'Lombardi' explores life of legendary coach

Whitefish Theatre Co. will present a staged reading of “Lombardi” at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 27 and 28 at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

“Lombardi” is the first of Whitefish Theatre’s three Black Curtain Theatre events this season. Since 2003, the theater group has been presenting new, cutting-edge plays in a staged reading format.

“This is bare stage theater. The actors will portray the characters, as in any fully staged play, but the costumes, set and props will be absent or minimal. The emphasis is on the story that the play has to tell,” said Jesse DeVine, the theater company’s artistic director. “It is a way for the actors and the audience to experience the ‘heart’ of the play as well as use their imaginations.”

“Lombardi” is a play adapted by Eric Simonson from “When Pride Still Mattered: The Life of Vince Lombardi” by David Maraniss. The play follows Green Bay Packers’ coach Vince Lombardi through one week in the 1965 season as he attempts to lead his team to the championship.

Along with Lombardi, the cast includes his wife, Marie, several Green Bay players and Michael McCormick, who works for Look magazine.  Michael’s interactions with the other characters give a revealing portrait of the “most imperfect, perfect man” he has ever met — Lombardi.

Directed by Gail Cleveland, the cast includes David Blair, Jack Eaton, Scotty MacLaren, Mike Meador, Russell Moes and Becky Sterling Rygg.

Tickets are $10 for general seating and can only be purchased at the door.

For more information about Whitefish Theatre Co. events or for a season brochure, visit the box office at 1 Central Ave. Monday through Friday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. or one hour before performances; call 862-5371; or visit www.whitefishtheatreco.org.