The House, a play written by Methow Valley resident Cindy Williams Gutiérrez, opened this evening at The Merc Playhouse. 

The play follows the life of a family over thirty years as seen from the eldest daughter, Vicky, played by Micah Lee, who makes a standout impression in her debut role.

The House isn’t just a metaphorical character, it’s a literal one played by Nathan Sundt. The House (Sundt) has a special relationship with Vicky and plays an oversized role in the play. It doesn’t give her peace, interfering with her own volition and the course of her relationships. The House is her advisor, counselor, but also her tormentor.

As the house unravels, so does Sundt, slowly shedding his polished appearance until he is left barefoot and mute. Vicki, by contrast, takes on his appearance as the play develops.

Gutiérrez, who is also a poet, navigates difficult themes with poetic charm. The scenes are not in chronological order. Like memory, they are fragments of scenes that the audience puts together through the life of the play.

The themes are difficult, what Gutiérrez called “the human experience.” If you’re looking for a reprieve, you’ll find it when the lights go out at the end of each scene. The lightest moment is at the very end, but make sure to sit in the center section of the theater or you’ll miss it. 

The play features a stunning sculpture at the end of the second act that was sponsored by The Confluence art gallery. It beautifully captures the themes of the play and provides an interplay between art and theatre.

In true Methow fashion, several actors made their theatrical debut. Lee not only had a debut role, but had never auditioned before this play. A Texas native, Lee moved to the Methow six months ago from Wenatchee.

Daddy, the father figure in the family, is played by Tim d’Auteuil, who settled in the Methow four months ago after a living a “van lifestyle” with his wife for 2.5 years. Prior to that, he lived in Forth Worth, Texas for 20 years.

Megan Schmidt, who played the unforgettable Auntie Em in the Methow Valley Theatre’s production of Wizard of Oz, is outstanding in her role as Mama.

Vicky’s sister, Baby, is played by The Merc’s Executive Director Kira Wood-Cramer. Former Merc House Manager Emily Doran has a cameo role in the play as The Other Woman. Thomas Allen rounds out the ensemble by playing the Cornet Player.

The House runs Oct. 3-13 at The Merc Playhouse. Thursdays, Fridays & Saturdays @ 7 p.m. Sundays @ 2 pm. $20 general admission, $5 students (Show may be inappropriate for children under 13.)

I am the founder and editor of Methow Valley Examiner, an online publication for locals, by locals. MVE explores stories beyond the headlines.

Leave a comment

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *