Bayou City Theatrics Bring’s Samuel D. Hunter’s THE WHALE To Downtown Houston!

MARCH 2016 — Following Bayou City Theatrics’ beautiful new production of Tennessee Williams’ A STREETCAR NAMED DESIRE, The Kaleidoscope’s intimate stage will be engulfed by Samuel D. Hunter’s THE WHALE. Centering around a six-hundred pound man named Charlie, Hunter’s moving play dares to reach deeply into a myriad of controversial issues, bringing them to the center of conversation, while maintaining a heartwarming and often hilarious evening of theatre. Directed and designed by Artistic Director, Colton Berry, THE WHALE runs April 8 through 24 at Houston’s first “Off-Broadway” theater, The Kaleidoscope.

Using only a microphone, Charlie (Travis Ammons) teaches English online, as his six-hundred pound body prohibits him from leaving his couch. With the help of his nurse-friend Liz (Natasha Gorel) and a specially-made walker, he can, however, visit the bathroom or kitchen on rare occasions. One afternoon, Charlie suffers from severe chest pain that leads him to believe he’s dying. By happenstance, Mormon missionary, Elder Thomas (Jacob Perkel), knocks on his door, just in time to help. When major complications arise in the condition of his heart and lungs, he finds that the timing is right to reconnect with his teenaged daughter, Ellie (Emily Brown), whom he has not seen in fifteen years. Discovering that Ellie is indeed a very troubled girl, he persuades her to spend time with him each afternoon by helping her write essays. Visiting again to discuss the church with Charlie, Elder Thomas strikes up an unusual and unexpected friendship with Ellie. Charlie’s condition worsens, Liz’s concerns increase, Ellie’s behavior plummets and Elder Thomas grapples with inner conflict. When Charlie’s ex-wife, Mary (Katrina Ellsworth), enters the picture, it seems that the pot may be boiling over as the characters confront their pasts.

“When I first read Hunter’s brilliant play, I was instantly and wholeheartedly moved,” says Director/Designer, Colton Berry. “It struck me profoundly and I knew that this work should be produced in Houston immediately… Hunter’s expert finesse of the dialogue is simply stunning. There are times, in rehearsals, that I catch myself feeling as if the actors are simply improvising their way through the plot. It really flows in such a natural manner, that it is hard to believe you haven’t accidentally stumbled into Charlie’s apartment and found yourself in the center of a real-life conversation,” Berry continues.

Speaking candidly of the play’s actors, Berry says, “I couldn’t have asked for a more incredibly talented, enthusiastic and professional cast. Travis Ammons is an utter genius. His attention to detail and two-hundred-percent level of commitment is astounding to watch. Natasha Gorel brings an edge to the character that is riveting. She is completely relatable and shatters my heart as the play progresses. Jacob Perkel hits the nail on the head with his innocence and naivety. He handles his extremely complex character with passion and precision. Emily Brown has created one of the most hilarious, yet completely grounded characters I have seen on the stage in a very long time. Her dry and sometimes abrasive Ellie highlights this actress’ incredible ability to be completely enveloped by the character, without missing a beat. Katrina Ellsworth, though seen for only a few short moments in the play, fills the space with presence and gut. Her heart wrenching scene with Charlie is astounding.”

Concluding, Berry adds, “Combining an undeniably brilliant script by Samuel D. Hunter and a beyond-stellar cast of Houston-based actors, Bayou City Theatrics’ Houston Premiere of THE WHALE is one piece of theatre that certainly must not be missed.”

The production runs Friday and Saturday evenings at 8:00 pm and Sundays at 5:00 pm, April 8 through 24, at Bayou City Theatrics’ downtown theater, The Kaleidoscope (705 Main Street, Suite B, facing Capitol). Tickets are available for purchase ($30-$35) at www.BayouCityTheatrics.com, or by calling the Box Office 832.817.8656. Tickets are available at the door, although BCT encourages purchasing tickets in advance to secure seating in their intimate venue. Convenient cash parking is located less than one block away at the corner of Capitol & Fannin, in the SAKS’ garage.