STAGE NOTES
The WICA Blog
From Deana's Desk, Mystery and Music at WICA
In the midst of the big winter freeze, I found myself hunkered down at an eerily quiet WICA looking across Healing Circle’s open lot to the water and dreaming, or questioning. Both really. Almost 30 years ago, Whidbey Island dreamed up and built a Center for the Arts that could and would hold artists and audiences—sharing humanities stories in multi-genres. Against all odds, in 2024, that dream continues and is building on itself. We keep examining and challenging how we create space, build teams, and keep our work embedded in community. There are more voices in the storytelling as we crack open in new ways. Yes we are almost 30 and...it feels like a beginning.
In February, I'm very excited to be opening Sleuth, the Tony award-winning play...except we've knitted the inspired screenplay version by Harold Pinter with the heart-stopping final scene from the Anthony Shaffer play for a completely original take on this classic. Sleuth, the ultimate game of cat and mouse, is an elaborate revenge/power story full of style and cunning. If you like a good game, you’re going to love this play. Directed by David Churchill and starring local favorites David Mayer and Ethan Berkley.
Please check our website often for the most up-to-date information. Our programming is adjusted monthly as new events are added and changes are made. Don't hesitate to contact our Box Office staff at (360) 221-8268 or visit our event calendar at wicaonline.org. Or send me an email or swing by and have a cup of coffee!
It's a month of mystery and music at WICA and we're excited to share it with you!
Deana Duncan
Executive Artistic Director
Pictured above is the January 12 performance of National Guitar - A Paul Simon Tribute Band featuring Nathaniel Talbot
PURCHASE TICKETS NOW
February 8-24, Sleuth Theatre Series
February 14, Whidbey Island String Trio Valentine's Concert
February 21, Thriving Communities and the Organic Farm School Host "Regenerative Ag Inspires Regenerative Communities"
February 29, Jayme Stone's Folklife
SOCIAL MEDIA SNAPSHOT
Whidbey Island Film Festival co-curators Deana Duncan and James Hinkley introducing 'Victor, Victoria' (set in Paris) on January 20.
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JANUARY STAGE NOTES
Whidbey Island Film Festival Brings Screwball Comedies to Langley
Inaugural Bluegrass Festival Comes to Whidbey Island
Whidbey Island Center for the Arts Updated COVID-19 Policy
Sleuth Debuts at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts
An elaborate game of cat and mouse is set to open on the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) mainstage with the February 8 premiere of Sleuth. A staged screenplay by Harold Pinter and based on the Tony Award Winning play by Anthony Shaffer, the WICA production is directed by David Churchill and coincides with the City of Langley’s Murder Mystery Weekend (February 24 and 25). With a three-week run (February 8-24), Sleuth is a “quick-witted [and] theatrical” play with numerous plot twists and homage to literary icons like Agatha Christie and Sir Arthur Conan Doyle.
“Think of the perfect murder…then go one step further,” says Churchill. “Sleuth has been entertaining audiences for more than fifty years. WICA’s February production melds the original script with the screenplay by Harold Pinter, one of the most revered playwrights in the world of theater. The result is a fast paced, twisting thrill ride that is sure to keep audiences guessing until the final shocking moments.”
Set among the quaint English countryside in the house of celebrated mystery writer Andrew Wyke, the play pits Wyke against his young rival Milo Tindle in an elaborate revenge and power game. Originally premiering on Broadway in 1970, the 1972 film adaptation featured Laurence Olivier (Wyke) and Michael Caine (Tindle) and earned four Academy Award nominations. The second film adaptation in 2007, which was directed by Kenneth Branagh, starred Michael Caine (Wyke) and Jude Law (Tindle).
WICA’s adaptation of the play features Seattle-trained actor David Mayer as Andrew Wyke. Mayer is a veteran of other WICA performances, including his recent portrayal as the Duke of Aumerle and King Henry the Fourth in the December production of Scott Kaiser’s Falstaff in Love. He is joined by cousins Ethan Berkley and Jonathan Janus. Berkley, a Whidbey Island local who is no stranger to the WICA mainstage, will play Milo Tindle. His cousin Jonathan Janus, who is making his WICA debut, will be playing Inspector Black.
“I’ve loved this script for years,” says Deana Duncan, WICA’s executive artistic director. “Sleuth won the Tony Award for best play in 1971…but I wasn’t sure it was ‘fresh’ enough for today. Then we stumbled upon the script to the 2007 Harold Pinter screenplay version, knitted it together with the original brilliant/heart stopping Shaffer ending and realized we had a new, original, and tantalizing revenge play. This clever, caustic game of deception escalates into psychological warfare; if you love games and mystery you won’t want to miss this production!”
Tickets for Sleuth are on sale now. To learn more about the production and to purchase tickets, visit www.wicaonline.org.
WHIDBEY ISLAND CENTER FOR THE ARTS UPDATED COVID-19 POLICY
In response to the rising number of COVID-19 cases nationally, the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) is continuing its work to ensure the health and safety of all patrons, volunteers, and staff at our Langley facility. In accordance with state mandates, proof of vaccination or negative tests and masks are not required at WICA. These policies may be modified based on updated state and county health department guidelines.
We do ask that individuals who feel ill or who are showing symptoms known to be associated with COVID-19 or other infectious diseases do not attend in-person events. Please alert us if you have tested positive within a week after attending a WICA event so that we may notify other participants of a potential exposure. WICA will keep the identity of the person testing positive confidential.
WICA continues to follow Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, state, and county guidelines related to COVID-19. Although masks are not required, they are available onsite for anyone who would like one. Hand sanitizer stations are also in place in the lobby and restroom areas for easy use by visitors. WICA’s Health and Safety manual follows all COVID-19 cleaning procedures recommended by state and national agencies—adhering to federal safety standards—and WICA’s state-of-the-art HVAC system provides cleaner, safer air throughout the building. To learn more about this HVAC system, please watch the following video:
As always, the health and safety of our community is our highest priority. These policies may be modified to address any changes to national, state, and county guidelines. Should you have any questions, please don’t hesitate to reach out to the WICA team at info@wicaonline.org.
INAUGURAL BLUEGRASS FESTIVAL COMES TO WHIDBEY ISLAND
The soulful sounds of Bluegrass will fill the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) January 24 and 25 with the official launch of the inaugural Bluegrass Festival. The festival brings two Oregon-based trios to WICA, the Tony Furtado Acoustic Trio on January 24 and the Stephanie Schneiderman Trio on January 25. Set against the backdrop of a beautiful Pacific Northwest winter, the Bluegrass Festival will transport attendees to a bygone era while offering a new perspective on this quintessential American music.
“We love bringing new artists and programming to WICA,” says Deana Duncan, executive artistic director. “Over the years, our Bluegrass Jams have been a wonderful gathering opportunity for our community. We’ve been able to showcase the talents of our local Bluegrass artists and have created a space that connects and fosters a shared love of music. Now, as we launch our first Bluegrass Festival, I can’t wait to celebrate the talent that will be featured!”
The festival was inspired by the success of WICA’s Bluegrass Jams, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic as a part of WICA’s music education program—bringing local musicians together to meet and share music. Since then, the jams have grown to monthly events, consistently bringing people to WICA who are interested in learning more about Bluegrass.
The first day of the festival will kick off with the Tony Furtado Acoustic Trio performance at 7:30 p.m. Featuring Tony Furtado, John Reischman, and Luke Price, the trio’s soulful music and multi-instrumental talent will entertain audiences, perfectly embodying the roots of Bluegrass music.
The second day of the festival will feature a performance by the Stephanie Schneiderman Trio at 7:30 p.m. The trio includes award-winning singer-songwriter Stephanie Schneiderman, as well as keyboardist and accordionist Jenny Conlee and bassist Keith Brush. Their performance will offer an exploration of folk, Americana, trip hop, and pop, all while celebrating Bluegrass and its impact on music.
The Rusty Rails String Band, a Whidbey Island-based Bluegrass group, will play in the piano bar an hour before the performances and during the intermission on both festival days. With a repertoire that includes Bluegrass material as well as fiddle tunes, country music, and related songs, the group consists of Whidbey Island locals Michael McInerney (guitar, mandola, and vocals), Bev Heising (fiddle, mandolin, and vocals), David Auer (6 and 12 string guitars, 5 string banjo, and vocals), Bob Aldrich (bass and vocals), and Chip Hayward (sound system, and audio and video recording).
During the festival, attendees will have the opportunity to take part in Whiskey tasting, which will occur in Zech Hall an hour before the mainstage performance each day.
“It’s going to be a great festival and we can’t wait to share it with our patrons,” says Duncan. “What better way to spend a winter day than with the upbeat tempos, soulful acoustics, and beautiful vocals that make Bluegrass such a beloved music genre.”
Tickets are on sale now. To learn more about the Bluegrass Festival and to purchase festival tickets, visit wicaonline.org.