Missoula Children’s Theatre will make a stop in Pauls Valley later this month, offering local children the opportunity to perform in a uniquely crafted production of “Hansel and Gretel.”
This year marks the 30th year for Pauls Valley area students to have the opportunity to participate in the Missoula Children’s Theatre touring residency program. The program, locally sponsored by Pauls Valley Public Schools, offers area children the chance to participate in a full-scale musical production featuring a local cast of between 50 and 60 children. MCT touring productions are cast, rehearsed and performed all in the span of one week.
Pauls Valley and Whitebead students in grades k-12, as well as homeschooled students who reside in those districts, are encouraged to audition. Open auditions will be held Monday, Jan. 26, from 3:45-5:45 p.m. at the Bosa Community Center, 207 Bosa Ave.
Among the roles to be cast are the intrepid adventurers Hansel and Gretel; their Granny; the Wildwood Witch and her loyal cooks; modern-day campers, somehow lost in time in the wood; lots of Rascals, denizens of the deep; and a flock of cuddly Wallybirds.
No advance preparation is necessary for auditions.
Assistant directors will also be cast to aid in rehearsals throughout the week and to take on essential backstage responsibilities.
Rehearsals will begin immediately following auditions and will continue each afternoon through Thursday, Jan. 29. Children cast in the production will need to be present at all rehearsals scheduled for their parts.
Public performances of “Hansel and Gretel” will be at the Pauls Valley High School Auditorium, 601 North St., Friday, Jan. 30, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, Jan.
31, at 2 p.m.
Local coordinator Fawn Riddle said this year, as they celebrate MCT’s 30th year of holding performances in Pauls Valley, the program would love to have any and all past cast members attend this year’s shows.
Admission to both public shows is free, though donations are appreciated.