Missoula Community Theatre 2016–17 Season
Missoula, MT—Deck the halls with fishnet leg lamps, a triple-dog dare, and a coveted Red Ryder BB gun, because the Missoula Community Theatre is set to present A Christmas Story: The Musical December 1–18 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.
The story is familiar to many because of the annual showing of the movie every Christmas. The year is 1940, and 11 year-old Ralphie is taking on the month of December and the trials that a child encounters. We see the story through his adult eyes, allowing us to recognize the comedy in every day childhood drama. Ralphie pushes through it all, driven by the wish of receiving a Red Ryder BB gun Christmas morning. How will he get to Santa to make his case?
MCT Executive Director, Michael McGill, is directing a cast of more than 40 volunteer actors from our community in this holiday classic. He says the show has a lot of the same charm as the movie, but “the music adds more heart. The musical leaves you with a warm holiday feeling, in large part, because it takes time to develop its themes through music.” McGill is sharing the music direction of the show with assistance from Erik Heuchert. Christine Pepin is choreographing.
McGill says the show is extremely family-friendly. He’s also been inspired working with the many young people in the cast, adding, “I’m always amazed to see what they are capable of.” While the aspiration for the coveted BB gun is central to the plot, McGill believes the relationships between Ralphie and his family are what make the story so endearing, compelling, and identifiable to all of us. The pesky little brother’s refusal to eat, the “old man’s” love of turkey and contests, and mom’s gentle, but tough love are traits unique to his family, yet absolutely universal—and really funny.
A Christmas Story: The Musical will take place at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts, December 1–18. Tickets are available at MCTinc.org; by calling 406-728-7529; or at the MCT Box Office, which is open Monday-Friday between 9:00am and 5:00pm. The production is sponsored by First Security Bank; Allegiance Benefit Plan Mgmt, Inc.; and Denny Menholt University Honda.
200 North Adams St. Missoula, MT 59802
406-728-7529
[email protected]
MCTinc.org
