Family dynamics central theme of new play

The Whitefish Theatre Company is thrilled to present the premiere of “Kettlehouse” as the first mainstage theatre production of its 40th anniversary season.

Produced for the first time on stage, “Kettlehouse” is a new outrageous comedy written by Robert Caisley, an award-winning playwright who teaches playwriting at the University of Idaho. “Kettlehouse” runs at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish on Oct. 19, 20, 25, 26 and 27 at 7:30 p.m. and on Oct. 21 at 4 p.m. A sneak preview performance will be held on Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m.

The play lets us meet Miles Kettlehouse. Her folks were happily married on June 4, 1982 and happily divorced a day shy of their first wedding anniversary. After the divorce, Miles’ Dad never moved out and neither did her Mom. For the past 34 years, they have been loathing each other under the same roof, refusing to talk. In this hilarious play about love, family and nosebleeds, Miles must learn to navigate her home and love life while acting as the goodwill ambassador.

“‘Kettlehouse’ is a witty, fast-paced, love comedy with quirky, unique characters that are guaranteed to touch and entertain,” says Director Jere Hodgin.

There will be a talk back with Robert Caisley on opening night Oct. 19 after the show. At no extra charge, audience members will be treated to a glass of champagne and have the opportunity to ask the playwright, director and cast questions.

When asked about the inspiration for “Kettlehouse,” Caisley said, “I’m a collector of ideas. I fill up many notebooks with snatches of orphaned dialogue that has not yet found a dramatic home, as well as images, quotations from things I have been reading, or eavesdropped conversations, and eventually things come together in a kind of stew that starts resembling an idea for a play. ‘Kettlehouse’ began with an image of a house torn down the middle, divided in some fashion. I envisioned the set for the play before I knew what the play was going to be about and then starting looking for a dramatic situation that would support the image.”

The production features Jennifer Stebbins-Han as Miles Kettlehouse, Tony Hernandez as Nathan Kettlehouse, Kara Bauer as Cora Kettlehouse, and Christopher Fannon as Dan Frank.

“It is quite special that a small community theatre is chosen to premiere a new play, particularly with an award-winning playwright,” Hodgin said.

Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students with reserved seating. Tickets for the sneak preview performance on Oct. 18 are $12 for adults and $10 for students with general seating and can only be purchased 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 John and Judy Melin and Chris Stanley.