WEST shown in Bigfork

The Bigfork Community Players present “West,”  April 12-14 and 19-21 at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts.

“West” is the sequel to “Prairie Heart,” which was presented in the spring of 2012. The play continues the story of the Olson and Dokken families and it takes place in Minot, North Dakota, in 1914 and Missoula in 1925.

“West” was written by T. M. Sell. It is directed by Karen Kolar, who also directed “Prairie Heart.”Although a couple’s marriage is fraught with challenges, including the loss of their homestead, Glenda is an Olson through-and-through.  Her Norwegian work ethic brings the story to a heart-warming conclusion. Mariah McGarvey, who played Ingrid Olson in “Prairie Heart,” plays Ingrid’s daughter Glenda this time.

 In the play, the setting is the “Golden Age” of farming. The play opens just as the couple meets.  George is the son of a banker, played by Josh Ruebenson,  who is working for Glenda’s parents. People were doing well, but after World War I, prices of grain dropped and this caused emotions of the play to become a roller coaster, with alcoholism, infidelity and suicide as topics. 

Following the April 20 performance of “West,” Dr. TM Sell, and his wife, Nancy Warren, who wrote the music, will present a brief talk about the play. 

Cast for “West”are: Glenda - Mariah McGarvey; George - Josh Ruebenson; Ole - Scott Roskam; Ingrid - Lee Princhard; Harold - James LaFontaine; Francine  - Michele Shapero; Sheila - Meghan Rogers; Townspeople - Barbara Langlois; Mary Whitney, Larry Whitney, Rachel Whitney, Riley Whitney; Jules Fairfax

Tickets are available at Bigfork Drug, The Kalispell Grand Hotel, bigforktheater.org and at the door. Ticket prices are: $16 general admission,  $6 under age 12, $11 Bigfork Community Players members, and age 65 and over.