‘The Odyssey’ sails to the stage at Flathead High School

Embark on a mythic journey in Flathead High School’s production of “The Odyssey.” 

In this adaptation, playwright Mary Zimmerman brings Homer's ancient epic poem into the modern world, taking audiences on a dynamic, fast-paced adventure filled with humor and inventive staging.  

After the fall of Troy, the great warrior Odysseus is stranded far from home, facing gods, monsters, and mythical beasts in a desperate attempt to return to his kingdom and his wife, Penelope. But Penelope has her own struggles back home plagued by suitors and forced to promise remarriage as soon as she finishes weaving her husband’s shroud, a task she secretly unravels every night. Meanwhile, Odysseus is caught in storms, trapped by a Cyclops, enchanted by a sorceress, and faced with dangers at every turn. 

“In ‘The Odyssey,’ Odysseus explains why he went missing for so many years after the Trojan war was over. He describes his prolonged journey home, who he met, what detained him, the mistakes he made and finally a reunion with his wife and son,” Director Jennifer Stebbins said. 

Forty-five students were involved in putting the production together, bringing with them a range of experience from seniors Stebbins has worked with over four years to incoming freshman and sophomores learning all the basic elements of theater. 

The cast of “The Odyssey” includes: Collin Olson, Gracyne Johnson, Samara Hackley, Lincoln McElwain, Fallon Maas, Szonja Czinner, Elysia Hernandez, October Ellcey, Teyvia Davis, John Provo, Bayliss Cummings, Mia Martinez, Abi O’Connell, Sam Randall, Audrey Cozad, Jolee Pitts, Aubrie Mannon, Ava Plum, Mia Lamantia, Gabby Thomas, Myla Johnson, Bronson Willcut, Sandro Pipelo, Grayson Vallette, Ethan Kauffman, and Brodyn DeShaw. 

Behind the scenes is Simon Ort, Matthew Monen, Collin Lincoln, Nalani Sullivan, Emma Brist, Danica Luehr, Teegan O’Donnell, Iris Bruce, Paisley Boitkin-Smith, Maxwell Jones, Lynne Beisel, Matthew Ottman, Jacob Linden, Vanessa Foultner, Michelle DeYoung, Michael Palmer, Adalicia O’Brien, Sophie Hebert and Akaiyan Fuller make up the technical crew. 

“The entire tale is punctuated with large climactic events, and we are trying to use all the elements of the theater to make these moments as magical and larger than life as possible,” said Stebbins.   

Performances will be held at 6:27 p.m. April 15, 16 and 17 at Flathead High School, 644 Fourth Ave. W. in Kalispell. 

Ticket prices are $8 for adults and $6 for children, students and senior citizens. Tickets may be purchased online at gofan.co, at Photo Video Plus, 284 Fourth Ave. WN or at the door.