Missoula Children’s Theater to present “Rapunzel”

That trademark red truck has been parked in front of the Brown Grand Theatre all week, which means that the Missoula Children's Theater (MCT) is in Concordia for its annual summer tour.

MCT, founded by Jim Caron and Don Collins in Missoula, Montana, in the 1970s, brings theater and dance to communities worldwide. A traveling tour group arrives in a community with all the sets, costumes, and lights for a production, and then casts the play with young actors from around the area. They rehearse for one week and then perform the show for an audience.

This year's show is 'Rapunzel'. Originally a French story, it was most notably adapted by the Brothers Grimm in England in 1812. Its timeless tale of a beautiful young girl locked away in a tower in the woods by a witch is a favorite among theater audiences.

This adaptation at the Brown Grand is a frivolous frolic through the French countryside. In the Ogres garden in the Mushroom patch, the Corn and Potato spies report back to Madame Gothel, who is holding Rapunzel. Frenchy and his intense friends, the Wood Elves, do their best to help Rapunzel escape the grasp of Madame Gothel.

The MCT tour directors in Concordia this summer are Stevee Wittlieb and Atlas Kessinger.

Wittlieb is from Santa Maria, California. She graduated from North Dakota State University with a degree in music and a minor in dance. This is her first year with the MCT.

“I love traveling, and children, so for me this is awesome!” Wittlieb said. “I love getting to meet and work with all these young people who are excited about theater.”

Kessinger is originally from Fort Worth, Texas, and is touring with the MCT until August, when she will go back to college in Ohio. “Traveling and working with kids is a dream come true for me,” she said. “What I love about this is getting to watch the progress of each student from the first of the week until the end of the week. They gain so much confidence in themselves.”

There are over 50 participants in the show from Concordia, Belleville, Cuba, Delphos, Minneapolis, Beloit, and Munden.

Boedy Chavey, 11 years old and the younger brother of Concordia stage veteran Belle Chavey, plays the role of Prince #1. He is excited to be performing in the play. “I like the thrill of being able to become a different character, a different person,” he said.

Chavey said the week of rehearsal has been going great, but he is a little nervous. “It's just remembering all the lines. But I'll be ready.”

Belleville native Taylor Peters, 13, plays the role of Madam Gothel, who is holding Rapunzel captive. “She locks her away, and her entire goal is to get Rapunzel's long hair,” Peters said.

Peters is relishing the role of the evil Madam Gothel. “I've never played a bad guy before,” she said with a grin. “It's a lot of fun!”

Accompanying the performers on the piano is Kathy Kadavy.

'Rapunzel' will be at the Brown Grand Theatre Saturday, June 24. Showtime is 3 p.m. Tickets for the performance will be $10 per person. Children 8 and under are admitted free.