By Michelle Gomez…This past Saturday evening was another sold-out performance of WordWave at Valhalla Tahoe. It was the 10th year of this very special production. Created by Ginger Nicolay-Davis and Diana Evans, WordWave is a playwright competition with over 100 one-act plays submitted from all over annually. Our local theatre folk read the plays, narrow them down to 10 finalists, then the top three winning plays are brought to life on stage at the historic Valhalla Boathouse Theatre. The produced stage reading is a unique opportunity for the playwrights to see their story on stage, with audience and writers uniting in an evening of creativity, connection, and community. And this was an extra special event, with beloved Carol Spain in the house! 46 years ago, she started the Tahoe Tallac Association, with the dream of showcasing talent in the old Boathouse. Now called Valhalla Tahoe, her passion is carried on with the dedicated performers who grace that stage. Another special note, all three winning playwrights were there, and wow, their plays were phenomenal.
The night kicked off with “Five’s a Big Deal” by Richard Manley. The ensemble cast spewed some salty dialogue, all for the important point of the story, that fear is real. Fear of aging, fear of changing, and fear of dying, this play touched on all, very emotionally deep and provocative. The leads played by Bob Niedermeier and Madelynn Evans were spot-on with their delivery, showing love and compassion while faced with life and death decisions. Bob did not use any notes; he had memorized all his complicated lines – he is obviously a true professional actor. His body movements portrayed an aging man in pain, an angry curmudgeon that we all grew to care for, and not just pity. This storyline hit close to home for many in the audience. The play was directed by Nanette “Niv” Niven.
After a brief intermission, the second play, called “The Tour Guide,” started, and the audience went wild with laughter. This time, tears of hilarity flowed, with Tom Callahan bringing down the house with his plunger, wife-beater undershirt, and dead varmints adorning the stage. Writer Phil Olson has a wicked sense of humor; his 20-minute story was clever and fun. And you know you’re going to be entertained when husband and wife thespians, Chris and Pam Taylor, take the stage! Horizontal Mamba!! It was directed by Ann Swallow.
As the lights turned up for the third play, the mood in the Boathouse was instantly tense as we watched Ethan Niven and Ginger Nicolay-Davis face off at an empty door prop. “A Change of Heart” by Richard Fouts is based on a true story. Oooof, and what a tale was told by two of my favorite local yokel performers. With Ginger as vulnerable Adele, and Ethan as furious and fired-up Logan/Hunter, their uncomfortable tension made my stomach twinge. Lines such as “Afraid and a Fraud” helped tell the heartbreaking story that really could happen. I know the entire audience was trying to figure out who the characters are based on in real life. Richard, do tell us, please!! His play was directed by Dave Anderson.
Mark your calendars for the next WordWave production, May 1-2, 2026. They’re changing up the timing, and with two nights of the same performances, you’d better not miss out! Highlights Saturday included the After Party in the Valhalla Grand Hall, with wine and desserts served complimentary. There’s your chance to mix and mingle with the writers, directors and actors; it is a wonderful way to cap off the evening.
Read more about the playwrights here – https://valhallatahoe.com/wordwave/.
Support the arts by becoming a member at https://valhallatahoe.com/become-a-member/. Memberships and donations are tax-deductible.
Histrionically yours,
Michelle Gomez, Tahoe Art League
