jim Carroll)

    “Katie has been a delight to work with on many levels,” Farley said. “In all capacities their work has allowed OutCast to grow and [allowed] our audiences to see the variety of skills that they bring to theater. As an actor they have worked hard to bring each character to life. As a director, they have challenged audiences with sometimes difficult and uncomfortable material. As a ‘behind the scenes’ support person, they have helped bring OutCast to community members who might not have found us otherwise.”

    Last month, Woodzick found out that they had gotten off the wait-list for Naropa University’s MFA in Contemporary Performance. This program is a two-year interdisciplinary graduate degree in theatre. They are moving to Boulder in mid-August.

    “Into the Woods” is one of Woodzick’s favorite shows. They played Little Red Riding Hood at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. (photo by Tyler Raymond)
    “Into the Woods” is one of Woodzick’s favorite shows. They played Little Red Riding Hood at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts. (photo by Tyler Raymond)

    When Woodzick found out they were leaving the island, they decided to put together a farewell concert performance. On Saturday, July 23, Woodzick will be singing 21 songs from 18 musicals, including favorites from Whidbey performances. The concert will be held at Whidbey Children’s Theater in Langley.

    “This concert is my love letter to Whidbey Island,” Woodzick explained. “I have grown so much as an artist in this supportive community, I wanted to take the stage one more time to express my gratitude.”

    Tickets can be purchased for Woodzick’s concert online at http://www.brownpapertickets.com/event/wlm/2569933.

    Olena Hodges is the Associate Artistic Director of Island Shakespeare Festival and is also a founding member of ISF’s acting company. Olena is a graduate of the BFA acting program at Southern Oregon University and holds a certificate from Circle in The Square Theater School’s two-year Professional Actor Training Program. Olena is also the associate producer of the Theatrical Mustang Podcast.

    *   *   *

    *We are happy to support Katie Woodzick’s pronoun preference in this article. For additional information on the practice of using the pronouns “they,” “them” and “their” as singular gender-neutral pronouns, visit the following websites: http://grammarist.com/usage/they/, http://feministing.com/2015/02/03/how-using-they-as-a-singular-pronoun-can-change-the-world/ or search online.

    Poster for Woodzick’s July 23 concert at Whidbey Children’s Theater
    Poster for Woodzick’s July 23 concert at Whidbey Children’s Theater

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    WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

     

     

     

  • New York, LA and India Converge on South Whidbey on Sept. 17 and 18

    New York, LA and India Converge on South Whidbey on Sept. 17 and 18

    BY DAVID MAYER
    Whidbey Life Magazine Guest Contributor
    September 7, 2016

    An award-winning comedy will get a new musical treatment at Outcast Productions in Langley on Sept. 17 and 18.

    The production company, along with a renowned writer and a New York City-based creative team, are out to give South Whidbey something to remember. Langley’s own black box theater company will offer a fully costumed multi-media musical extravaganza with a re-envisioning of Edward Jordan’s love romp—the film “Bollywood and Vine.”

    While scripts will be in hand, the production team is pulling out all the stops (including a parrot puppet!) to give its audience the complete musical treatment. Outcast promotes the piece as “Sunset Boulevard meets La Cage aux Folles.” As with “La Cage,” the comedic trappings are an entry into meaningful stories that the creator felt needed to be told. Jordan said it’s a tale about “ageism, self-acceptance and openness to the possibility of love…’cause it can come when you least expect it.”

    OUTCAST_BOLLYWOOD_flyerAccording to Outcast, the musical revolves around Hollywood scream queen Delilah Leigh, who hasn’t made a movie in years. However, she’s a superstar to love-struck Bhuvan Bannerji, a newly transplanted Indian who runs a bus tour of movie stars’ homes in Los Angeles. A “wannabe filmmaker,” Bannerji hopes to sweep Leigh off her feet and whisk her back to India’s Tinseltown, ‘Bollywood.’

    This is the jumping-off point for a yarn full of twists that get at our assumptions about age, race, sex and gender.

    As a youngster, Jordan was fascinated by the photos his father brought back from years spent in India. Those memories made their way into his 2004 film comedy, “Bollywood and Vine.” Its take on several “-isms” garnered the 2005 WorldFest Silver Award in the Romance category for Independent Theatrical Films and Videos.

    Jordan wished to see where else he could take these characters and story. And when lyricist June Rachelson-Ospa and her musical collaborator, composer Daniel Neiden, got a look at Jordan’s proposed transformation of the film, they quickly found possibilities for the excited author. While happy to work in many genres, Jordan quipped, “I recently had my DNA checked. Turns out I’m 75% musical comedy.”

    In revisiting the comedic plot for a musical take, the trio decided to clarify whose story this was. Adoring the bigger-than-life screen actresses of Hollywood’s Golden Age (think Bette Davis and Gloria Swanson), and despising what he saw as a modern dismissal of their work, Jordan found what he needed in Delilah—”a vital, talented, intelligent actress of a certain age, set adrift on an iceberg by Hollywood.” He would put that theme in focus.

    After a successful reading in New York, the Long Island native returned to his new Whidbey home, seeking just the right Delilah for his next staging. Inspiration arrived when he saw K. Sandy O’Brien’s turn as Tallulah Bankhead in Outcast’s recent production of “Looped.” Jordan contacted Ned Farley, O’Brien’s Outcast co-founder, who immediately saw a fit.

    Though essentially Delilah’s story, “Bollywood and Vine” has something to say about LGBTQ issues, as characters mask their identities in order to find love. And, as evidenced by the title, there is a multi-national flavor to which Farley and Jordan wished to remain true. Yet striving for racial diversity in a small town can require extra effort.

    “While we’re pleased that we’ve been able to reflect diversity in some of our work,” Farley said, citing Outcast’s “Ain’t Misbehavin’” as the first all-Black production at a theater on Whidbey, “it’s an on-going challenge for us.” Recently, the company’s “The Flick” featured a character who is Asian-American and the company found its actor on the mainland.

    “Creativity and casting from off-island are [again] going to be necessary,” Farley said.

    In a hopefully precedent-setting conjunction, some of the New York-based cast from the original read will join local performers for this presentation. While being introduced to actors Levin Valayil, D.J. Bucciarelli, and Jaz Zepatos, audiences will recognize the local talents of O’Brien, Farley, Jennifer Bondelid, Gabe Harschman and long-time favorite, Gail Liston. Liston, perhaps known more for non-musical stage work—her Barbara in “August: Osage County” was necessary viewing—also enjoys the passion of musicals. She relishes, she said, “the way a scene builds in intensity until it’s necessary for the characters to burst into song.”

    While the reading is directed by composer Neiden, Music Arranger/Orchestrator Charles Czarnecki (who has conducted on Broadway) will be consulting with Eileen Soskin, another accomplished South Whidbey transplant from New York who has signed on to handle musical direction. A person of most humble charm, she is a masterful pianist who was a professor and associate dean at Baltimore’s vaunted Peabody Institute and now directs and accompanies local talent. “She really helped me,” Liston said, “not only with the music, but to make choices and define my character.”

    September’s production further prepares the work for a reading before several Broadway bigwigs. But Jordan is not leaving Whidbey behind. “We’re even discussing a full, full production at Outcast with a longer run,” he said. “Ned Farley has pretty much taken me—and “Bollywood”—under his wing. Then, offering appreciation with the wink of a comedic writer, he added, “I’m in really good wings.”

    “Bollywood and Vine” plays at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 17 and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Sept. 18 in Outcast’s Black Box Theater at the Fairgrounds in downtown Langley. See OutcastProductions.net for ticket information and a synopsis of the story.

    Image at top: D.J. Bucciarelli (left) and Levin Valayil (right) rehearse a scene from the Actors Equity reading of “Bollywood And Vine” at the Lion Theater, NYC.

    David Mayer is an actor, playwright and director who trained in Seattle but found a home in Langley’s welcoming friends and artistry. He works in the tech world, but probably can’t fix your computer.

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    CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

    WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

  • What’s Happening || Thursday, May 12 through Sunday, May 15

    What’s Happening || Thursday, May 12 through Sunday, May 15

    BY KATY SHANER
    Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
    May 11, 2016

    Welcome to the weekend on Whidbey. “What’s Happening” includes many weekend events starting Thursday and running through Sunday. “What’s Happening” is a collaborative information guide project between the Visitor Information Kiosk and Whidbey Life Magazine.

    THURSDAY, MAY 12


    “PROOF” BY DAVID AUBURN     7 p.m. at the Whidbey Children’s Theater. Thursday, May 12 is opening night and the show runs through Sunday, May 22. Catherine has spent years caring for her brilliant but unstable father, Robert. When he dies she has more than grief to deal with: there’s her estranged sister, Claire, and Hal, a former student of her father who hopes to find valuable work in the 103 notebooks that Robert left behind. And a further problem: how much of her father’s madness (or genius) will Catherine inherit? This Pulitzer Prize-winning play opened at the Donmar Warehouse in 2001.

    Whidbey Childrens Theater, 723 Camano Ave., Langley • Recommended Ages 13+ for language and mature situations • Adults: $16 / Youth: $8 • Purchase Tickets Online: http://wctmagic.org/calendar/2016/5/12/proof-by-david-auburn

    wica20thHAPPY BIRTHDAY, WICA!  6:30 – 8:30 p.m. Whidbey Island Center for the Arts community open house. In celebration of WICA’s 20th anniversary, the entire community is invited to take a stroll down memory lane during an open house this Thursday evening. Refreshments, light hors d’oeuvres, libations, and birthday cake will be served as guests view pictures, posters, costumes and props, and other memorabilia representing 20 years of our shared experiences in the arts. The Open House is free and open to the public. Whidbey Island Center of the Arts, 565 Camano Ave., Langley www.wicaonline.org

    THE NATURAL AND CULTURAL WONDERS OF DECEPTION PASS 7 p.m. Located at the Coupeville Recreation Hall. Presented by Park Manager Jack Hartt. Since the turn of the last century Deception Pass State Park has been transformed from rugged federal land donated to the State to one of the most-visited state parks in Washington.  From sand dunes to old growth forests – freshwater lakes to beaches on the Salish Sea –  an abundance of wildlife including 174 species of birds. Explore some of the natural and cultural history of the park – how it came to be and the challenges we face as we head into the future. Preceding the 7:30 program, scholarship winners will be introduced and annual officer elections will be held.

    The public is welcome to attend this free event • Coupeville Recreation Hall, 901 NW Alexander St., Coupeville • Whidbey Audubon: www.whidbeyaudubon.org

    FOOD FOR THOUGHT: BOOK DISCUSSION 6:30 p.m. Located at the Langley Library. It is satisfying to see someone get their just desserts. Many novels explore this theme. Join the delicious discussion to talk about your favorite novels where characters get their due. “Let Them Eat Cake” by Gesine Bullock-Prado is our featured cookbook. Just desserts will be served! Langley Library, 104 Second St., Langley • 360-221-4383

    beachlitterBEACH LITTER PICKUP VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY Ft. Casey State Park • 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. Open to all adults 18 and older (sorry, no minors). Please contact Stinger to learn about opportunities available to youth. Contact Stinger prior to attending a beach cleanup to let him know to expect you, preferably at least two days before. This will insure that, if there is an emergency change or cancellation in the schedule, he can then notify you. Bags, gloves, and other equipment will be provided. Wear appropriate clothing for the weather and footwear for walking over sand, cobble, and driftwood. Schedule can change due to adverse weather conditions. A one-day volunteer park access pass is available for volunteers who do not have a Washington State Parks Discovery Pass. For a map or more information about any of these cleanup locations, contact: Stinger Anderson, Community Litter Cleanup Program Coordinator • stinger.anderson@wsu.edu • 360-240-5558 (office) • 360-941-3171 (cell)

    BILLY THE CELLOIST 11 a.m. Live and strung at UBCC. A good time is likely to be had by all, but especially Billy. Useless Bay Coffee Company, 121 Second Street, Langley • 360-221-4515 • www.uselessbaycoffee.com/

    FRIDAY, MAY 13

    THE RURAL CHARACTERS VARIETY SHOW 7:30 p.m. Located at WICA. Enjoy The Rural Characters as they host a variety show featuring many of the artists who have graced the stage over two decades, including: Sing!Chronicity (the very first performers at WICA!), Whidbey Island Dance Theatre, Saratoga Chamber Players, The Heggeness Valley Boys, WOW! Stories, Troy Chapman, Judith Adams, Theatre skits, Drew Christie Animation.  All Seats $22 • Tickets by phone: 360-221-8268 • Online: tickets@wicaonline.org • Whidbey Island Center of the Arts 565, Camano Ave., Langley • www.wicaonline.org

    STEWARDSHIP VOLUNTEERS NEEDED 9 a.m. – 12 p.m. Join us for Hammons Preserve Blackberry Bonanza with the Whidbey Camano Land Trust. Would you like to help steward the land and restore habitat? We have volunteer opportunities coming up on our nature preserves, and we need your help. The Land Trust provides tools, snacks, and drinks. All you need to bring is a pair of work gloves and be ready for outdoor fun with fellow volunteers. To sign up online: www.wclt.org/events • By phone contact Kyle at: 360-222-3310 • Email: kyle@wclt.org

    PETEPETE 7 – 9 p.m. Located at Bayview Hall. Admission is free. Donations for the band are highly encouraged. There will be a charge for beer, wine, and sodas. Brought to you by Goosefoot and Bayview Hall. Bayview Hall, 5642 Bayview Road, Langley • For questions contact: 360-321-4145 • info@goosefoot.org

    OTT & MURPHY WINES – RUSTY FENDER AND THE MELODY WRANGLERS 7 p.m. Alt-Country and Americana.“There will be dancin’ in the street”. Contributions for the music gratefully accepted. Reservations are recommended. Ott & Murphy Winery Tasting Room, 204 First St., Langley • 360-221-7131

    THE LANGLEY 2ND STREET MARKET 2 – 6 p.m. Every Friday through September 30. Our European-style market includes several local produce and flower farmers local soap makers, artists, jewelers, baked goods, food by Dorcas of Lesedi Farm, and numerous local musicians. For more information or to inquire about being a vendor, contact Ben at: secondstreetmarket@whidbey.com

    “PROOF” BY DAVID AUBURN – WHIDBEY CHILDREN’S THEATER 7 p.m. (See Thursday, May 12 for more information.)

    openmicOPEN MIC NIGHT 6 – 8:30 p.m. Blooms Winery Tasting Room at the Bayview Corner. Open Mic Night is the second and fourth Friday of each month. The Open Mics Night, hosted by Ron Eaton, provide an opportunity in a casual and intimate setting for musicians to perform live and play a song or two and perhaps join in with fellow musicians on stage, or for a poet to recite some of their verse. Anyone interested in being included in the evening’s talent showcase can call the tasting room at 360-321-0515 for more details. Drop-ins are accepted as time allows.

    Special Friday night food menu includes Blooms regular menu, our Friday Flatbread special and a few additional choices with wonderful award-winning Blooms wines by the glass or bottle, as well as craft brews by Foggy Noggin and Boundary Bay, and non-alcoholic choices! Blooms Winery Taste for Wine & Art, 5603 Bayview Road, Langley. www.bloomswinery.com • www.tasteforwinewhidbey.com • 360-321-0515

    SATURDAY, MAY 14

    springsavorSAVOR SPRING FOOD AND WINE TOUR 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Four wineries and a distillery on Whidbey Island open their tasting rooms to present the annual Savor Spring Food, Wine and Spirits Tour. This tour includes not only tastes of wine and spirits – many of them new releases for spring – but each venue will also feature a food vendor that will have samples of locally made and grown foods, creating a true taste of Whidbey Island. Participating wineries and distillery are:

    Comforts of Whidbey/Gordons – 4361 Witter Road, Langley
    Spoiled Dog Winery/ Roaming Radish 5881 Maxwelton Road, Clinton
    Whidbey Island Distillery/ Prima Bistro 3466 Craw Road, Langley
    Blooms Winery’s Tasting Room/ Glass Alley Café / Sundance Bakery 5603 Bayview Road, Langley
    Holmes Harbor Cellars/ Mile Post 19 4591 Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland

    The tickets for the tour are $20 in advance, available at the participating tasting rooms or online at: www.brownpapertickets.com/event/2498855 • Tickets are also available at the door for $25. Although the tour hours are 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., some winery tasting rooms will be open later. For more information on the tour, visit the Whidbey Island Vintners Association website at: www.whidbeyislandvintners.org, or call Blooms Winery tasting room at: 360-321-0515.

    PENN COVE WATER FESTIVAL 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. Located at the Historic Front Street in Coupeville. Celebrating our Native American heritage this one-day freefamily festival features tribal canoe races, Native American arts and crafts, demonstrations, story-telling, music and dance performances, educational displays, food, and youth activities.. For full info: www.penncovewaterfestival.com

    earthsciEARTH SCIENCES FOR KIDS AT EBEY’S LANDING 10 a.m. – 12 p.m. Whidbey Camano Land Trust. The dramatic beauty of our Island’s beaches and bluffs is something to enjoy and cherish. But have you ever wondered what made them? The rocks, sand, and living organisms are full of clues. Join the Whidbey Camano Land to explore the effects of wind, rain, waves and sun on our island shores. This is a family-friendly tour aimed at elementary and middle school kids aged 10-13. Each child must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. The event is free, but space is limited! To sign up visit our website: www.wclt.org/events • By phone contact Kyle at: 360-222-3310 • By email: kyle@wclt.org

    SPRING SHRED EVENT – SOROPTIMIST INTERNATIONAL OF SOUTH WHIDBEY ISLAND AND COASTAL COMMUNITY BANK 10 a.m. – 2 p.m. Time to clean out your file cabinets, garages, and storage rooms. Securely dispose of your personal and financial records. Minimum donation $5.00: bankers box or grocery bag. $10.00: oversized box or garbage bag. All proceeds benefit Soroptimist International of South Whidbey Island’s Grants and Scholarships Program. Licensed and Bonded SECURE Shredding Company. Contact: Tara Long www.coastalbank.com

    BUILDING HOPE TOGETHER – SOUTH WHIDBEY HOMELESS COALITION 4 – 7 p.m. St. Augustine’s Church in-the-Woods. Enjoy an evening of fun music, good food, and a celebration of the work of the South Whidbey Homeless Coalition, whose mission is to help make homelessness a brief and rare experience on South Whidbey. BBQ chicken dinner, no-host bar, live music and silent auction. Tickets are $25. To purchase tickets or make a donation call: Victoria Ritts at 206-992-4054, Linda Rush at 509-859-3070 • St. Augustine’s Church in-the-Woods, 5217 Honeymoon Bay Road, Freeland

    THE RURAL CHARACTERS VARIETY SHOW 7:30 p.m. WICA (See Friday, May 13 for additional information.)

    “PROOF” BY DAVID AUBURN – WHIDBEY CHILDREN’S THEATER 7 p.m. (See Thursday, May 12 for more information.)

    SUNDAY, MAY 15

    feather“MOSTLY FEATHERS” – WILDLIFE PHOTOGRAPHY OF GOVINDA ROSLING 11 a.m. – 12 p.m. Artist’s Reception at the UUCWI Gallery. Govinda photographs mostly birds, working with a variety of lenses that enable zoomed shots, some through blinds, some by sitting and letting the birds come to her. She focuses on aspects of their life in each photograph – their quirkiness, intensity of foraging, their place in the world. “Mostly Feathers” will continue on display throughout the months of May and June. UUCWI, 20103 State Route 525 (approximately two miles north of Freeland on the west side of the highway) • www.uucwi.org/

    THE HOT CLUB OF TROY 12 – 2 p.m. Sunday, May 15. Playing lively swing music with a romantic French flair. Useless Bay Coffee Company 121 Second St., Langley (360) 221-4515

    hedgebrook19TH ANNUAL HEDGEBROOK WOMEN PLAYWRIGHTS FESTIVAL 4 p.m. WICA. $5 suggested ticket donation. New works by Kristiana Rae Colón, Virginia Grise, Dawn Renee Jones, Madhuri Shekar and Regina Taylor. Hedgebrook partners with regional theatres across the country with strong track records of commissioning and producing new works by women playwrights. This year’s festival partners include Denver Center Theatre, Goodman Theatre, Oregon Shakespeare Festival, Seattle Repertory Theatre and Southern Rep Theatre. For more information and to purchase tickets, please visit: www.hedgebrook.org/hwpf-dl Whidbey Island Center for the Arts 565 Camano Avenue, Langley.

    “FORAGING FOR EDIBLE FOOD” WITH KELSI FRANZEN – SLOW FOOD WHIDBEY ISLAND’S 1 –  4 p.m. May 15. Pacific Rim Institute. This unique three-part event, learn what wild plants can be combined as delicious and unique ingredients into your daily meals. Educator, farmer, and fifth generation Coupeville native Kelsi Franzen will engage all of your senses first on a hike, to learn how to identify some common edibles in several Pacific Northwest ecosystems, followed by a presentation on how to create meals inspired by and infused with Whidbey Island’s wild and cultivated foods.

    Kelsi Franzen holds a Master’s in Education with an emphasis in Environmental Education and Non-Profit Administration from Western Washington University, in partnership with North Cascades Institute, as well as a Bachelor of Arts in Environmental Education from Western Washington University.

    Program cost will be $15 for a one-hour foraging tour on the Pacific Rim Institute grounds followed by a one-hour presentation in the auditorium for $10. There will be a one hour break between the two events to allow people to tour the Pacific Rim hoop houses and learn about their exciting plans for the future of PRI or just linger, chat and snack in the Auditorium building.  Pacific Rim Institute, 180 Parker Road, Coupeville. Contact Kathy at kathy46@whidbey.com to sign up.

    Important:  Please note:  The one-hour foraging tour at PRI is already full but we can put you on the waiting list.

    SAVOR SPRING FOOD AND WINE TOUR 11 a.m. – 5 p.m. (See Friday, May 14 for more information).

    TILTH MARKET 11 a.m. – 2 p.m. South Whidbey Tilth’s Farmers’ Market’s features local farm produce and plants, concessions and crafts. Island There’s lots of parking, clean restrooms, free WiFi and children’s play areas. SNAP cards are welcome. South Whidbey Tilth Farmers’ Market, 2812 Thompson Road, Langley • www.southwhidbeytilth.org/market.html

    “PROOF” BY DAVID AUBURN – WHIDBEY CHILDREN’S THEATER 2 p.m. (See Thursday, May 12 for more information.)

    OTT & MURPHY WINES – TROY CHAPMAN AND GARY WAY 3 – 5 p.m Conversations in jazz with guitar and piano. An afternoon of beautiful music, wine and view. No cover. Ott & Murphy Winery Tasting Room, 204 First Street, Langley • 360-221-7131.

    SUNDAY MUSIC SERIES – RUSSELL CLEPPER 3 – 5 p.m. Enjoy Sunday afternoons all year long with live music at Blooms Winery Tasting Room at Bayview Corner Store. Russell Clepper will play some of his favorite original tunes. Russell has a wonderful style that captures your heart and moves your soul. No cover and no minimums but we ask you to please tip appropriately. Fabulous wines, good food and great music! Blooms Winery Taste for Wine & Art, 5603 Bayview Road, Langley • www.bloomswinery.com • www.tasteforwinewhidbey.com • 360-321-0515

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    The Visitor Information Kiosk is funded by the Greater Freeland Area and Langley Chambers of Commerce and What’s Happening is prepared by Katy Shaner, Manager and Volunteer Coordinator. Contact Katy at ktshaner@whidbey.com.

    Got an event you’d like to see on What’s Happening? Make sure to put it on the Whidbey Life Magazine Calendar at https://www.whidbeylifemagazine.org/submit-your-event/.

    Since 2008, the Visitor Kiosk has welcomed over 22,000 visitors to Whidbey. The island offers a wealth of activities, places to stay, eateries, shopping and an abundance of the natural environment to enjoy and appreciate. Welcome and enjoy your visit. Do come back.

    Event contributions from Katy Shaner, Whidbey Life Magazine, www.whidbeylifemagazine.org  and drewslist drewslist@whidbey.com.

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    CLICK HERE     to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

    WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

  • Nutcracker Dancers Worked Long Hours to Present this Year’s Holiday Extravaganza

    Nutcracker Dancers Worked Long Hours to Present this Year’s Holiday Extravaganza

    PHOTO ESSAY BY DAVID WELTON
    CAPTIONS BY LISA KOIS
    December 16, 2014

    In the same way that Whidbey Island “small town” blends committed localism with a cosmopolitan flare, Whidbey Island Dance Theater’s homegrown presentation of “The Nutcracker” combines strong community rootedness with sophistication. Filled with insects and forest creatures, tap dancing, acrobatics and ballet, WIDT’s “The Nutcracker” is a local take on the classic ballet story and includes professional dancing, stunning sets, ingenious props and elaborate costumes.

    “The Nutcracker” continues through Sunday, Dec. 20 at South Whidbey High School Performing Arts Center. For more information and tickets, visit http://www.widtonline.org/.

    To get readers in the Nutcracker spirit, WLM photographer David Welton captured the following images of dancers in rehearsal:

    Sylvia Hurlburt waits for Madame Bumble and the bumble ring. / Photo by David Welton
    Sylvia Hurlburt waits for Madame Bumble and the bumble ring. / Photo by David Welton

     

    Dancing in “The Nutcracker” is an annual tradition for many young dancers, including Claire Phelps, Taylor Pitts and Kiera Sherman. / Photo by David Welton
    Dancing in “The Nutcracker” is an annual tradition for many young dancers, including Claire Phelps, Taylor Pitts and Kiera Sherman. / Photo by David Welton

     

    The Whidbey Island Dance Theater is the local pre-professional dance company that brings “The Nutcracker” to the stage each December. / Photo by David Welton
    The Whidbey Island Dance Theater is the local pre-professional dance company that brings “The Nutcracker” to the stage each December. / Photo by David Welton

     

    Artistic Director Charlene Brown has been nurturing young dancers on Whidbey during the 23 years “The Nutcracker” has been performed here. / Photo by David Welton
    Artistic Director Charlene Brown has been nurturing young dancers on Whidbey during the 23 years “The Nutcracker” has been performed here. / Photo by David Welton

     

    Graham Vanderwood leads the mischievous elves in their acrobatic shenanigans. / Photo by David Welton
    Graham Vanderwood leads the mischievous elves in their acrobatic shenanigans. / Photo by Daviid Welton

     

    “The Nutcracker” combines complicated choreography, professional dancing and the cuteness factor of adorable young dancers. / Photo by David Welton
    “The Nutcracker” combines complicated choreography, professional dancing and the cuteness factor of adorable young dancers. / Photo by David Welton

     

    Nutcracker 2015_0640
    Rehearsals require extreme focus and long hours for even the youngest dancers. / Photo by David Welton

     

    J.T. Madsen performs on stilts as Madame Bumble. / Photo by David Welton.
    J.T. Madsen performs on stilts as Madame Bumble. / Photo by David Welton

     

    Principal dancers Zane Vanderwood, Faith O'Brochta and Bojohn Diciple. / Photo by David Welton
    Principal dancers Zane Vanderwood, Faith O’Brochta and Bojohn Diciple. / Photo by David Welton

     

    Many of the elaborate props, sets and costumes are designed and made by community members and parent volunteers. / Photo by David Welton
    Many of the elaborate props, sets and costumes are designed and made by community members and parent volunteers. / Photo by David Welton

     

    There are more than a few tricks and surprises in store for audiences at “The Nutcracker.” / Photo by David Welton
    There are more than a few tricks and surprises in store for audiences at “The Nutcracker.” / Photo by David Welton

    David Welton is a retired physician and staff photographer for Whidbey Life magazine.

    __________________

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  • Signs Of The Season – ‘Holiday Happenings’ through Dec. 20

    Signs Of The Season – ‘Holiday Happenings’ through Dec. 20

    BY KATY SHANER
    Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
    December 2, 2015

    With all there is to do on Whidbey Island this holiday season, you may find it a challenge to choose. But go for it… And enjoy! It’s the holidays!

    Turn that page on your calendar and start filling it in. The first week in December is the true meaning of abundance.

    20151128_110231_resized
    Ashley Morrison and Ed Halloran Rotary Club of Whidbey-Westside (photo by Katy Shaner)

    Want a Christmas tree or a wreath? Every day, from 11a.m. – 6 p.m. through Dec. 20, you can choose a tree and/or wreath at the Rotary Club of Whidbey-Westside lot at Bayview Rd. and SR 525, Langley. The proceeds help support the South Whidbey High School girls’ basketball team.

    Friday–Sunday, Dec. 4-6

    Start your weekend from 7 to 10 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4 with a “Holiday Hoedown” at Greenbank Farm, a Barn dance with the live music of PETE. And don’t forget “First Friday” from 5 to 7 p.m. as all farm businesses stay open late for visitors. Plus check out the special Santa events for the kids. http://greenbankfarm.biz/calendar-2015/.

    “A Dickens’ Christmas Carol (A Traveling Travesty in Two Tumultuous Acts)” will be presented at Whidbey Playhouse in Oak Harbor from 7:30 to 10 p.m. on weekends, Friday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 20. Matinee Sundays are at 2:30 p.m. In this play within a play, the “Stykes-Upon-Thump Repertory Co. Inc.” rolls into town to perform Charles Dickens’ “A Christmas Carol” for the umpteenth time on their road show tour. Led by Sir Selsdon Piddock, they find their way through snowstorms and battling divas to the grand finale to bring their audience a Merry Christmas Caper that will lighten hearts and warm the spirit.

    “Signs of the Season” Decorations in front of the Braeburn, Langley (photo by Katy Shaner)
    Holiday balls and Swag in Langley (photo by Katy Shaner)

    Whidbey Island Community Orchestra, led by conductor Cynthia Morrow, will perform a Holiday concert at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4 at St. Augustine’s-in-the-Woods on Honeymoon Bay Rd. in Freeland. Admission is free (but donations to support the orchestra are accepted). Bring a non-perishable food donation for the Food Bank to help those less fortunate this holiday season.

    Join the Whidbey Community Chorus in celebrating the advent of Christmas at their annual holiday concerts at 7 p.m. on Friday, Dec. 4, and 4 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 6 at the First United Methodist Church on SE Ireland Street, Oak Harbor. Admission is free, but donations are very gratefully accepted.

    5K Run or a Walk?

    You have two opportunities during the first weekend of December.

    Head over to Camp Casey and Fort Casey State Park on Saturday, Dec. 5 for the Jingle Trail 5k Fun Run and Walk from 9 a.m. to noon. The race begins at 10 a.m. Be sure to join in the warm-up exercises with Harada Physical Therapy. Snacks will be available following the race.

    On Sunday, Dec. 6, (with a check-in time at 9 a.m. and start-time at 10 a.m.), join the Elf Chase 5k Run and Walk at SW Parks and Recreation’s Community Park on Maxwelton Rd. Join in a morning of running, walking (dogs on leash are welcome), and elf chasing!

    Do you enjoy shopping locally?

    Bayview Winter Market at the Bayview Community Hall (photo by Katy Shaner)
    Bayview Winter Market at the Bayview Community Hall (photo by Katy Shaner)

    There are markets providing produce, baked goods, hot foods, crafted items and artwork. Visit Bayview Winter Market in Bayview Community Hall, Langley from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. every Saturday through Dec. 19. And stop in the Hummingbird Farm–Oak Harbor Winter Market from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. on Saturdays through Dec. 19. The market is located at the intersection of Zylstra and Ft. Nugent Roads in Oak Harbor, within Hummingbird Farm’s covered and snug greenhouse solariums. If weather permits, play a game of bocce ball, picnic and stroll about the Farm.

    Plus, don’t forget the “Holiday Market on Pioneer” in Oak Harbor from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5—with arts, crafts, food and more. Shop for gifts made by local vendors. Watch for the special appearances from Santa.

    Here come the parades!

    Langley’s Holly Jolly Parade starts at 11 a.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. Musicians, service and youth groups, pets, families and floats will march up and down First and Second St. Later in the afternoon, many businesses will be open late for a festive evening’s “Holiday Shop and Stroll,” as locals and visitors alike shop while enjoying Langley’s First Saturday Art Walk from 5 to 7 p.m.

    Further up the island, the Greening of Coupeville Christmas Lights Parade, Tree Lighting and Carol Singing will begin at 4:15 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5. Santa arrives in Coupeville, bringing music and floats along with him. Be sure to stick around for Oak Harbor Yacht Club’s Christmas Boat Parade of Lights along the Harbor.

    Enjoy music?

    Holiday balls and Swag in Langley (photo by Katy Shaner)
    Decorations in front of the Braeburn (photo by Katy Shaner)

    The Saratoga Orchestra’s Holiday Concert “Peter and the Wolf,” Prokofiev’s timeless classic, will be held at the Coupeville High School Commons from 1 – 2:30 p.m. on Saturday, Dec. 5, in conjunction with the Greening of Coupeville. This is a free family friendly event! Participate in the Saratoga Orchestra’s fun and unique “Instrument Petting Zoo,” where the young and young-at-heart have a chance to get up-close- and-personal with the instruments of the orchestra.

    Feel like some comedy and laughs? Try Comedy Island’s Holiday Improv Show at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 5 at the Black Box Theater, located at Langley’s Island County Fairgrounds. Exercise your funny bone as Tony Caldwell, Marian Myszkowski, Erick Westphal and LuAnn Wolfe make up scenes and sketches based on audience suggestions.

    And all of that is just the first week in December! There’s more to come as we head into week two! So remember all the events that continue on through this week, but add in these new events.

    Friday-Sunday, Dec. 11-13

    ‘Twas In The Moon Of Wintertime – Songs Of The Season will be presented at 7 p.m. Friday, Dec. 11 at Langley United Methodist Church with Mathew Habib, tenor and Sheila Weidendorf, piano. Celebrate the season with this concert that includes selections from Handel’s “Messiah,” “He Shall Feed His Flock” and “Every Valley” and perennial Christmas favorites such as “I Wonder as I Wander” and “What Child is This?” Nothing heralds Christmastide quite like music!

    Whidbey Island Dance Theatre’s dazzling production of “The Nutcracker” is an Island holiday favorite. Friday, Dec. 11 through Sunday, Dec. 13 and Dec. 18 through Dec.19, with evening shows starting at 7:30 p.m. and 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Don’t forget; it’s all about “the excitement of watching twinkling lights rise ever higher on a magical tree. The thrill of being swept away by snowflakes to a faraway land. No holiday season is complete without a trip to the Land of Enchantment!”

    Sweet Mona’s Chocolate Boutique (photo by Katy Shaner)
    Sweet Mona’s Chocolate Boutique (photo by Katy Shaner)

    Decorating sugar cookies and ginger bread is a tradition this time of year. From 11 a.m. to 1 p.m. and 1:30 – 3:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13, Sweet Mona’s Chocolate Boutique is holding Gingerbread and Sugar Cookie Decorating Classes. Reserve a space and be creative as you decorate a tasty treat.

    Whidbey Institute Holiday Concert – “May Peace Be” is scheduled for 5 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 13. This musical celebration of the winter holidays and the return of the light features the Open Circle Community Choir, Randy Hudson and the Heggeness Valley Boys, poet Judith Adams and the SW5 A Cappella Group in Thomas Berry Hall.

    Friday-Sunday, Dec. 18-20

    Weekend three is here, Dec. 18 – 20, and brings us to the last week of events to share. It’s almost the Solstice Yule and Christmas and two concerts are scheduled.

    Joyeux Noël – Celebrate a French Christmas with Island Consort will be presented at 4 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 20 at Langley United Methodist Church. Celebrate “un Noël Francais” with this concert of French early music, including instrumental works by Boismortier and Couperin, a trio sonata by Michel Corrette with flutist Kimberly Breilein, a Lully chaconne, a Campra cantate with soprano Fumi Tagata, and featuring Marc-Antoine Charpentier’s Messe de Minuit pour Noël with the Island Consort Singers, conducted by Dr. Dianne Vars.

    Decorated Tree, Langley (photo by Katy Shaner)
    Decorated Tree, Langley (photo by Katy Shaner)

    Whidbey Island Center for the Arts will present – Solstice Concert: Duo Flamenco – Eric and Encarnación – Flamenco En Navidad from 7:30 to 9:30 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 20. Poet Judith Adams will be a special guest. This is a one-of-a-kind holiday concert with Eric and Encarnación, the internationally renowned flamenco duo known for the deep connection and intense energy that permeates their live performances.

    Gather together, reach out and welcome into your lives the many Holiday Happenings available this season on Whidbey Island.

    Katy Shaner is the volunteer coordinator and manager of the Visitor Information Kiosk. Shaner writes the weekly “What’s Happening” and monthly “Gallery Watch” for the WLM “Flash.” For greater detail on each of the events mentioned in this article, go to the December weekly “What’s Happening.”

    __________________

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  • Dance, Community and Artistry over 23 Years: Whidbey Island Dance Theater’s ‘The Nutcracker’

    Dance, Community and Artistry over 23 Years: Whidbey Island Dance Theater’s ‘The Nutcracker’

    BY LISA KOIS
    Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
    December 9, 2015

    “The Nutcracker” opens Friday, Dec. 11 and runs through Sunday, Dec. 20 at South Whidbey High School Performing Arts Center. For more information and tickets, visit http://www.widtonline.org/.

    If you think Whidbey Island Dance Theater’s (WIDT) “The Nutcracker” is just another cheesy, small-town production of an overdone holiday classic, you are mistaken. The only cheese to be found in this production is in the Battle Scene of Act One, when two toy soldiers wield a large block of it. The soldiers, who have come to life to defend the young protagonist, Clara, from the wicked Rat King and its minions, successfully entice two of the pesky (albeit adorable) knee-knocking and tail-swinging baby mice onto the electric-car-sized mousetrap. Snap goes the trap, and off they go as the battle continues.

    Grace Colby as The Rat King. (Photo by David Welton)
    Grace Colby as The Rat King   (photo by David Welton)

    In the same way that Whidbey Island “small town” blends committed localism with a cosmopolitan flare, WIDT’s homegrown Nutcracker combines strong community rootedness with sophistication. Filled with insects and forest creatures, tap dancing, acrobatics and ballet, WIDT’s “The Nutcracker” is a local take on the classic ballet story and includes professional dancing, stunning sets, ingenious props and elaborate costumes.

    WIDT Company dancer Faith O’Brochta with choreographer and guest dancer Bojohn Diciple, (Photo by David Welton)
    WIDT Company dancer Faith O’Brochta with choreographer and guest dancer Bojohn Diciple   (photo by David Welton)

    “It’s the best of both worlds,” explained Co-Assistant Artistic Director Britany Falso. “You get to see super cute little kids, and you get to see professional dancing.”

    Falso, following her studies at Cornish College of the Arts, now dances professionally with DASS Dance in Seattle. Although this is her first year as assistant artistic director, she has years of experience with WIDT’s ‘The Nutcracker’ and has danced almost every role. Like many young dancers who begin to dance soon after they begin to walk, Falso began dancing at the age of three at Island Dance and Gymnastics and eventually spent eight years as a member of WIDT’s pre-professional dance company.

    What keeps professional dancers and choreographers like Falso coming back? “I don’t know what it is exactly. There’s something magical,” said Falso. “I can’t help but want to be involved. It’s my community. I just love it.”

    “The Nutcracker” inspires loyalty amongst the entire cast and crew. There are 76 cast members this year. Some have performed for as many as 20 years. Even the young dancers have danced consecutively for three, five, eight or ten years.

    Charlene Brown, founder of WIDT and Island Dance, is a large part of that magic, and one of the reasons dancers return. Although Brown engenders love and loyalty amongst her dancers and the community, she is quick to point to the large cast of WIDT board members, dancers, artists, parents and children who create the magic year after year. “Without their dedication and sacrifice to commit to our show, there wouldn’t be one,” Brown said. It’s her 23rd year producing “The Nutcracker.”

    “You’ve got to get your kicks up,” yelled Brown at the first onstage rehearsal for the 2015 production of the holiday classic. On this particular Saturday, there was no heat in the high school auditorium, and dancers were bundled. It was also cold and flu season, and many of the dancers were battling colds. Nonetheless, they pirouetted, chasséd and jetéd across the stage. They were there to rehearse, even if they couldn’t breathe.

    Foot attire in an unheated auditorium. (Photo by David Welton)
    Foot attire in an unheated auditorium   (photo by David Welton)

    During rehearsals, the much-loved Brown watched every move and coached dancers, young and old. The youngest dancer is five years old, the oldest over 70. WIDT company dancers are middle- and high-school age.

    “Don’t itch or twitch!” Brown reminded the “itty-bittys,” as she affectionately calls the youngest dancers. Rehearsals are long—for some, as long as seven hours—and require extreme focus, athleticism, endurance and grace.

    Members of the Whidbey Island Dance Theater, a local pre-professional dance company. (Photo by David Welton)
    Members of the Whidbey Island Dance Theater, a local pre-professional dance company    (photo by David Welton)

    What makes WIDT’s version of “The Nutcracker” special is what Falso calls “our twist on the story. It’s more Whidbey Island-esque. Ours is more of an enchanted forest, with dragonflies, bees, butterflies, swallowtails and forest creatures. We have traditional elements, but there is always something new and different.”

    This year, there’s a new Godfather Drosselmeyer as Ethan Berkley takes on the iconic role for the first time. When asked how his Drosselmeyer will differ from Lars Larson’s much loved Drosselmeyer, a role Larson played for six years, Berkley thought for a moment, laughed and replied, “I have a beard.”

    Ethan Berkley as Godfather Drosselmeyer practices his magic. (Photo by David Welton)
    Ethan Berkley as Godfather Drosselmeyer practices his magic.   (photo by David Welton)

    “Do you know the series “Doctor Who”? I feel like I am stepping in as the new Doctor,” explained Berkley, who comes from a theater background. Berkley is used to spoken lines and cues. He admits that he sometimes makes up lyrics and sings along in his head. As a ballet, “The Nutcracker” traditionally contains no dialogue.

    When asked about other new aspects this year, Brown said she is excited to unveil the snow castle that artist and parent-volunteer Val Haggenes designed, built and painted. “Parents like Val—and there are many—keep our show moving forward,” said Brown.

    This year, WIDT has teamed up with Good Cheer and South Whidbey and Coupeville School Districts in an effort to provide more than 500 free tickets to children and families who would otherwise not be able to attend the show.  To give a gift of “The Nutcracker,” visit the WIDT website.

    Lisa Kois, co-founder of the arts and nature based Calyx School, once doubted that the WIDT version of “The Nutcracker” was as good as friends and family said. She was mistaken. For more information about The Calyx School, visit: calyxcommunityartsschool.wordpress.com.

    _______________________

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  • Beyond the Crypt: Lani Brockman Directs ‘The Addams Family: A Musical’

    Beyond the Crypt: Lani Brockman Directs ‘The Addams Family: A Musical’

    BY KATIE WOODZICK
    Whidbey Life Magazine contributor
    December 2, 2015

    “They’re creepy and they’re kooky,
    Mysterious and spooky,
    They’re all together ooky,
    The Addams Family.”

    The Addams Family first appeared in 1938 as a single-panel cartoon in The New Yorker. Over 100 more cartoons appeared in The New Yorker and other publications until creator Charles Addams’ death in 1988.

    The cartoons focused primarily on the glamorous matriarch, Morticia, and her husband, Gomez, and featured their children, Wednesday and Pugsley, as well as Uncle Fester, Grandma and their butler, Lurch. What distinguished the family was their love of the macabre.

    Whidbey's "Addams Family" — From left to right: Erica Major (Wednesday), Austin Morehouse (Pugsley), Jennifer Bondelid (Morticia), Kevin Lynch (Lurch), Jim Castaneda (Gomez), Kent Junge (Fester) and Melanie Bacon (Grandma) recreate the iconic Addams Family portrait. (photo by David Welton)
    Whidbey’s “Addams Family”  –  Left to right: Erica Major (Wednesday), Austin Morehouse (Pugsley), Jennifer Bondelid (Morticia), Kevin Lynch (Lurch), Jim Castaneda (Gomez), Kent Junge (Fester) and Melanie Bacon (Grandma) recreate the iconic Addams Family portrait. (photo by David Welton)

    In 1964, The Addams Family was developed into a live-action television series for ABC, shot in black and white. Caroline Thompson and Larry Wilson wrote a feature-length film in 1991 that featured Angelica Huston as Morticia, Raúl Juliá as Gomez and Christopher Lloyd as Uncle Fester.

    Composer and lyricist Andrew Lippa began developing a musical inspired by The Addams Family in 2007. It premiered on Broadway in 2010, starring Bebe Neuwirth as Morticia and Nathan Lane as Gomez. The plot of the musical centers on Wednesday, who has just turned 18 and has fallen in love with a “normal” young man. The ensemble is comprised of ghosts of the Addams Family’s ancestors, who are banned from returning to their crypt unless they help Wednesday and her new boyfriend.

    When the rights became available for non-professional performance, Lani Brockman, the Founding Artistic Director of Studio East in Kirkland, secured them for her students. She directed the musical at Studio East in March of this year.

    Lani Brockman directs Austin Morehouse (Pugsley) in a scene while Kevin Lynch (Lurch) looks on. (photo by David Welton)
    Lani Brockman directs Austin Morehouse (Pugsley) in a scene while Kevin Lynch (Lurch) looks on. (photo by David Welton)

    Starting with one theater program for teens in 1992, Studio East has become one of the largest children’s theater training programs in the Seattle area. Today, between the Studio’s camps and classes and its professional, adult touring arm, StoryBook Theater, Studio East serves over 70,000 people annually.

    Brockman said she was drawn to the dark, silly humor of the musical. When she was younger, she enjoyed the television series, particularly Cousin It and Morticia’s dry sense of humor.

    Finding a passion for storytelling at an early age, Brockman wrote, directed and acted in fractured versions of fairy tales, inviting neighbors to be the audience. Her talents blossomed into a life-long passion for training youth actors, which inspired her to found Studio East.

    “I believe that youth are capable of doing just about anything if given support, parameters, tools and constructive criticism,” she said emphatically. “I had that experience as a teen and became passionate about creating a place where other young people might have that opportunity.”

     

    Jennifer Bondelid (Morticia) gets ready in the dressing room. (photo by David Welton)
    Jennifer Bondelid (Morticia) gets ready in the dressing room. (photo by David Welton)

    No stranger to Whidbey Island, Brockman has directed four shows at Whidbey Children’s Theater over the last 10 years: two productions of “Quilters,” “I Never Saw Another Butterfly” and “Last Exit.” She was presented with the opportunity to direct “The Addams Family” again this December at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts.

    Some of her students who played leading roles in the Studio East production have joined the cast of the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts production. The young actors often carpool with Brockman, running lines and singing music from the show in her car.

    Erica Major, who played Grandma at Studio East, portrays Wednesday Addams in this production. She has worked with Brockman for three years.

    “Lani is absolutely wonderful to work with, “ Major said. “She is incredibly encouraging and gives you space to learn your character, but provides enough support so that you challenge yourself.”

     

    Jennifer Bondelid (Morticia) and Jim Castaneda (Gomez) prepare to rehearse the tango. (photo by David Welton)
    Jennifer Bondelid (Morticia) and Jim Castaneda (Gomez) prepare to rehearse the tango. (photo by David Welton)

    Brockman’s students go on to work with Seattle theatres. John Han, who played Uncle Fester in the Studio East production, is a soldier in the ensemble and is slated to play Mr. Twimble and Wally Womper in 5th Avenue’s upcoming Rising Star production of “How to Succeed in Business without Really Trying.”

    “Lani encourages you to go out and pursue your passions professionally,” Han said. “Studio East not only provides a safe environment for students to learn, but also to express yourself creatively without judgment.”

    Brockman is excited to share this show with Whidbey audiences. She believes that audiences will delight in the fun, feel-good nature of the musical.

    Wednesday (Erica Major) gives her fiance Lucas (Marshall Link) an ultimatum accompanied by her crossbow.
    Wednesday (Erica Major) gives her fiance Lucas (Marshall Link) an ultimatum accompanied by her crossbow.    (photo by David Welton)

    “This is a really complex show with moving walls that represent different locations, both inside the Addams mansion as well as outside in Central Park. The ancestors move them from location to location and these actors need to know their stuff!” Brockman said, giving praise. “I am amazed at the professionalism this cast has shown.”

    “The Addams Family: A Musical” opens Friday, Dec. 4 through Sunday, Dec. 19 at Whidbey Island Center for the Arts in Langley. For more info and tickets, go to http://www.wicaonline.org/events-calendar-view/2015/12/4/the-addams-family

    Learn more about Studio East here: http://studio-east.org/.

    Katie Woodzick works at Hedgebrook as an External Relations Manager. She is also an actor and director who can be seen on local stages and the host of the Theatrical Mustang podcast: theatricalmustang.podbean.com. Next up: Alice in “The Addams Family: A Musical.”

    __________________

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    WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

  • In Search of Truth and Beauty || Life is but a dream—Somewhere over the rainbow

    In Search of Truth and Beauty || Life is but a dream—Somewhere over the rainbow

    BY JONI TAKANIKOS
    November 18, 2015

    Anyone who lives or visits Whidbey Island enters a magical realm, a pure realm. If you doubt this statement, and you are here on Whidbey right now, then go outside and take a deep breath of pure, sweet island air.

    That is the proof of purity but what about the magic?

    Step through the door to enter the quantum field. I encourage you to look at the properties of entanglement through the quantum lens. My everyday explanation is this: quantum entanglement shows that the universe is pure and all that arises from this field is a “matter” of consciousness. It is very probable that we do, to a very real extent, “create our reality.” Even our notion of time may be an illusion.

    From the Beyond (photo by Gina Burja Simpson)
    From the Beyond (photo by Gina Burja Simpson)

    Our Whidbey universe has pure air and compassionate entanglements. We have many nonprofit organizations that are mostly, if not all, volunteer-run. Lynn Willeford, one of the owners of our great Langley movie house, The Clyde Theatre, has been a driving force behind many community non-profits here. One is Hearts and Hammers, http://www.heartsandhammers.com; another is Friends of Friends Medical Support Fund, http://www.fofmedicalsupportfund.org.

    Lynn is at it again with a new organization that will soon be launched called South Whidbey at Home. It will help people who want to stay in their homes as they age. For more information and updates on South Whidbey at Home contact mailto:southwhidbeyathome@whidbey.com.

    So in this field where we share the fruits of compassion and generosity, we are forever changed both individually and collectively. This heartfelt connection brings together a diverse group of people who share the commonality of envisioning a thriving community regardless of religious or political affiliations.

    These organization and others like them serve as pollinators for our schools and our arts organizations and further inspire us as individuals from all arenas of life. We partake of the bucolic nature of our rural beauty alongside the vistas of great theatre, amazing literary and musical events and a vibrant visual arts scene. Many of our local artists create work that is seen, heard and read on a much larger scale than our magical realm.

    Illumination (photo by Gina Burja Simpson)
    Illumination (photo by Gina Burja Simpson)

    These magic molecules are drifting across mountains, oceans and rivers. Many international artists, from all disciplines, choose Whidbey as a place to incubate new work, to teach and to be inspired and “entangled” in our field because here, in this pure and magical realm, “dreams really do come true.”

    During the month of October I experienced the double happiness of collaborating with my fellow artists twice. We created two lovely shows at Ott and Murphy’s Wine Tasting Room and Cabaret Stage in downtown Langley. Both cabarets combined the forces of music and literature around these universal themes: “Blame it on the Moon”and “I Put a Spell on You.” The latter  made for a spellbinding Hallow’s Eve.

    Both cabarets had stages set by the magic hands of Julie Cunha, and the Cabaret Room at OM (as many of us call it) is modeled on the ambience of a Parisian cabaret and captures the atmosphere perfectly. The players involved in one or both of these dynamic evenings included David Ossman, Judith Walcutt, Eric Vanderbilt Matthews, Robert Marsanyi, Siri Bardarson, Patricia Duff, Stephen Roxborough, Natasha Nichols, Julie Cunha, Beverly Graham, Max Cole-Takanikos, Christine Tasseff, Nancy Nolan, Lucinda Herring and lucky me! I need to add that the audience is a finely tuned instrument of its own and during both cabarets the audience collaborated on a lovely poem of its own. Here we have quantum entanglement of the highest degree.

    Following on the heels of our glorious Halloween cabaret, Whidbey Island Center for the Arts hosted the festival of Dia de los Muertos, featuring the life and work of Frida Kahlo. I have been a long-time admirer of Kahlo’s art and I find her writing to be quite passionate and beautiful. It was a gift for me to have the opportunity to share Kahlo’s  words in such a lovely setting.

    In Memory
    In Memory (photo by Gina Burja Simpson)

    Zech Hall was dressed for the occasion and included a traditional offrenda, a Mexican altar, so that the attendees could bring their own offerings of remembrance. The tech wizards of WICA also created a slide show of Kahlo’s work so that the audience could be completely immersed in her world. I was joined by David Ossman, who read from a letter by artist Diego Rivera regarding the nature of art and Stephen Roxborough, a poet from Anacortes, who read a poem he wrote after the death of his father.

    Coinciding with the WICA evening was the yearly event at Langley Woodman Cemetery to honor All Saints Day. The cemetery is open from early dusk through the evening and volunteers hand out luminaries that line the pathways and may be placed on the graves by friends and family. Many of the participants at Dia de los Muertos had spent the twilight at the cemetery before joining Frida and company at Zech Hall.

    All Saints Day and Dia de los Muertos also coincide with the Celtic festival of the dead, Samhain. Samhain is considered to be the Celtic New Year, and because our seasons here in the Pacific Northwest share many of the same hues and temperatures of Ireland and its surrounds, we too can feel the turning of the year as we enter the dark cave of the coming winter. Some would even say we have some fairy folks living in the Whidbey woods.

    In this particular field of heartfelt quantum entanglement, we are creating a time and space to celebrate diverse cultures through many fields. Last night I spent another light-filled evening at The Ott and Murphy Cabaret, this time listening to some fine jazz musicians giving us their unique and sensitive translations of the golden standards. The event was created by Kristi O’Donnell as an impromptu concert of gratitude. All of us who were listening to the fine music were grateful to have such a fine space to catch the shimmering notes wafting through the air.

    Kristi, who plays her golden bass—Emmy—heartfully, was joined by Keith Bowers and Greg Beck, both magicians on their guitars and Roger Bennett, who was a mesmerist on his drums. Larry Shafer, a vocalist more than reminiscent of the great Bing Crosby, took his musical turns with the audience and brought many of us to tears. I was also invited to perform three songs with this talented quartet, so you see—dreams really do come true. Musicians of this caliber might be in NYC, Seattle or even farther afield, but last night they were right here on Whidbey Island, pouring inspiration and gratitude throughout the fields.

    Dances With Angels
    Dances With Angels (photo by Gina Burja Simpson)

    Quantum entanglement is creating an environment that is conducive to art, compassion and boundless gratitude. I leave you with a few quotes from noted professors of physics as well as two spiritual leaders:

    _________

    “A fundamental conclusion of the new physics also acknowledges that the observer creates the reality. As observers, we are personally involved with the creation of our own reality. Physicists are being forced to admit that the universe is a ‘mental’ construction. Pioneering physicist Sir James Jeans wrote: ‘The stream of knowledge is heading toward a non-mechanical reality; the universe begins to look more like a great thought than like a great machine. Mind no longer appears to be an accidental intruder into the realm of matter; we ought rather hail it as the creator and governor of the realm of matter. Get over it, and accept the inarguable conclusion. The universe is immaterial-mental and spiritual.’” — R.C. Henry, Professor of Physics and Astronomy at Johns Hopkins University

    _________

    “I regard consciousness as fundamental. I regard matter as derivative from consciousness. We cannot get behind consciousness. Everything that we talk about, everything that we regard as existing, postulates consciousness.” — Max Planck, theoretical physicist who originated quantum theory, which won him the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1918

    _________

    “It was not possible to formulate the laws of quantum mechanics in a fully consistent way without reference to consciousness.” — Eugene Wigner, theoretical physicist and mathematician. He received a share of the Nobel Prize in Physics in 1963

    _________

    “We are what we think, all that we are arises with our thoughts, with our thoughts we make the world.” — Gautama Buddha

    _________

    “Broadly speaking, although there are some differences, I think Buddhist philosophy and Quantum Mechanics can shake hands on their view of the world. We can see in these great examples the fruits of human thinking. Regardless of the admiration we feel for these great thinkers, we should not lose sight of the fact that they were human beings just as we are.” —Dalai Lama

    Joni Takanikos continues her love affair with Whidbey Island. She is grateful to play in these fields with all of you, quantum and otherwise. She teaches yoga at Half Moon Yoga Studio in Langley Village.

    __________________

    CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

    WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

  • Spooky Ghosts and Creepy Crawlies Invade ‘Admiralty Head Lighthouse Haunted Fort’ on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24

    Spooky Ghosts and Creepy Crawlies Invade ‘Admiralty Head Lighthouse Haunted Fort’ on Oct. 23 and Oct. 24

    BY LARA DUNNING
    Whidbey Life Magazine Contributor
    October 21, 2015

    October’s final fall days feature scarecrows, jack-o’-lanterns and pails of candy. Add in two nights of eerie ghost tales in an historic lighthouse, Halloween games and a spine-shivering Haunted Fort with phantoms, zombies and witches and you’ve got a unique Whidbey Island experience. Just wend your way to “Admiralty Head Lighthouse Haunted Fort” at Fort Casey State Park between 6:30 and 10:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 23 and Saturday, Oct. 24 for frightful fun.

    More fun and frightful events 
    across the island are listed
    at the end of this article!

    haller house
    The ghost of this Civil War soldier hovers close to the historic Haller House. (photo by Martha McCartney)

    What do the
    Spooky Nights Entail?

    You’ll see a lit path guiding you from Fort Casey Historical Park’s picnic parking lot through the woods to the Lighthouse ticket booth. Individual admission is $7 or $25 for a family and all proceeds will go to restoring the Admiralty Head Lighthouse. From there, guests will choose their frightful delights.

    The main attraction is a 114-year-old gun battery’s gruesome underground chambers. Groups will enter its shocking rooms (too frightening to describe here!) and, hopefully, return in one piece. There will also be ghost stories told inside the Lighthouse, kid-friendly games like putt-putt and beanbag toss and a creepy crawly “Wild Worm World” sponsored by the Waste Wise Program will be on the lawn next to the lighthouse. Cotton candy, sodas and various flavors of waters may be purchased on-site.

    But Why a
    Haunted Fort?

    “Haunted fort—the words alone are enough to draw people here,” said Sharon Sharpe, Program Specialist for Washington State Parks, “and the lighthouse is a building that needs restoration. I thought: wouldn’t it be a great way to raise funds for its restoration?”

    street scarecrow
    Wooden scarecrows point the way along Scarecrow Corridor in Coupeville. (photo by Martha McCartney)

    Pressing restoration needs include repairing the exterior of the lighthouse, refinishing the wood floors and restoring a Fresnel lens. Managing restoration projects and coordinating around 45 volunteers is one of Sharpe’s many duties. When Sharpe put the call out for Haunted Fort volunteers, the positive response turned the idea into reality.

    “To me, this is really a community event,” Sharpe said as she watched over two dozen volunteer actors practice their roles in dress rehearsal. Under leader Ann Kugler’s direction, they moaned and groaned and stayed in character. “They’ve really come together to help,” Sharpe said. “This couldn’t happen without their support.”

    Over 60 volunteers will participate in Admiralty Head Lighthouse Haunted Fort—in a range of roles from parking lot attendants to storytellers to ghoulish guides—to provide a wickedly good evening.

    Now the Question Is:
    Will you Dare to be Scared??

    (Please note the Haunted Fort is recommended for individuals aged 10 and above; guides recommend children in the younger range of that age bracket be accompanied by an adult.)

    Also, if you have a Discover Pass, please display it after parking, as the Park will be paying for cars that don’t show permits while attending the event.

    For more information about Admiralty Head Lighthouse, including directions to the Fort Casey Park, click on http://washingtonlighthouses.org/admiralty-head-lighthouse/. Also see the article in the new Fall/Winter print issue of Whidbey Life Magazine, on sale now throughout the island or subscribe online by clicking here now.

    Other Whidbey Island
    Halloween Activities:

    October: Scarecrow Corridor, Coupeville (find more scarecrows like the ones in the photos for this article)

    Oct. 23: Boys & Girls Club Frightville, Boys & Girls Club, Oak Harbor

    Oct. 23 & 24, 30 & 31: Coupeville’s Haunted Corn Maze, Engle Family Farm, Coupeville

    Oct. 23 & 24, 30 & 31: Sherman’s Pioneer Farm Haunted Barn, Sherman Farm, Coupeville

    Oct. 24: Pumpkin Painting, Pacific Northwest Art School, Coupeville

    Oct. 24: Apple Day and Mutt Strut, Bayview Corner, Langley

    Oct. 24: Halloween Torchlight Parade, Cooks Corner Park, Coupeville

    bayleaf
    Scary Jack-O’-Lantern Totem stands tall near Bayleaf Deli in Coupeville. (photo by Martha McCartney)

    Oct. 24: Monster Mash Street Bash, Midway Blvd., Oak Harbor

    Oct. 25: The Great Pumpkin Race, Alexander between Coveland and Front Street, Coupeville

    Oct. 26: Haunted Houses of Annapolis, Coupeville Library, Coupeville

    Oct. 30: Boo Lala! Burlesque Halloween Weekend, Whidbey Island Center for Arts, Langley

    Oct. 31: Bloody Beer & Scary Cider Tasting, The Tipsy Gourmet, Langley

    Oct. 31: No Tricks Safe Treats, businesses along Pioneer Way, 5 to 7 p.m., Oak Harbor

    Oct. 31: Halloween Spooktacular: Downtown Langley, 2:30 p.m. to 5 p.m.

    Oct. 31: Halloween Dance and Benefit, Coupeville Rec Hall, Coupeville

    Oct. 31: Halloween Murder Mystery, Langley Golf & Banquet Centre, Langley

    Oct. 31: Frida Kahlo Dia de los Meurtos, Whidbey Island Center for the Arts, Langley

    Image at top: A skullish scarecrow is part of the assemblage by the Coupeville Garden Club at Cook Park.   (photo by Martha McCartney)

    Lara Dunning is a freelance writer. She has been published in The Crossing Guide, Anacortes Chamber’s Around Town and Waggoner’s Pacific Northwest Boating. Her interests include young adult novels, history, hiking and locavore inspired food.

    __________________

    CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

    WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

  • Reflections of the Island Shakespeare Festival Company

    Reflections of the Island Shakespeare Festival Company

    BY OLENA HODGES
    Whidbey Life Magazine Guest Contributor
    Photos by Michael Stadler, photo collages by Olena Hodges
    Sept. 9, 2015

    As our 2015 season winds to a close and many company members prepare to depart, it’s easy to feel a bit nostalgic.  For those of us who’ve been part of ISF’s growth over the past six seasons, it’s incredible to think of what’s changed in just a few years.  We know we are part of a uniquely beautiful beast, and we each have our reasons for coming back every summer to play Shakespeare with our tribe of merry madcaps.

    Olena Hodges

    My journey with Island Shakespeare Festival began in 2010, when I returned home to Whidbey Island after graduating from Circle in the Square Theater School in New York, NY.  I wasn’t sure of my next steps, and was excited at the prospect of auditioning for a production of “As You Like It,” to be played in the woods.  I knew I wanted to pursue a career in classic theater, particularly Shakespeare, and what a fantastic way to begin!  I was cast as Rosalind in our inaugural production, and have enjoyed some incredible opportunities to play some of Shakespeare’s most courageous and empowering women since.

    Olena Hodges in Much Ado About Nothing (Beatrice, 2013), The Tempest (Ariel, 2015), Romeo and Juliet (Juliet, 2011), As You Like It (Rosalind, 2010), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena, 2012).
    Olena Hodges in Much Ado About Nothing (Beatrice, 2013), The Tempest (Ariel, 2015), Romeo and Juliet (Juliet, 2011), As You Like It (Rosalind, 2010), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Helena, 2012).

    What I love about this company is that we don’t forget where we came from.  While we’ve outgrown our original location, the beautiful Storyhouse stage on the Chinook land in Clinton, we continue to reminisce and pass the stories of those first years on to new company members.  I will never forget our cast circle before our opening performance of “As You Like It,” when Rose, completely unsure of what to expect (we were literally in the middle of the woods—the hike up to the stage from the parking lot was short but steep!) said to us “if we have as many people in the audience as we have on stage, we’re doing the show!”  We were all shocked when we couldn’t count the number in the audience.  We continue to be astounded by our growing audiences.  But we will always be a hands-on company of passionate artists who love sharing these timeless stories of the human condition with our community and beyond.  We more than love to do this—we are a company who feel a necessity continue the prehistoric tradition of storytelling.

    Miles Harrison 

    Miles Harrison in Romeo and Juliet (Balthasar, 2011), The Three Musketeers (Athos, 2015), Much Ado About Nothing (Don Jon, 2013), The Tempest (Antonio, 2015), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetrius, 2012)
    Miles Harrison in Romeo and Juliet (Balthasar, 2011), The Three Musketeers (Athos, 2015), Much Ado About Nothing (Don Jon, 2013), The Tempest (Antonio, 2015), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Demetrius, 2012).

    I have chosen to return to ISF from as far away as MA because of the Artistic Integrity maintained by both the cast and crew, as well as the incredible community that Whidbey fosters within these casts. The natural beauty of Whidbey, the generous contributions of community members housing actors, Good Cheer Food Bank and volunteer staff are just some of the support that makes for a unique and touching bond amongst the cast. We in turn get to share that bond, via the stories told, with the community that supports us. I’ve been working since I was 13 years old and this is the best job I’ve ever had.

    Morgan Bondelid 

    morgancollage
    Morgan Bondelid in The Three Musketeers (Ensemble, 2015), Richard III (Queen Elizabeth, 2014), Much Ado About Nothing (Verges, 2013) and The Tempest (Gonzalo, 2015).

    Why I keep coming back to ISF is not something I can adequately put into words. There’s the far-too-rare opportunity to perform Shakespeare; the talented and dedicated acting company; the raw, beautiful, utterly unpredictable nature of outdoor theater. And then, “herding all of the cats,” there’s our fearless leader Rose Woods, whose fierce passion and indefatigable nature inspires devotion. All of these elements combine into something ineffable that lives perpetually in my heart whether or not I’m actively in the company.

    Ahna Dunn-Wilder 

    Ahna Dunn-Wilder in Richard III (Ensemble, 2014), Much Ado About Nothing (Hero, 2013), The Taming of the Shrew (Bianca, 2014), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Snug, 2012), and The Three Musketeers (Ensemble, 2015)
    Ahna Dunn-Wilder in Richard III (Ensemble, 2014), Much Ado About Nothing (Hero, 2013), The Taming of the Shrew (Bianca, 2014), A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Snug, 2012), and The Three Musketeers (Ensemble, 2015).

    Through ISF I have found an incredible and meaningful family. The atmosphere and culture that Rose Woods cultivates as a director carries into our rehearsals, relationships, and ultimately makes for incredible and touching theater for all who witness it. I am so grateful for the deep inspiration and love I have received as a part of ISF. What an fantastic company to be a part of!

    Andrew Fling 

    andycollage
    Andrew Fling in A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Bottom, 2012), The Tempest (Alonso, 2015) and The Three Musketeers (Duke of Buckingham, Treville and others, 2015).

    This is my second year at ISF. My first was 2012’s Midsummer Night’s Dream. Both summers at the festival have been pure magic, and if you knew how much of a stoic and skeptic I can be, you’d know I don’t use that term lightly. The people I’ve worked with at the festival, the work we’ve done and the island itself is like another world to me. I have said and can say again that this summer has been the best time of my life, hands down, and though I must wait two years to do so, I anticipate my return with a great deal of excitement.

    Valerie Huntington 

    Valerie Huntington in The Taming of the Shrew (Biondello, 2014), The Three Musketeers (Queen Ann and others, 2015), Romeo and Juliet (Peter, 2011), The Tempest (Caliban, 2015), Richard III (Ensemble, 2014), and Much Ado About Nothing (Margaret, 2013)
    Valerie Huntington in The Taming of the Shrew (Biondello, 2014), The Three Musketeers (Queen Ann and others, 2015), Romeo and Juliet (Peter, 2011), The Tempest (Caliban, 2015), Richard III (Ensemble, 2014), and Much Ado About Nothing (Margaret, 2013).

    Meeting a group of people, some old faces some new, who are all here for the same purpose, to work and strive to give art, FREE art; that’s why I return. Because here, for the past five years that I have been blessed to be a part of this company, we give it our all; all love, passion, energy, time. We all are here working together.

    Laurel Livezey

    Laurel Livezey in Much Ado About Nothing (Ursula, 2013), The Tempest (Elemental, 2015), and The Three Musketeers (Ensemble, 2015)
    Laurel Livezey in Much Ado About Nothing (Ursula, 2013), The Tempest (Elemental, 2015), and The Three Musketeers (Ensemble, 2015).

    I was brought into Island Shakespeare Festival purely on faith two seasons ago and I believe that has been the greatest lesson I have learned from this company. The artists with whom I have worked have an incredible faith in each other and the work we do, and because of that, we have all grown in unexpected and beautiful ways. As I explore life and future artistic endeavors, I will always consider ISF my home base and my family.

    Zora Lungren 

    Zora Lungren in The Three Musketeers (Constance and others, 2015), Richard III (Lady Anne Neville, 2014), The Taming of the Shrew (Nathanial/Saloon Wench, 2014), and The Tempest (Elemental, 2015)
    Zora Lungren in The Three Musketeers (Constance and others, 2015), Richard III (Lady Anne Neville, 2014), The Taming of the Shrew (Nathanial/Saloon Wench, 2014), and The Tempest (Elemental, 2015).

    I was so excited to come back to the island this summer. I had such a blast last season; we had an amazing cast and incredible shows and both were so well received by the community. There was no question in my mind that I would want to come back. The shows are so different this season, we’re in a new space and have lots of new faces. We have battled weather and heatstroke and bugs! But we have had so much fun doing it! The island is my home; it has given me so much. I love giving back what I can through free Shakespeare.

    Melanie Lowey 

    Melanie Lowey in The Three Musketeers (Milady, 2015), The Taming of the Shrew (Katherine, 2014), Much Ado About Nothing (Antonia, 2013), Richard III (Ensemble, 2014), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Snout, 2012)
    Melanie Lowey in The Three Musketeers (Milady, 2015), The Taming of the Shrew (Katherine, 2014), Much Ado About Nothing (Antonia, 2013), Richard III (Ensemble, 2014), and A Midsummer Night’s Dream (Snout, 2012).

    ISF’s first production was As You Like It (2010); things were a bit different then. We didn’t have Henry the tent, or even a place to call home. The company itself is Rose Woods’s brainchild; she simply possessed the passion, experience, and will to inspire others to give what they had to make some Shakespeare happen. The entire South Whidbey community was so gracious to us. The Hulls created a stage on their land, which required a lot of labor; Rose, the actors, ISF volunteers and Timothy Hull did much of this work themselves. Whidbey Children’s Theater lent us a lot of costume pieces, rehearsal and storage space; artists donated their time and resources for set decoration, props and costuming. It was a largely collaborative endeavor. We had no idea whether or not people would come see us. But they came in droves, which told us that—hurrah!—we probably could keep making shows each summer. Though we have changed locations, acquired a tent and a board of directors, and while the company grows by leaps and bounds and more and more audience comes to see us, the core passion that created the company remains unchanged. I am proud to have been part of each and every production since ISF’s inception. I can’t wait to see what happens next.

    Ken Stephens 

    Ken Stephens in The Taming of the Shrew (Gremio, 2014), and The Three Musketeers (Rochefort, 2015)
    Ken Stephens in The Taming of the Shrew (Gremio, 2014), and The Three Musketeers (Rochefort, 2015).

    I come back because it is so addictively fun! The cast, crew, directors, environment—all too much fun. And getting to be on Whidbey all summer long? Wow.

    Damien Cortez 

    Damien Cortez in Romeo and Juliet (Mercutio, 2011), As You Like It (Touchstone, 2010), The Three Musketeers (Porthos, 2015), and Much Ado About Nothing (Dogberry, 2013)
    Damien Cortez in Romeo and Juliet (Mercutio, 2011), As You Like It (Touchstone, 2010), The Three Musketeers (Porthos, 2015), and Much Ado About Nothing (Dogberry, 2013).

    I have been with ISF since before we were ISF. What we started in that forest was magical for all involved, to say the least. I return as often as I can because of the people in this company, and what we do here. We get to play with swords for crying out loud! I come back because I feel at home here. my children were born during rehearsal, I married my wife in our tent. There isn’t a word to express how honored I am to get to be a part of this. I truly believe in what we do, here, and the people I do it with.

    We have one weekend left to our 2015 season. The Three Musketeers plays Thursday, September 10 and closes Saturday, September 12. The Tempest plays Friday, September 11 and closes Sunday, September 13.  For further information, please visit our website.

    Olena Hodges has shared her love of Shakespeare with the Island Shakespeare Festival and as a guest contributor to WLM this summer.

    __________________________

    CLICK HERE to read more WLM stories and blogs. Have a great story idea? Let us know at info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.

    WLM stories and blogs are copyrighted and all rights are reserved. Linking is permitted. To request permission to use or reprint content from this site, email info@whidbeylifemagazine.org.