WTC stages award-winning classic ‘Sense and Sensibility'
Desirée Albonetti-Roberson and Jessica Henkelmann play the Dashwood sisters in WTC’s production of “Sense and Sensibility” (photo courtesy of the Whitefish Theatre Company)
The Whitefish Theatre Company presents the romantic classic “Sense and Sensibility” at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish. Based on the beloved novel by Jane Austen, this funny and touching show opens with a sneak preview today, April 7, at 7:30 p.m. Performances continue April 8, 9, 14, 15 and 16 at 7:30 p.m., and April 10 at 4 p.m.
A smash hit off-Broadway, Kate Hamill’s exuberant adaptation of “Sense and Sensibility” brings a comic, theatrical flair to Austen's perennial favorite. The Dashwood sisters — prudent Elinore and impulsive Marianne — find their world turned upside down after their father's death, which robs them of their wealth, social standing and, most importantly, chances for marriage. Mix in a few dashing love interests and a gaggle of gossipy socialites, the sisters must learn to mix sense with sensibility, their opposite temperaments, to find true happiness.
Called “inventive, faithful and clever,” this play will delight Austen fans and novices alike.
The set is like a giant puzzle, director Nancy Nei said. “Multiple columns of varying sizes are assembled by the actors to become the furniture of various elegant rooms in palatial English houses, as well as the cottage the Dashwood sisters are forced to move to when their father dies. All of this adds to a very theatrical and playful version of this honored story that continues to touch on modern themes — how two young women who suffer misfortune and societal pressures find family, resilience and their personal voice.”
“Sense and Sensibility” debuted in 2014 and has since won numerous awards. The Huffington Post called the play “the greatest stage adaptation of this novel in history,” lending to Hamill being named 2017’s Playwright of the Year, developed out of her love for the classics, both theatrical and literary.
“I wrote ‘Sense and Sensibility’ because I believe so deeply that the classics belong to everyone.”
The cast is composed of 13 actors from around the Flathead Valley: Jessica Henkelmann, Desiree Albonetti-Roberson, David Reese, Matt Strool, Dawn Watland, Andrew Matulionis, Scarlett Schindler, Annelise Mason, Scott Plotkin, Nicki Corne, Stuart Green, Jan Simpson, and Jessa Ash.
Tickets are $20 for adults, $18 for seniors, and $10 for students with reserved seating. Tickets for today’s sneak preview performance are sold only at the door and are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets can be purchased at the box office at 1 Central Ave. in Whitefish or by calling 406-862-5371. Box office hours are 11 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Friday and one hour before a performance. Tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org.