WTC brings gripping comedy/thriller to the stage

The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents its third Black Curtain theatre production of the 2021-2022 season with “Mauritius” by Theresa Rebeck at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

Part mystery and part dark comedy, “Mauritius” has performances Jan. 29 and 30 at 7:30 p.m. Due to the recent spike in Covid-19 cases, masks are highly recommended and greatly appreciated when attending this show.

After their mother’s death estranged half sisters Jackie and Mary discover a book of rare stamps that may include the crown jewel for collectors. One sister tries to collect on the windfall, while the other resists for sentimental reasons. In this gripping tale, a seemingly simple sale becomes dangerous when three seedy, high-stakes collectors enter the sisters’ world, willing to do anything to claim the rare find as their own.

An “ingenious” fast-paced thriller, “Mauritius” is a riveting blend of sharp comedy and heart-pounding drama that simmers with constant surprise.

“This is an intriguing and slightly twisted play,” Director David Ackroyd said. “The plot may revolve around the discovery of two rare and possibly extremely valuable old stamps and the more seamy side of the stamp collecting subculture, but what’s really compelling to me is the interplay of five uniquely drawn characters … I love that their actions as they maneuver for possession of the stamps are so unpredictable, but also that the two apparently naive female characters turn out to be every bit as manipulative and devious as the guys who try to take advantage of them.”

As a Black Curtain production, there will be minimal staging, set and props and actors will be reading from a script. Tickets 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 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.