Plains youth perform "Red Riding Hood"

Around 150 residents of Plains came out to support the performance of “Red Riding Hood” put on by children ranging from six to 17 years of age. Organized by the Missoula Children’s Theatre and locally sponsored by the Plains Woman’s Club, the play featured about 60 kids from Plains schools, directed by MCT members Allie Kauling and Steven Thomas and accompanied by Sydne Connolly. Assistant director Mykenzi Blood helped coordinate behind the scenes activity.

Led by Red Riding Hood, played by Kelsey Standeford, and the Hood family, the play followed the adventures of a diverse range of fairy tale characters as they aided and sometimes prevented Red from arriving at grandmas’ house. Attempting to steer the wayward Red on the right path with songs like “Stay on the Trail,” an assortment of personalities helped Red and the Hood family navigate the treacherous forest.

The Big Bad Wolf portrayed by Kauling, in between attempts to convince the audience that he was not that bad after all, led the eccentric characters through the maze of forest. Ranger Rooney, played by Jubal Ryan, provided comic relief while the woodsman, played by Josiah Vanderwall, provided distraction for Red and her girlfriends played by Rebecca Madden, Taralee Ryan and Teija Gill.

Losing their way and their basket, the straying group was joined by the three little pigs, played by Izabella McQuiston, Tianna McGonagle, and Alexis Helterline. The pigs provided little in the way of aid while the little loveable wolf, played by Elijah Pomije, provided the audience with laughs, leading the wolfgang along the trail.

As Red lost track of her friends as well as the trail for a second time, the Hood family, played by Rachel Knight, Charlie Rehbein, Lily Johnson, and Jesse Uli performed an encore of “Stay on the Trail.” Red got the point and continued on to grandmas’ house. As periodic, comedic interlude was provided by the boy who cries wolf played by Conrad Vanderwall; the production found grandma, played by Kendall Knight, unfortunately locked in her closet until the frazzled locksmith played by Douglas Damschen came to the rescue.

After all the exploits depicted by newborn thespians portraying forest shadows, raccoons and a wolfgang, the cast of “Red Riding Hood” accomplished the monumental task of pulling off an hour long play, complete with choreographed song and dance numbers with one dress rehearsal and only five days to prepare.

For 40 years, the MCT has fostered an appreciation of theater with 65,000 children, touring all 50 states and 17 different countries. Members travel in teams, working with children of all ages to put on shows like the one enjoyed by Plains residents on Saturday.