by Rachel Hunter
Missoula Children’s Theatre’s Red Truck Tour rolled into Gouverneur last week to put on a theatre camp for over 40 local youth participants, thanks to the efforts of the Gouverneur Recreation Department. In just five days, kids rehearsed, learned lines, built characters, and prepared for full-scale performances. MCT’s production of “Treasure Island” on the Gouverneur Central High School Auditorium stage wowed audiences at both the 2 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. shows last Saturday.
Faithful readers of the Gouverneur Tribune Press will recall that this is the 15th time that the Gouverneur Recreation Department has hosted the Missoula Children's Theatre – but this was the first time “Treasure Island” was performed in Gouverneur. Gouverneur Recreation Department Director Casey Canell told the Gouverneur Tribune Press that “Treasure Island" was the first MCT show that they brought to the North Country in 2009 and it was performed at Edwards-Knox CSD. The show was scheduled to be performed in Gouverneur in 2020, but it was canceled due to COVID-19 pandemic crisis. Thunderous applause sounded as the curtain rose on MCT’s “Treasure Island” production in Gouverneur.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) production of Treasure Island is a vibrant, original adaptation of Robert Louis Stevenson’s classic novel, reimagined for young performers and family audiences. Written and conceived by Jim Caron, with music and lyrics by Caron and Michael McGill, this version blends adventure, humor, and heart in a fast-paced theatrical experience. Set in 1782 during the final days of the American Revolution, the story follows young Jim Hawkins, a mischievous boy living with his mother and sisters in a coastal Maine village. Jim dreams of adventure and finds it when he discovers a treasure map while working at the family inn. He falls under the spell of the legendary pirate Long John Silver and sets sail with a crew of ruffians and a flock of seagulls as guides. As the voyage unfolds, friendships are tested, true colors are revealed, and Jim must navigate danger and deception to find the treasure and return home safely.
The crowds were welcomed by Auditorium Greeter Brandon Griffin, and the Auditorium Manager was Alex Clancy. The MCT Production of Treasure Island was directed by MCT Tour Actor-Director Raven Whitefawn. MCT Tour Actor-Director Dylan Hearley portrayed Long John Silver in the production. Beth Johnson, pianist, enriched the performance with musical accompaniment. The cast of characters included the following: Jim Hawkins (Frances LaPierre), Mother Hawkins (Paige Kirby), Pirates (Temperance Cota as Patches, Marianna Shelly as Davey, Isabelle French as Singin’ Sam, Evelyn Koch as Goldie, and Maree Anna Roddy as Outlook), Hawkins Sisters (Hannah Roderick, Payton Kirby, Isadora Wake, Riby Griffith), Cap’n Flint (Masyn Cudhea), Stranger (Jase Brozzo), Ruffians (Madelyn Simmons, Isla Countryman, Lucy Maine, Mary Margaret Hughes, Charlize Brozzo, Lillian Blaine), Mariners (Sophia Peck, Autumn Porter, Clara Halpin, Masyn Cudhea, Stephen Bennett, Andie Blaine, Jakkee Roesnergilles, Monroe Wake, Leanna Speid, Joseph Hernandez, Isabelle Blaine, Seamus Roddy), and Seagulls (Rayna Merrick, Hazel Peck, Fenri Greenwood, Amyah Bernard, River Greenwood, and Christopher Allen).
The Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) offers a one-of-a-kind theatrical experience that empowers children through creativity, collaboration, and performance. Based in Missoula, Montana, MCT is renowned for its Red Truck Tour, the world’s largest touring children’s theatre program of its kind. Each year, MCT visits over 1,100 communities across all 50 U.S. states and 16 countries, bringing professional actor-directors, costumes, sets, and scripts to local venues—and all they need is a cast. The Gouverneur Recreation Department was proud to bring the program to Gouverneur, with support from local sponsors, including the following: Gouverneur Lions Club, Gouverneur Masonic Lodge, Gouverneur Kiwanis Club, Gouverneur Elks Lodge No. 2035, and the Lawrence Manor. Special gratitude was also extended to Village of Gouverneur Mayor Ron McDougall and the Village of Gouverneur Board of Trustees, as well as the Gouverneur CSD and the GHS custodial and cafeteria staff. As well, appreciation was extended to theatre committee members Marilyn LaPierre, Casey Canell, Connor Canell, and Corryn Canell, and to Stacy Canell for the box office support. For more information about the Gouverneur Recreation Department, call 315-287-0524.