It’s a busy season in local theater, as two productions are gearing up for performances in the coming weeks.  

“Beauty and the Beast”

The Oxford Peak Arts Council production of “Beauty and the Beast” is in its early stages, with the play scheduled to be staged from February 29 through March 11.   While the primary funding for the play has already been secured, Oxford Peak is seeking to defray some of the additional expenses through a number of unique opportunities for the public to become involved with the play as sponsors.  

The play’s primary funding was secured through grants from the Bistline Foundation and Rocky Mountain Power, as well as materials and backing from Hess Lumber.  Additional funds will be used primarily for costuming and other expenses that arise during the pre-production period.   

The first option for those interested in donating to the cause is primarily geared toward businesses and organizations, who will have an opportunity to add their advertisement to the pre-production slideshow at a cost of $150 for three seconds, or $300 for six seconds.  Space in the slideshow is not limited to businesses, however, and anyone interested can contact OPAC about running their message.  The slideshow will run before each performance during the show’s run.

The second option is also open to businesses, but any individual or group is invited to participate in sponsoring a costume for the show.  Sponsors will be credited for their support by the production, and can choose either a lead costume ($150), a supporting cast costume ($75), or an object featured in the Enchanted Castle ($25).

Due to the nature of the play, “Beauty and the Beast” will require a number of complex costumes for characters such as Belle, the Beast, Cogsworth, Lumiere, Mrs. Potts, and many others.  

“Beauty and the Beast” is an all High School production.  A production of “Aladdin, Jr.” is scheduled for May, and will be primarily a Middle School production.  

Last spring’s “Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat” was a great production all the way around, with amazing sets, costumes, music, and acting from dozens of local actors, who brought the beloved classic to life.  “Beauty and the Beast” promises an equally high-quality, professional experience for theater-goers, Disney fans, and anyone who enjoys witnessing the work of talented young people in the valley.

Those interested in supporting the Oxford Peak Arts Council and local aspiring young actors can call (208) 254-2009 or email [email protected] to donate or receive more information on helping with the upcoming events.  OPAC accepts cash, check, and Venmo donations.  A Venmo QR Code is included in the ad in today’s paper.

“The Secret Garden”

The Missoula Children’s Theatre will be returning to Malad for the third year with a performance of the classic children’s book “The Secret Garden” on January 27.  This is the third year that the MCT has visited Malad for its education-based elementary production.  Last year, “The Emperor’s New Clothes” involved over 50 students from Malad Elementary School.  The previous year, “Alice in Wonderland” was produced.  The MES PTO and Hess Pumice are the local sponsors of the event, with the MCT itself being funded in part by the National Endowment for the Arts.

The MCT is an arts outreach program that seeks to introduce students to the world of drama and theatrical production, but also to instill values such as confidence, courage, and teamwork as the rehearsal and pre-production process unfolds.

The play was adapted for the stage from Frances Hodgson Burnett’s timeless book by Michael McGill, who adds lyrics and music to the familiar story of a spoiled young girl’s journey from India to her uncle’s home in England following the death of her parents.  While initially resistant to the change, Mary Lennox (Mistress Mary Quite Contrary) meets a colorful assortment of characters who bring her to happier and more positive place by the end of the adventure.

The touring directors for the play are Hannah Sullivan and Benjamin

Gessleman, who will be overseeing the production, as well as providing a series of workshops and classes at the elementary school.

Auditions for the play will take place on Monday, January 22 from 3:45 to 5:45 for students who preregistered by January 10.  The performance itself will be held on January 27 at 3:00 p.m. and 5:30 p.m. at the elementary school auditorium.  Given the construction schedule for the new school building, this will be one of the last large productions to be held on the auditorium stage.