'No Time for Love' takes a humorous look at life's struggle for balance

Put down the cellphone, log off social media and join the Stumptown Players this weekend for the world premiere of “No Time for Love.”

This production takes a humorous look at life in the age of technology. First-time playwright Kathy Witkowsky said her goal was to call attention to both the pros and cons of the technology currently consuming our society and highlight the importance of “remaining present for each other.”

“It’s about trying to find a balance with the technology and creating authentic relationships,” Witkowsky said. 

“NO TIME FOR LOVE” is Witkowsky’s first play. She works primarily as a freelance journalist, filmmaker and writer living in Missoula. Her journalistic work has appeared in various regional and national publications, and her most recent documentary film was selected to screen at the 2013 Northwest Filmmakers Festival in Portland. She is also a yoga instructor and singer in a band. She holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in English from Cornell University and a Master of Fine Arts degree in creative writing from the University of Montana.

Though her background in writing and the arts is extensive, Witkowsky admitted that writing a play presented a whole host of new challenges.

“Writing as a journalist is usually pretty serious business,” she said. “There’s no chance to play. But writing a play is really about just that — play!”

Witkowsky’s inspiration for the production came from personal experience. She recalled that a few years ago, on Super Bowl Sunday, she went out with a friend to watch the big game. What could have been fun turned frustrating when her friend spent the evening texting and chatting on his cellphone.

When she got home that night she decided to put her frustrations down on paper, and “No Time for Love” was born.

The writing “was a very cathartic experience,” Witkowsky said. “I sort of wrote myself out of that space, that hard period of my life.” 

ONCE THE first draft was complete, Witkowsky called on her friend and playwright consultant, Linda Grinde, of Kalispell. Grinde invited a few local friends and actors to her house to read the script. It was the next step toward getting the script on stage.

“The writing is very witty,” Grinde said. “Putting it all together has been a lot of fun.”

Jim Mohn, one of the founding members of the Stumptown Players and the actor playing “Mitch” in this production, was also present at the first reading, or as he put it, “right from the creative start.”

“It’s interesting how it’s changed from the first reading until now,” Mohn said. “It’s come a long way.”

“Kathy is a journalist, so that style of writing, it’s totally different,” he added. “It’s just been fun.”

After getting notes from the first reading, Witkowsky made changes and edits and then resubmitted “No Time for Love” to the Stumptown Players board of directors for consideration. When she found out Stumptown would be performing her play, she was “insanely excited.

“I’m so thankful for the dedication of these folks to bring it to life,” Witkowsky said. “This is a dream come true ... it’s been an exciting ride.”

Mona Charles, secretary of the Stumptown Players board and assistant director, agreed.

“It’s been a fluid, amazing, fun process,” Charles said. “The material and themes are so current ... No matter their age, the audience will see themselves in one of these characters.” 

AUDIENCES WILL have several opportunities to see “No Time for Love.” Performances will be Nov. 6-8 and Nov. 13-15 at 8 p.m. at the KM Theatre, 40 Second St. E., Kalispell.

Tickets are $12 and can be purchased at www.stumptownplayers.org or by calling 871-6447.

“No Time for Love” is being directed by Grinde. The cast includes Renee Conn, Leah Lindsay, Teauna Brosseau, Lydia Lukenbill, Robby Cale and Mohn.

Witkowsky is looking forward to opening night. She said she doesn’t know what will happen next, in terms of this script or possible future projects.

“I have a few ideas, but I have to wait for the story to tell me how it needs to be told,” Witkowsky said.

Entertainment editor Stefanie Johnson can be reached at 758-4439 or ThisWeek@dailyinterlake.com.