One Nation, Under God
Young thespians gathered all week long with anticipation and jittery nerves for the opportunity to be a part of the action in this year's presentation of the Missoula Children's Theatre.
Making a return after a hiatus holdup from Covid, the program was welcomed back by eager youth ready to share their talents. The presentation this year was "Robin Hood," and perhaps an indication of declining enrollment, the number of actors showing up for auditions fell short of the number of skilled talent that was needed. But... that was great! Everyone who showed up for the initial calling was selected to be in the play.
MCT Tour Directors, Logan Hanson and Adaire Stone worked with the 48 youth, who in five days and 20 hours of practice brought the theatre to its two final curtain calls for this year. They worked to bring to the audiences on Friday evening and Saturday morning, an enjoyable and enchanting step back in time to the days in the magical, mythical land of Sherwood Forest. The hero, Robin Hood (Scarlett Marino), along with his Merry Band (Blake Tharp, Seterah Pekovitch, Sabra Sims, Mira Tharp, Ellie Norville, Kaiden Tharp, Mary Simons, Adalynn Bahr, Camri Salveson and Robin Hickel) of colorful characters set out to seek the help of the Foresters (Kinley Young, Ellie Newman, Molly Hould, Lucy Salveson, Tavi Lulloff, Everli Tatafu, Averey Schwartz and Rhiannon Waters), to waylay the Aristocrats (Vienna Stiles, Laney Hoge and Olivia Tollefson) and set out to rescue Maid Marion (Roxy Hickel) and Marion's Maid (Isla Dunbar).
Prince John (Brittalia Drabbels) tries to remain calm as his Sheriff (Jayne Young), Guards (Reagan Bleth, Jackson Nelson, Kaelyn Young, Erin Solberg, Aubrie Norville, Mia Riggs, Clifford Doney and Tennessee LaBrie) and horsemen (Bailey Squires, Kambyr Boardman, Sonnie Davis, and Raegyn Raymond) botch Robin's arrest thanks to the aromatic Skunks. At home and school, the little stinkers are known as TJ Kelly, Emma McKenney, Cash Roberts, Adalyn Schwartz, Nellie Salveson, Cecelie Norville, Ashlee Haynes, Barrett Shores, Amariahna Stevenson and Rivyr Raymond.
Hanson and Stone were assisted by their Assistant Directors, Lettie Davis and PJ Bibbs. Mrs. Heidi Lulloff shared her talents and tickled the ivories for the production.
At the close of the play, Hanson said, "...the kids were FANTASTIC!" He went on to thank the contact for this show, Melissa Dunbar, as well as school staff, Zach and Shawn (Handley and Bleth), for their support and assistance.
"For over 50 years now, MCT has been touring and working in all 50 states, 17 countries and five Providences. Each year, MCT works with 65,000 theatres and performs before 750,000 audiences." Malta actors and actresses, you made history.
Wacky humor, cute actors and charisma, and an original score added to the fresh and inspiring new portrayal of the legendary outlaw in a mystical and fascinating time...if only in our minds.
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