We've Got The County Covered
We've Got The County Covered
The Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) production of Hansel and Gretel will take the stage at Chinook High School's Lloyd Sweet Auditorium on Saturday, February 5. Two performances are scheduled for 1:00 and 3:30 p.m. During their week-long residency in Blaine County, the MCT Tour Team not only conducted workshops for various schools but served as ambassadors for the theatrical arts.
Auditions for the production were conducted on Monday, January 31 at 3:45 in the Meadowlark Elementary School gymnasium. At that time, roles were cast for Hansel and Gretel, their Granny, the Wildwood Witch and her loyal servants, the crafty cooks, modern day campers, lots of Rascals, and a flock of Wallybirds.
Students from kindergarten through twelfth grade were eligible and encouraged to audition. Assistant Directors were also cast to aid in rehearsals throughout the week and to take on essential backstage responsibilities.
In Jim Caron's adaptation of the age-old tale by the Brothers Grimm-with music and lyrics by Michael McGill and Jim Caron-times are tough for a modern-day Hank and Gretchen. All of their friends, off to summer camp, have left them behind. While waiting for dinner, the two fall asleep and dream their way to times gone by.
When the two suddenly wake, they find themselves deep in the Wildwood. Their clothes and their names are strange, but Granny guides Hansel and Gretel onto a path which she promises will lead them to better times at home. However, as evening approaches and the moon rises above the trees, Hansel and Gretel discover they are not alone! The Rascals dart from tree to tree as Wallybirds innocently munch on the cookie crumbs left as a map on the forest floor. Crafty cooks and Gingerbread Men lead the duo to a colorful cottage concocted completely of candy and cakes. There, Hansel and Gretel must unravel the secret of the Wildwood Witch: Is she bad or good; is she wicked or misunderstood?
The performance promises music and laughter along with thrills and chills as the audience accompanies Hansel and Gretel on their grand adventure. Everyone involved will discover the secret of the Wildwood-that dreams mysteriously blend with real life, and the lessons of one often apply to the other.
The MCT residency in Chinook is presented locally by Meadowlark Elementary School with support from local sponsors: Iota Chapter of Delta Kappa Gamma, Chinook Lion's Club, and Chinook Community Chest.
The MCT Tour Team that is visiting Chinook with the production are Anna Luczynski and Maggie Connick. Luczynski graduated from Oklahoma City University with a theatre and performance degree and minors in directing and costume design. Connick is a recent alum from West Texas A&M University with a Bachelor of Fine Arts Degree in acting. Both members of the team expressed excitement about being on tour with MCT and claimed appreciation for the strength and knowledge extended to them from professors, as well as for the love and support of family and friends.
While in Chinook for the week, the pair conducted various workshops for area students. At Zurich Elementary School on February 1, students engaged with Creative Dramatics. They learned the process of role-play and engaged in a series of activities to increase communication skills and constructive group dynamics.
On Wednesday, Meadowlark first graders received an introduction to the basic tools of an actor's trade: observation, memorization, concentration, and imagination. With these tools presented and explored in an entertaining manner, the students participated in a variety of exercises and applied the actor's tools to both performing and everyday life. Another group engaged in pantomime exercises, and fifth graders experienced an improvisation workshop. Participation and teamwork were emphasized as the students acted without a script or rehearsal and discovered the value of thinking in the moment.
Anyone seeking additional information or who is willing to help with the production during the week of January 31-February 5 is encouraged to contact Tammy Edwards at 406-399-1428 or 406-357-2385.
