A South Whidbey theater company will finally have the chance to celebrate its 10th anniversary with a full season of productions planned.
Langley-based OutCast Productions delayed its 10th season for two years because of the COVID-19 pandemic.
Now, the theater is planning a full return, with five plays and two music events in the lineup for 2022.
Ned Farley, the theater’s co-founder and artistic director, said all productions are new to the performing arts arena and will be making their debuts on the Whidbey stage. Over the years, Farley has cultivated connections with other playwrights around the world who were looking to get their new work spotlighted.
“It was not initially an aspect of our mission to focus on brand-new work, but it just sort of happened by accident and we realized there was something there to play with,” he said.
The first show of the season, “And Now, Direct from the Condo Across the Street,” features a stand-up comedian in his golden years working the “condo circuit” in Florida. Written by Henry Meyerson and directed by Phil Jordan, it runs March 11-26. The cast includes Christina Boom, Jim Carroll, Miles Harrison and Teresa Hess.
“A Small Miracle for Feeney” by Richard Shear, which is slated to run May 13-28, is about a father on a cross-country journey in search of his late son’s doppelganger.
A staged reading of “Thank You, Dear,” written by Meg Noble Peterson and Lynne Warrin and directed by Patricia Duff, will take place June 25-26. The family drama involves three sisters and their aging mother, who all meet at their summer cottage to discuss their futures.
“It’s All Good” by Kezia Hirsey will debut Sept. 9-24 and features a husband, a wife and a tempestuous cocktail party.
Farley himself will be directing a musical, “Hyde and Seek,” Nov. 4-19. The book and lyrics are by June Rachelson-Ospa and the music by Phil Goodbody, with additional music by Allison Brewster-Frenzetti. The musical is about 15-year-old Henry Jekyll and Edward Hyde, who may or may not be his imaginary friend or something more sinister.
In addition, special music events will be happening April 8-9 (“The Tatooed Heart” by David Gregor and Deja Blues) and Oct. 8-9 (“Home Burial” by Jerry Mader and “Knoxville, Summer 2015” by Samuel Barber).
Tickets are available for purchase at outcast-productions.ticketleap.com or by emailing ocp@whidbey.com to reserve seats and pay at the door by cash or check.
The theater is currently operating at reduced capacity with COVID-19 restrictions in place, such as masking and presenting proof of vaccination. Those with medical or religious exceptions must present proof of a negative COVID-19 test taken within 72 hours of the performance.
Unless something changes, Farley said the theater will continue to adhere to these restrictions.
For more information, visit outcastproductions.net.
