‘Winds in the Morning’ brings 1890s to Grange stage

— by Deborah Sparks, Orcas Issues reporter —

Entering the seating area of the Grange theater for the play WINDS IN THE MORNING gives one the feeling of entering into a miniature diorama of Port Townsend in the 1800s. There is a miniature wharf built on the floor, a tiny parlor, a tiny dining room complete with living Christmas tree decked in sparkling candles and a tiny wooded area complete with a living tree, rocks, moss, and the illusion of an edge of a rock cliff.

As the audience gets settled, musicians Anita Orne, Gordon Koenig, Dave Zoeller, Dave Rosebury, Rachel Bishop, Tom Rawson, and Jeff Zobornik play sea shanties on the wharf much like you would imagine these old friends gathered in a circle enjoying the time to play music together again. Director Melinda Milligan has created an evening’s ambiance that is warm and inviting, that compliments not only the simple, sweet story that unfolds, but the holiday season as well.

The story is a musical really, a coming of age story, a father and son reckoning, a love of the sea tale told through dialogue, drama, humor, and lots of songs that include an opportunity for the audience to join in.

Author Richard Carter (known also for his Shakespeare adaptations for children), uses a simple, human story we are all familiar with to introduce us to songs and tales told by real sailors from times gone by which capture our imaginations of months on fishing ships and the loneliness of loved ones left behind by sailors setting off on their long voyages.

Tony Lee (he plays Harry) is a master of charm on stage. When he pulls everyone in the audience into his story and into his heart, it’s quite wonderful to watch. And, the tone in his voice, the fun he has when he sings, is contagious. Some of the best moments were with Tony Lee, talented singer and actor, Jack Spinigotti (plays young Tom), and character actors, Lew Thomas and Larry Hampel as they sing shanties and laugh together on the wharf.

Young Tom struggles with his father’s closed mindedness about the sea, about the music Tom insists he hears in the wind beckoning him to follow his bliss and to go to sea with grandfather Harry as his cabin boy. But, Tom’s father, H.L. Sutherland (played by Tom Fiscus) is disillusioned by his own father, Harry, whom he judges to have always been unavailable and a fraud. Even his lovely, cheerful wife, played by Suzanne Gropper, can’t reach H.L. Sutherland in the beginning of the play.

Young Tom also struggles with young Peggy (the beautiful redhead, Bella Evans) as he feels, and is confused by, a newness of love and how this may be an obstacle to his going to sea.

Songs of the sea and a caroler trio, Aaimee Johnson, Soilanna Halabisky, and Star Sanders, a Wassail song at the end sung by all (lyrics on back page of the program), guitar and flute played by Dave Zoeller, keep this sweet little musical a perfect boost to your holiday spirit!