WTC opens 'Tribes' with sneak preview April 14

The Whitefish Theatre Co. continues its 37th season with “Tribes” by Nina Raine, a critically-acclaimed drama about what it means to hear and listen. Directed by Rebecca Schaffer, “Tribes” runs at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish on April 15-16 and 21-23 at 7:30 p.m. and on April 17 at 4 p.m. A sneak preview performance will be held on April 14 at 7:30 p.m.

“Tribes” is a provocative yet touching and funny play about love, family and finding one’s voice. As the only deaf member of his sharp-tongued family, Billy has spent much of his life feeling out of place. Dissuaded from using sign language but adept at lip-reading, it’s tough to get a word in edgewise during the brash discourse of his hearing family. But when Billy falls for Sylvia, a young woman from a deaf family who introduces him to deaf culture, Billy suddenly feels confidence and a sense of belonging to a “tribe” he’s never known before.

“The whole play is like a piece of music,” says Schaffer.

The production features Mikey Winn as Billy, Collette Taylor as Sylvia, Scott Plotkin as Christopher, Patty Thiel as Beth, Don Caverly as Daniel, and Jessica Moore as Ruth.

“The actors are doing a magnificent job navigating the text to tell the story,” adds Schaffer. “Collette Taylor is our American Sign Language expert on board, as she is a professional interpreter in real life. Mikey Winn is learning ASL for his role as Billy. He is building a stunning performance, as always.”

Tickets are $18 for adults, $16 for seniors, and $8 for students, with reserved seating. Tickets for April 14 show are $10, sold only at the door. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office, 1 Central Ave., Whitefish, or by calling 862-5371. Box office hours are from 10 a.m.to 4 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before performance times. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org.

This show is sponsored by the McGarry’s Roadhouse.