The Highest Tide
Directed by Kate Meyers
March 6–22, 2026
Adapted for the stage by Jane Jones and produced in partnership with Book-It Repertory Theatre.
Pay-What-You-Can Preview Night: March 5
Adapted from Jim Lynch’s beloved novel, The Highest Tide is a poetic, funny, and deeply personal coming-of-age story set against the backdrop of Puget Sound. When 13-year-old Miles O’Malley discovers a gigantic squid washed up on shore during a midnight low tide, his small coastal town is thrown into the national spotlight. Through his growing fascination with marine biology and his search for understanding in a world of chaos, Miles’ journey becomes one of connection—to the sea, to science, his friends and to his own emerging self. Presented with Book-It’s signature style of storytelling through narrative and action, this production invites us to rediscover the importance of caring for our natural world.
Recommended for ages 10+. Includes mild language and themes of adolescence.
MEET THE CAST
Q&A with Jim Lynch on Sunday, March 15
Join us after the matinee performance on Sunday, March 15th for a special Q&A with author Jim Lynch to discuss the story and characters of The Highest Tide. Moderated by Garth Stein, author of The Art of Racing in the Rain.
After the Q&A, Jim will sign books for patrons in the lobby, and our friends from Liberty Bay Books will have copies available for purchase and signing.
Those wishing to attend the Q&A are encouraged to purchase tickets to the March 15th matinee as priority seating will be granted to those seeing the performance. However, after the performance, there will be a short break, and guests who wish to only attend the Q&A may take seats if audience members wish to leave, or if no seats are available in the theater, guests may watch and listen to the Q&A through our lobby display screens and then attend the signing after. Tickets are not required for the post Q&A signing. If you have any questions, please contact our Box Office at boxoffice@bainbridgeperformingarts.org.
Meet the Author
Jim Lynch is the author of The Highest Tide and two other Northwesty novels that have been performed on stage in Seattle. His fourth novel, Before the Wind, was a bestseller in France. He’s now finishing a new novel about the mystery and wonder of whales. Jim lives in a remodeled farmhouse on nearby Vashon Island with his wife, Denise.
Q&A Moderated by Garth Stein
Garth Stein is the author of the #1 New York Times bestselling novel, The Art of Racing in the Rain. His other novels include Raven Stole the Moon, How Evan Broke His Head and Other Secrets, and A Sudden Light. The third book of his graphic novel series, The Cloven, illustrated by Matthew Southworth, was published by Fantagraphics in 2025. Garth was the co-founder of Seattle7Writers, a non-profit collective of more than 80 Northwest authors; he has served on the board of Hugo House, a literary center in Seattle; and he is currently the chair of the Author Leadership Circle for the Book Industry Charitable Foundation (BINCFoundation.org).
