We are planning on profiling some of our actors in our spring production of Mary Poppins. We hope that you will enjoy getting to know them and then come see them in action at the show!

Merrill Matheson (Bert) is originally from Provo, Utah and holds a BA in theatre with a minor in ballroom dance from Brigham Young University and an MFA in arts leadership from Seattle University. He has worked in many sides of the arts, including administration, technical crews, and performance. We asked him to tell us a little something about his experience with the Kitsap Forest Theater:

“I am thrilled to make my Seattle acting debut with Kitsap Forest Theater! I have been impressed with the professionalism and kindness from all the Forest Theater staff. I am amazed by the natural beauty of the theater venue. The forest reminds me of the mountains of Utah where I grew up, but there is the added beauty here of all the Pacific Northwest moss covering everything.”

“Bert is a dream role of mine, and I am thrilled about the opportunity to play him. Bert is a kind, genuine, and playful character who always looks out for others. He sees the big picture in life and doesn't let small mishaps discourage him. He puts others' needs above his own and doesn't worry about material possessions. But most of all, I'm thrilled to play Bert because he's just a lot of fun, always putting a smile on others' faces. If I can help you see what Bert sees to help put a smile on your face, then I will have done my job as an actor. See you at the show!”

It is always exciting to invite new actors to experience the Kitsap Forest Theater stage - there really is nothing like it. You can even hang out in the sunshine between stage time during rehearsals! All of the actors and production staff have been hard at work learning the songs and dances, and putting together an exciting show - don't miss it! Tickets available here. 

Not only have the Mountaineers Players been busy this spring and summer creating two incredible shows (Honk! & Annie), they have also been busy creating a new play area for kids of all ages.

It all started with a family whose daughter, Kamalani, auditioned for Narnia last year. Kamalani loved the experience, and her brother, Brayden, enjoyed hanging out at the theater. Her parents, Lisa Simpson and Brian Fielder, helped out behind the scenes – Lisa backstage and Brian selling concessions. Lisa became the teacher/leader of the Kitsap Forest Adventure Camp (last year and this year!). They had such a positive experience, they decided to join the Players Committee.

Noticing that the old play structure (built by volunteer parents several decades ago) was no longer safe – they volunteered to donate time and money to design and build a new one. After doing a site evaluation, they presented the Players Committee with their recommendations and design ideas. It was decided to build the new play structure on the other side of Kitsap Cabin to take advantage of the trees on the site. 

Here is Lisa's explanation for the design:

"The inspiration for the Treehouse was the Kitsap Forest itself and the imagination of theater. I watched what the kids do when they are playing in the Kitsap Forest and tried to imagine what they might build for themselves if they were lost in the woods — on a great adventure and needing a home. I thought of Peter Pan and pirates battling with swords, the Swiss Family Robinson, and Robinson Crusoe. I also thought of fairies and the magical times younger children, and we all, experience observing the creatures that live in the woods."

"It needed to have a balcony so the kids could be dramatic. It needed a crow's nest, so the kids could get up high and so the "set" would have several levels. It needed to appeal to kids that could just begin to climb up and to the older teens who still want to play a bit while they "hang out." I wanted to make something that would inspire the imaginations of all ages."

With Lisa's design expertise and Brian's carpenter skills, work was begun in the spring. They worked with other Players volunteers to clear the site, dig the holes and set the posts. The actual structure was built mostly by Lisa and Brian with others helping as needed. Lisa and Brian's donation of money was matched 100% by Brian's employer, Microsoft, and his hundreds of hours of volunteer work was donated in matching funds to the Mountaineers Players, paying for the structure as it grew. Additionally, the Walters family (Beaven, Mark, Sophie, Scooter and Maisy) who have been involved with the Players for the past five years as performers, volunteers, and serving on the Players Committee, donated money towards the Treehouse project.

Since the structure was completed in phases, kids could play on the parts that were finished while the rest was being built. During Adventure Camp the swing set and small tower was used. The taller tower was finished in time for Annie families to use. Last to be added was the suspension bridge and the climbing net. It has been a pleasure to see cast and crew kids (and their friends) climbing all over the structure while plotting their next adventure. Families attending shows are spending time at The Treehouse before and after the shows – fitting with our goal of making a trip to the Kitsap Forest Theater part of a "daycation" – picnic before the show, explore The Treehouse, see the show, hike to Big Tree, etc.

This was a labor of love (and a sacrifice) for the entire Simpson/Fielder family (including the family dog, Jack) – they spent almost every weekend of the spring and summer (and some weekdays) at the Kitsap Forest Theater working on the structure (and helping out with the plays).

Thank you, Lisa and Brian (and Kamalani and Brayden) – your thoughtfulness in design, attention to detail and masterful construction will ensure that your gift will bless generations of families. You have created a legacy that will keep on giving to kids young and old – truly inspiring the imagination of all who explore The Treehouse.

To see pictures of the build in progress, see our Photo Gallery.

A Parent’s Review: Annie at the Kitsap Forest Theater by Kelly Rogers Flynt in The Seattle's Child, July 29, 2014

Take one endearing story, place it in a magical location, add a dash of sunshine and the adventure of a ferry ride and you have one memorable, summer day the whole family will treasure. 

The Kitsap Forest Theater has a production of Annie running through Aug. 17. The story will warm your heart, and the setting will refresh your soul. It is truly a theater experience like no other. 

Annie is one of those musicals that almost everyone is familiar with on some level. However, seeing it again reminded me just why it has been beloved by so many generations. The hope and optimism that Annie embodies is just as important today as it was in her 1933 world, deep in the Great Depression. 

There aren’t too many stories, musical or not, that have so many strong female parts. Whether it’s the spunk of Annie, the kindness of Grace Farrell, or the machinations of Miss Hannigan, this story puts the female characters in the driver’s seat. For me, that makes it a must-see for both my daughter and my son. 

The show is first and foremost known for its music. The Mountaineer Players scored big when they found Sophie Walters to play the part of Annie. At 10 years old, this little girl is already sporting some major pipes and showcases the nuances of the music by Charles Strouse. I know Annie is supposed to be the star of the show; however, I think that Sophie might have stolen the show even if she weren’t playing the title character. 

Please note that there are two different girls playing Annie during the run. I haven’t had a chance to see the other one, Jasmine Harrick, but it’s obvious their casting people know what they are doing, so I’m sure she is fabulous as well. Check the online schedule at to see which girl is playing Annie on which day. 

Jason Gingold was another delightful surprise. He plays the part of Rooster Hannigan. Despite his character being the sleazy, scumbag type, you can’t help but fall in love with him. His physical comedy and demeanor are spot-on for the character and add so much to the fun of the show.

My daughter was also delighted to see that they used a real dog for Sandy. I don’t know if Panda has previous stage experience, but the dog certainly knew its cues and blocking. 

My daughter and I have seen quite a few shows this summer, both indoors and out. I was surprised by the quality of the sound system in the forest theater. Perhaps the natural acoustics of the area helped, but whatever it was, it worked perfectly. Every line from every character was heard clear as a bell. For me, this is vital when taking kids to a show. If they can’t hear what the actors are saying, they can’t follow the story, which results in incessant tugs at my sleeve with questions. So thank you forest folks for investing in quality sound.

After the show, the entire audience is invited up, or rather down, to the stage to meet the cast. What a treat! They are all happy to chat, take photos and answer questions. While on the stage area, I noticed a little alcove with a large keyboard and a young gentleman putting things away. It stopped me in my tracks. I had thought they were using recorded music. Nope, it was live – all of it. And all of it was performed by this one young man, Greg Smith, a recent graduate of Cornish College of the Arts. Again, hats off to Kitsap Forest Theater for doing it right. 

While the musical show is certainly the heart of the experience, don’t miss out on all the extra treats on the side. The theater is nestled in a 460-acre Rhododendron Preserve. Even if you are not up for serious hiking, you can learn more about the preserve by visiting the Kitsap Yurt, which houses photos and information. Additionally, the entrance to the trail to the theater features giant display boards with photos and the history of the Mountaineers Players. 

Although this is just the 8th summer theater season, the Mountaineers have been performing in the same forest-canopied spot since 1923. Even if you’re not a vintage photography buff, you will appreciate the photos from the old shows. My 10-year-old daughter loved looking at the old costumes and how they’ve changed over the years. 

Finally, if you plan your day right, you won’t want to miss the Big Tree Trail. The trailhead is located up at the entrance, near the restrooms and Kitsap Yurt, not down by the theater. The trail is about a half-mile long and leads to one of the 10 largest Douglas Fir trees in the world. The hike also includes a bridge over Wildcat Creek and magnificent flora and fauna such as blooming trillium, rhododendrons of course and various other native trees and plants. Don’t be surprised if you find ferns taller than your children! Please note that parts of the trail are steep, so be prepared to help little ones, and everyone should wear comfortable, close-toed shoes that are appropriate for hiking.

Logistics are important if you plan to visit the Kitsap Forest Theater. If you can take the whole day, do it. It will just make everything easier. The shows are at 2 p.m., but when you are depending on traveling by ferry, it’s best to plan to be early. Both the Bremerton/Bainbridge ferry and the Edmonds/Kingston ferry will work. The theater is now offering a $5 per person shuttle from the Bremerton ferry, but reservations are required. This is a great option as it allows you to be a walk-on ferry passenger and skip those long car lines. 

From the Kingston ferry dock, it takes 30 to 35 minutes to get to the theater. Note that there are two routes; one goes along the coast line and through Fort Gamble (this one is more scenic, but takes a little longer) and the other goes through the center of the peninsula and will save you a little time if you are cutting it close. You can also drive from Seattle via the Tacoma Narrows Bridge, which takes approximately 1.5 hours. 

There is parking at the entrance to the trail and across the road as well. The only “real” restrooms are at the trailhead near the ticket booth. The theater has very steep, stadium-style seating. If you have stadium seats or cushions, bring them. They do have a limited number of cushions at a rental booth. 

While most of the seats are under the filtered light of towering trees, there may be times that you have full sun shining on you, so be prepared. You can bring a cooler with your own snacks or visit their concessions booth that offers a variety of snacks and drinks. 

If there is a downside to the Kitsap Forest Theater, it is the distance. I wish it were in my backyard. It takes some planning and effort to get there, but it is so worth the trip. The theater has officially made its way onto our annual family tradition list. We can’t wait to go again.

Kelly Rogers Flynt is a freelance writer based out of Lake Forest Park and the mother of two children, ages 13 and 10, who dream of building a theater in their backyard.

http://www.seattleschild.com/article/annie-kitsap-forest-theater