Remembering Jim Scullin

Jim Scullin as Clarence in the 2019 WICA production of It’s a Wonderful Life

We are deeply saddened to learn about the passing of longtime WICA supporter and our dear friend Jim Scullin. Over the years, Jim was active as an actor, set designer, builder, and stage manager, and has left behind a legacy of compassion, service, and commitment to the arts. Just recently, Scullin graced the stage in the February production of Flemming, bringing his humor, stage presence, and charisma to the theatre series. His larger than life roles also included playing Clarence in the 2019 performance of It's a Wonderful Life. As we come together to honor Jim, we take comfort in one of Clarence's quotes, that "each man's life touches so many other lives." Jim touched our lives and inspired our community. We will miss him dearly.

WICA Hosts the Whidbey Community Foundation

From left to right, Whidbey Community Foundation Executive Director Jessie Gunn, Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) Executive Artistic Director Deana Duncan, WICA Board President Peter Ehrlichman, and WICA Managing Director Billy Tierney

The Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA)was happy to host Whidbey Community Foundation Executive Director Jessie Gunn on Friday, April 25. Gunn presented WICA with a check for the Foundation's Capacity Building Grant.

Tony Award-Winning Timeless Classic Fiddler on the Roof Opens at WICA

Step into the world of tradition, love, and resilience as Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) brings Joseph Stein’s beloved musical Fiddler on the Roof to the stage, April 11 – 27. Set in the small Jewish village of Anatevka, the performance will feature the Tony Award-winning music by Jerry Bock with lyrics by Sheldon Harnick and includes iconic songs like Tradition, If I Were a Rich Man, and Sunrise, Sunset. Fiddler on the Roof is a beloved musical based on Sholem Aleichem's short story “Teyve and his Daughters,” which tells the story of a milkman and his family as they grapple with tradition, change, and the growing anti-Semitism in Czarist Russia.The production is a timeless and deeply moving celebration of family, faith, and the human spirit, with the WICA theatre series directed by Lani Brockman, with musical direction by Sheila Weidendorf and choreography by Marta Mulholland.

“This is an incredibly timely production of Fiddler on the Roof,” says WICA Executive Artistic Director Deana Duncan. “The enduring themes of love, family, and humanity are still present in the theatre series, but we’re seeing this through the lens of today’s geopolitical landscape and what that means for us as global citizens. The story may take place in the early 20th century in a small town in Czarist Russia, but there are many connections that can be drawn to today.”

The setting of the play is in the fictional village of Anatevka, which is in the Pale of Settlement, a region within the imperial Russian Empire where the Jewish population was allowed to live. Today, this land includes most of Ukraine, as well as other neighboring countries like Poland, Belarus, Lithuania, and Moldova.

The production is co-sponsored by the Washington State Jewish Historical Society. “We want people to think about the universal themes presented throughout Fiddler and reflect on how they may be relevant to one's personal experiences,” says Hannah Peters, deputy director of the Washington State Jewish Historical Society. “With an ever-changing world, what is the importance of family traditions? How do younger generations accept or reject these traditions? While the story of Fiddler is based in the past, there are many aspects that still ring true today, especially as Jewish Washingtonians navigate the current increase of antisemitism spreading throughout the state and country.”

The Washington State Jewish Historical Society will be hosting a pop-up Story Booth during the pre-show, intermission, and post-show of the April 27 closing performance. The Story Booth is a pop-up recording studio that is “creating opportunities to hear fresh stories from Jewish communities all over Washington.” Patrons will have the ability to take part in private interviews on April 27 and are encouraged “to share their stories and learn more about the project” that is taking place throughout the state.

“We hope that patrons leave the Story Booth feeling a sense of connection and belonging within the Jewish community in Washington,” says Peters. “Our goal is to capture the voices of the Jewish community—amplifying their stories, recording their thoughts, and preserving their experiences. During our pop-up, we will be asking patrons a handful of questions that relate to the themes presented in Fiddler on the Roof. These will be brief, 5-minute interviews and our staff will be onsite to guide patrons through the entire process.”

Beloved community performer and musician James Hinkley leads the WICA cast in the role of Tevye, with Whidbey Island’s acclaimed violinist Gloria Ferry-Brennan as the Fiddler. The production features a cast of 22 along with a four-person orchestral accompaniment:

Cast

James Hinkley as Tevye

Alyssa Keene as Golde

Hannah Votel as Tzeitel

Marina Pierce as Hodel

Shea Lewis as Chava

Adelaide Walsh as Shprintze

EJ Bergevin as Motel

Dov Matthews as Perchik

Jameson Cook as Fyedka

Jim Carroll as Lazar Wolf

Christina Boom as Yente

Jordan Mielbrecht as Fruma Sarah, Russian Soloist, and Rabbi

Noelani Martin as Mendel

Charlie Walsh as Constable and Ensemble

Shane Yarralli as Innkeeper and Yussell

Beckett Walsh as Youth Ensemble and Russian

Wyatt Walsh as Youth Ensemble and Nachum

Loretta (Etta) Savidge as Bielke

Dorothy Baumgartner as Villager

Karol White as Villager

Karen Wisont as Villager

Miles Harrison as Innkeeper Understudy

Gloria Ferry-Brennan as Fiddler, on Violin

Curtis Price on Clarinet

Garrett Poteat on Keyboard

Troy Chapman on Guitar/Mandolin

“This is WICA’s largest musical production since COVID-19,” says Duncan. “At its core, Fiddler is a beautiful and joyous celebration of life and love. The music is stunning and this cast is bringing their hearts and souls to the work. This is one of the most ambitious theatrical pieces we've ever done. It was the winner of nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. This award-winning musical about maintaining tradition and family while seeking love in a changing world is so relevant right now, and we can’t wait to share it with you.”

Visit WICAOnline.org to learn more and to purchase tickets for the performance run.

WICA BEHIND THE SCENES

The Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) is like a family for Costume Designer Randon Pool. From the stage to the costume loft, she sees the importance of having a space where people can express themselves and interact directly with the arts.

Transforming Decay into Captivating Art

Industrial decay may not sound beautiful, but beneath Dave Meyer’s paintbrush, it takes on an entirely new meaning. Vibrant layers of color, deeply etched grooves, and torn pieces of paper all transform recycled pieces of discarded wood into captivating works of art. For Meyer—whose background as a graphic designer has greatly influenced his work—the art is bold, geometric, and unapologetically rugged.

“I typically gravitate toward very graphic styles. Anything bold, with strong colors, type, and geometric shapes always catches my attention,” he says. “As a graphic designer, I’ve always been interested in the visual arts. I like to work with color, letterforms, and texture.”

Fascinated by abstract modern art, Meyer didn’t start painting with much frequency until he moved to Whidbey Island nearly three years ago. He became involved in the Living Design Foundation shortly after arriving, volunteering with the program’s local youth who were learning woodworking skills in the old high school woodshop. It was there where he found his art medium—discarded wood scraps. Building each of his painting “canvases” out of wood otherwise destined for the landfill or fireplace, Meyer sees great meaning behind his art.

“I like to recycle and give the wood a new and unexpected life as a base for my art. I like how durable it is to work with too. It gives me flexibility to create robust pieces of art on a firm surface that is unique and adds character to the work,” he says. “I feel so fortunate to have found Joe and Mary Lou Whisenand, the founders of the Living Design Foundation, who have given me the space to create and have supported me in these efforts.”

Finding inspiration from the little things, like “chipped paint or rust on an old building,” Meyer’s free-style approach is an experimental process, unhindered by what he thinks other people may want to see.

“When I’m painting, I usually work to create art that is satisfying to me—something I want to hang on my wall,” he says. “I love it when it also brings joy to someone else.”

Beginning in March, Meyer’s work will be on display at the Whidbey Island Center for the Arts (WICA) Lasher Gallery.

“I'm quite impressed by his varying styles,” says James Hinkley, Lasher Gallery Manager. “In particular, his separation compositions."

Meyer is thrilled to show these pieces at WICA. “It’s a great honor to be considered. WICA brings so many talented artists to its space—both visual and performing—and to have my art surrounded by creative people who appreciate it is very humbling,” he says. “It’s very satisfying as well. WICA has such a great reputation in the region for presenting unique and cutting-edge artists, I feel fortunate I can share the same space with them.”

The gallery exhibit will open on March 8 with a special art opening at 5:00 p.m. and will be on display through April. In addition to visiting the Langley exhibit, Meyer’s art can also be viewed through his website, davemeyerdesign.com.

To learn more about WICA and the Lasher Gallery, visit WICAOnline.org.