Flathead High presents ‘Harriet the Spy’

Flathead High School Theatre brings the children’s classic, “Harriet the Spy,” to the stage Nov. 20 and 21.  

Combining humor with meaningful lessons, “Harriet the Spy” is a family-friendly show for all ages. The story centers on 11-year-old Harriet M. Welsch, an aspiring writer who uses her notebook to record everything she observes about the people around her — friends, classmates and even strangers. When Harriet’s private thoughts are accidentally revealed to her classmates, havoc ensues as they read the brutally honest, and sometimes hurtful, things she has written about them. The play explores whether Harriet can repair the damage done to her friendships and find a way to make things right before it's too late.  

Written by Louise Fitzhugh in 1964, and adapted for the stage by Leslie Brody, “Harriet the Spy” has been a staple in children’s literature for its honest portrayal of friendship and the complexity of growing up.    

This production provides important lessons in kindness, responsibility, and forgiveness, all while keeping things fun and engaging for the audience.  

“Sometimes stepping into another person’s shoes is the best gift we can give to another, but it can be difficult to do. Harriet is a keen observer of the world and learns that sometimes in order to be kind, she has to use those observations to share kindness,” Director and Acting 3 International Baccalaureate teacher Wendy Putzler. 

This performance of “Harriet the Spy” is presented by the Acting 3 Class.  In Acting 3 IB, students refine their theater skills and experience the process of bringing a full-length production to life. As part of their studies, the students focus on both solo and ensemble work as well as directing, design and solo performance. Producing “Harriet the Spy” allows them to collaborate as a group to tell a story that resonates with all ages.  

“Most of these students are seniors and it has been a gift to guide them through this process. Most of them play multiple characters in the play and one of the exciting parts of preparing for this production has been seeing these students create each character in new and different ways. You will enjoy what they have created,” Putzler said.  

The cast includes Lily Amundson, Sophie Hebert, Sam Randall, Iris Bruce, Fallon Maas, Maxwell Jones, Gabrielle Thomas, Mackenzie Westphal, Lily Strong, Tovar Rodriguez, Dilia Dederick, Samara Hackley and Gabriella Thomas.  

The set, sound and lighting crew members are Ali Putzler, Gracyne Johnson, Simon Lillard, Michael Palmer, Paisley Boykin-Smith, Adalicia O’Brien, Ava Plum, Vanessa Foultner, Jacob Linden, Elysia Hernandez, Adisen Haag, Teegan O’Donnell and Aubrie Mannon. 

Performances start at 6:27 p.m. in the David M. Hashley Theater at Flathead, 644 Fourth Ave. W., Kalispell. 

Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $6 for children, students and senior citizens. Elementary students are free. Tickets may be purchased online at https://gofan.co/ by searching for “Flathead High School,” at the high school’s main office and Photo Video Plus located at 284 Fourth Ave. WN in Kalispell. The remaining tickets will be sold on performance nights.