Only in the world of Missoula Children’s Theatre does the story of Rapunzel take place on the French countryside. There, Frenchy and the Wood Elves help free the beautiful Rapunzel from Madame Gothel and as she is fleeing, she is mistaken by Goldilocks and chased by the Three Bears. It’s a little twisted, but it’s the kind of unexpected whimsy that makes the children’s productions so much fun.

 

Area children will once again get the chance to be in a Missoula production when “Rapunzel” comes to town next month. Auditions will be held 4-6 p.m. Nov. 14 at Bridgeport High School. There are 50 to 60 roles for kids in kindergarten through high school seniors available, said Coordinator Michele Skaggs. There is no special prep necessary to audition, but those who do must be available for rehearsals which will take place daily through Nov. 19 when the cast will perform two shows.

Based in Missoula, Montana, the traveling theater company comes complete with costumes, set, script and a pair of professionals to host auditions, produce and sometimes even appear in the productions. Student actors from throughout Harrison County and surrounding areas are welcome to audition. For those who don’t want to be on stage, but still be part of the production, there are limited opportunities for behind-the-scenes work, including directing, producing and set assistance.

 

Skaggs, who saw a Missoula show several years ago in another city, has been spearheading the Bridgeport shows for several years. Missoula Children’s Theatre professionals and local student actors have combined talents to present “Snow White,”  “Blackbeard the Pirate,” “The Secret Garden,” “Robin Crusoe,” The Tortoise and the Hare,” the “Wiz of the West” and last year’s feature show “Aladdin,” among others.

  

Auditions for “Rapunzel” will be held 4-6 p.m. Monday, Nov. 14 at the BHS auditorium. Starting that day, those with speaking roles will start rehearsing and will do so daily through Friday, Nov. 18. On Saturday, Nov. 19, they will perform two shows – at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m.

“It’s crazy how it all comes together,” Skaggs said. “It’s a great opportunity for kids who can’t dedicate months and months to be on stage. In just one week, they’re out there doing it. And that’s why I keep bringing Missoula Theatre Company here.”

 

From Nov. 14-18, practices will be held 4-8:30 p.m. with a 30-minute lunch break in the middle. The show’s littlest stars won’t have quite as rigorous of a schedule.

 

Saturday is show time.

 

“The kids come in at 10 a.m. and do a dress rehearsal, stop and eat, then come back and we do make-up and they perform the first show, take a break then come back for the last performance,” Skaggs said.

 

The shows are costly to put on, said Skaggs, who heads up fundraising for the productions. Area businesses wishing to sponsor by making a monetary donation will receive tickets to attend the show. Companies and organizations wishing to sponsor this year’s show can contact Skaggs at 304-842-2102. 

 

Editor's Note: Pictured are past cast and crew members of Missoula Children's Theatre productions.