Over 50 local youths showcase theatrical skills in MCT’s Sleeping Beauty

by Rachel Hunter

Missoula Children’s Theatre put on a weeklong theatre camp for over 50 local youths (ages 5-18), held July 22-26 at the Gouverneur High School Auditorium, culminating in two performances of “Sleeping Beauty” on Saturday, July 27. It was proudly presented by the Gouverneur Recreation Department.

All were welcomed by Auditorium Manager Brandon Griffin. MCT’s production of Sleeping Beauty on the GHS auditorium stage thrilled local audiences as the youths’ talents were showcased in the matinee and evening performances. The crowds watched as the Missoula Children’s Theatre presented “Sleeping Beauty,” adapted by Don Kukla with music and lyrics by Don Kukla and Michael McGill.

There were over 50 local youths involved in the production. The cast of characters included the following: Younger Sleeping Beauty (Frances LaPierre), Older Sleeping Beauty (Hannah Roderick), Scarella (Paige Kirby), Lady-In-Waiting/Madame Butterfly (Gracen Hance), King (Joseph Weldon), Queen (Payton Kirby), Spot (Evelyn Koch), Town Crier (Isabelle French), Fairies (Temperance Greenwood, Adelaide Stay, Isadora Wake, Ava Weldon, Lilliana Poole, Laila Bearden, Marianna Shelly, Elizabeth Bason, Adalynn Tupper, Sophia McCurdy, Aubrey MacMartin, Maree Anna Roddy, Emma Riutta), Trolls (Carter McGill, Joseph Hernandez, Luke Bartholomew, Alexander Mendez-Sands, Jase Brozzo, Seamus Roddy), Musicians (Daphne Bearden, Mary Margaret Hughes, Kyleigh Byrd, Lucy Maine), Cooks (Ariella Barr, Charlize, Kathryn Weldon, Izzy Blaine), Housekeeping Crew (Madelyn Simmons, Andie Blaine, Lily Blaine), Guards (Jakkee Roesnergilles, Evelyn Riutta, Arabella Stay), Caterpillars (River Greenwood, Amyah Bernard, Taelyn Dority, Masyn Cudhea, Clara Halpin, Rhya Cronk, Devon Barr, Alex Hendrick).

Missoula Children’s Theatre Actor Directors were Charity Weldon and Bella Mancuso. Much appreciation was extended to Assistant Director Brycen Parshley, Accompanist Beth Johnson, and Lights Director Alex Clancy.

Missoula Children’s Theatre, based in Missoula, Montana, prides itself on fostering creativity and enhancing the innate capabilities in individuals all over the world by providing access to community-driven performing arts experiences. The Tour Actor/Directors taught the youth many acting and performance skills throughout the weeklong theatre program. The youths auditioned on Monday for the show, and then in just five days, learned all of the blocking, lines, movement, etc. to put on the production. MCT is celebrating over 50 years of touring, and has been to 50 states, 70 countries, and Canadian provinces. “We are so lucky to have the opportunity to work with your kids this week,” the tour actors/directors said. Great applause once again sounded for the talented youngsters on the stage.

“Sleeping Beauty” was the 14th production of Missoula Children’s Theatre in Gouverneur. The productions included the following: Treasure Island, Snow White, Hansel and Gretel, Beauty Lou and the Country Beast, King Arthur’s Quest, Blackbeard, Sleeping Beauty, The Crown Prince, Pied Piper, Robin Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rumpelstiltskin. This is the first year that Gouverneur has had a repeat show. The Gouverneur Recreation Department submits an application for Missoula Children's Theatre to come to Gouverneur each year, and is informed around Thanksgiving time what the show will be for the next summer. For more information about Missoula Children’s Theatre, visit mctinc.org.

Missoula Children's Theatre in Gouverneur was proudly presented by the Gouverneur Recreation Department with the support of the Theatre Committee: Gouverneur Recreation Director Casey Canell, Connor Canell, and Corryn Canell. Tickets were sold by Stacy Canell with assistance from Marilyn LaPierre. Appreciation was also extended to the following sponsors: the Gouverneur Recreation Department, Gouverneur Lions Club, Gouverneur Kiwanis Club, the Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035, Gouverneur Masonic Lodge No. 217, and the Lawrence Manor in Gouverneur. Among the long list of gratitudes, appreciation was also extended to Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall, the Village Board of Trustees, the Town of Gouverneur, and the Gouverneur Central School District. Much applause sounded in appreciation of all those who contributed any service towards the success of the MCT’s weeklong theatre camp and performances.

More information on upcoming Missoula Children’s Theatre productions in Gouverneur will be reported as information is made available to the Gouverneur Tribune Press. For more information on the Gouverneur Recreation Department and its programming, call 315-287-0524.