WTC production explores loss and family

The Whitefish Theatre Co. presents their final Black Curtain theatre production of the 2023-2024 season with “The Tin Woman” by Sean Grennan. 

Called “moving and healing” where “tears accompany the laughter”, this show has performances on March 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. at the O’Shaughnessy Center in Whitefish.

“The Tin Woman” follows the story of Joy, a woman in her mid-30s who recently received a heart transplant. However, instead of relishing her new life, Joy enters a downward spiral, unsure whether she truly deserves a second chance. Meanwhile, Alice and Hank mourn the loss of their son, Jack, whose heart was used to save Joy. When Joy decides to meet Jack’s family to find closure, their grief transforms as they finally have to accept his death. Based on a true story, “The Tin Woman” is a complex web of laughter and grief used to explore loss, family, and what it means to be given new life. 

“I am so excited for our community to see ‘The Tin Woman’,” says director Emily Pollard. “Sean Greenan’s skillfully written script has given us the opportunity to explore the themes of living, loss, guilt, and the value of relationships in the rehearsal room. Integrating humor and hope into the show has been an exciting challenge.” 

“There are some heavy themes in the script, but Grennan is so good at weaving humor into heartbreak, and it’s been a lot of fun for us to find the balance of the two,” adds Pollard. “I can’t wait for audiences to come along on this journey to see what it means to truly give one’s heart.” 

Cast members include Erica Carrera as Darla, Amy Galt as Sammy, Joy James as Joy, Gil Jordan as Hank, and Mikey Winn as Jack.

“It’s been a joy watching this extremely talented cast develop such rich characters in the span of just two weeks of rehearsals, creating a heartfelt, thought-provoking show,” Pollard said. 

Viewers are reminded that 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 for all shows. Tickets can be purchased at the Box Office at 1 Central Avenue 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. Individual tickets can also be purchased online at www.whitefishtheatreco.org. This season's Black Curtain Series is sponsored by Masterpiece One Carpet, Bet and Doug Wise, and John and Marianne Evenhuis.