There are no small parts, only small actors

The Missoula Children's Theater performs Cinderella in Hot Springs

HOT SPRINGS – The Missoula Children’s Theater production of Cinderella starring local students was a good time for the audience from beginning to end Friday afternoon. The comedic-stylings of the stepsisters and town criers, as well as the little mice and pumpkins, were crowd pleasers. Smiles were all around.

The MCT is a traveling performance troupe that has been in operation since 1970. They venture from town to town bringing lights, sets and costumes to put on a show. Once they have arrived at their destination the troupe members recruit local children to take part in the production.

In the past 44 years, MCT has travelled all over the United States as well as 16 other countries. They have worked with approximately 65,000 kids and given them their chance to enjoy the spotlight.

Hot Springs has its own long-standing tradition with MCT, according to organizer Amy Anderson. This year was Anderson’s 17th year helping with the event, but MCT has been coming to Hot Springs for more than 35 years.

The tradition has continued for as long as it has due to the enthusiasm and assistance provided by the people of Hot Springs.

Anderson said the community has always been highly supportive of the event and it is always well attended. The Hot Springs Chamber of Commerce and Artist Society do what they can to help out.

The cost is very reasonable because of everything MCT brings to the stage. They are a mobile production company fully equipped to turn any space into theater magic. The only thing missing when MCT pulls into town is the sweet faces and unbridled enthusiasm of children.

“They do everything – the lights, costumes, sets and scripts. They bring everything so all we have to do is provide the eager kids to be the actors,” Anderson said.

For the production of Cinderella, MCT made sure to have many roles and costumes available for any child who wished to participate.

“Last year we had to cut a few people but this year everybody got a part,” Anderson said. “It is great when everyone gets to be involved.”

Once the roles were cast, the young actors had very little preparation time before the final curtain call.

“They started on Monday and they rehearsed all afternoon today so really they do a show in about 4 ? days,” Anderson said. “The Missoula Children’s Theater directors do a great job and we have kids who really want to be here and are motivated.”

The children’s motivation coupled with the experience and guidance of MCT tour actors/ directors Nicholas Hanni and Samm Mathess led to a successful production.

The audience really seemed to enjoy the quirky new take on the classic Cinderella. The show was filled with new characters such as Rags, Raggedy Annie and Patches – the humorous rhyming narrator who enjoys breaking the fourth wall and interacting with the audience.

The play also included several less known but fun musical numbers. These included the vocal stylings of beggars, pumpkins and mice. According to Anderson, MCT usually puts a modern and comedic spin on old classics.

“We have done Peter Pan, the Jungle Book, Jack and the Beanstalk – a lot of different variations on classic fairytales,” Anderson said. “[MCT] does very good work on that.”

For many of the children, getting the chance to perform on stage gives them special attention they might not have otherwise had.

“The play is a chance to let everybody shine. It is not just the football players or basketball players; it is the kids who aren’t quite into that. They get the opportunity to participate and shine,” Anderson said.

The children do not only gain a fun experience they can look back on, they also earn the self-confidence that comes from trying something new and putting themselves out there for the world to see. It is Anderson’s hope that each new generation will get the chance to have this experience.

“This is a community effort and hopefully the community will keep supporting it,” Anderson said. “As long as the kids still wish to do it we will make sure [MCT] gets here.”