||| FROM TOM FISCUS for ACTORS THEATER OF ORCAS ISLAND |||
The Actors Theater of Orcas Island will present the world premier of Whither the Wind Blows, for two weekends August 4-6 and 11-13, at the Grange Stage. The play, written by Rick Gossett, from the Skagit valley, is directed by Tom Fiscus. The story, narrated by Tony Lee, is set in a Scottish Hebrides fishing village in the 1930s. Only the fish buyer boat and the mail connect the village to the outside world.
Keen McKeg (Larry Hampel) and his wife Ona (Suzanne Gropper) live there with their 18 year-old son, Jon (Moose Kinsey), whose aspirations are to be a writer, not a fisherman. However, the loss at sea of his older brother a few years before brings Jon’s plans into conflict with his father’s fisherman ethic and the family’s needs. Add in the influences of Keen’s friend, Dorf (Lew Thomas), the village priest (Tom McDonough) and the town “witch”, Soji (Aaimee Johnson) and a powerful, moving story of loss and hope emerges.
The play will follow a special concert of Hebridean and Celtic music beginning at 7:30 pm performed by a group of local musicians, led by Dave Zoeller. Tickets are $10, and can be purchased at Darvill’s Bookstore, online at orcasactors.org or at the door.
In view of the resurgence of Covid infections and the need to keep the actors safe, audience members will be required to wear masks throughout the performance. Actors Theater appreciates your patience in helping everyone stay healthy.
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