Hansel & Gretel
Conceived and Written by Jim Caron
Music and Lyrics by Michael McGill and Jim Caron

Times are tough for modern-day Hank and Gretchen, 'til they find themselves deep in the wondrous Wildwood world of Hansel and Gretel. The Missoula Children's Theatre proudly presents an original musical adaptation of the Brothers' Grimm age-old tale of a journey, a secret and a grand adventure.

Poor Hank and Gretchen! All of their friends, off to summer camp, have left them behind. And their Mom, struggling alone to make ends meet, seems to have time for nothing but work. While waiting for dinner, prepared by eccentric but lovable Uncle Wally, Hank and Gretchen fall asleep and dream their way to times gone by.

They wake with a start! Their clothes are so strange - and so are their names. Lost in the deep dark woods, Hansel and Gretel search for the path which will lead them to better times at home. But as evening approaches and the moon rises above the trees, Hansel and Gretel are not alone! Nasty Nasties dart from tree to tree as sweet little Wallybirds innocently munch on the cookie crumbs left as a map on the forest floor.
Crafty cooks and Gingerbread Men lead our heroes to a colorful cottage concocted completely of candy and cakes, where Hansel and Gretel unravel the secret of the Wildwood Witch: Is she bad? Or is she good? Is she wicked... Or misunderstood?

There's music and laughter and thrills and chills. So join the fun as Hansel and Gretel's dream is mysteriously blended with real life, and the lessons of one apply to the other. You'll learn the secret of the Wildwood --- but, shhh --- don't tell!

Missoula Children's Theatre - Helping Kids Reach A New Stage
The Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT), the nation's largest touring children's theatre, has been touring extensively for 40 years now from Montana to Japan, and will visit nearly 1,200 communities this year with up to 47 teams of Tour Actor/Directors. A tour team arrives in a given town with a set, lights, costumes, props and make-up, everything it takes to put on a play...except the cast. 50-60 local participants are cast to perform in the production. The show is rehearsed throughout the week and two public performances are presented on Saturday. All MCT shows are original adaptations of classic children's stories and fairytales . . . a twist on the classic stories that you know and love. Also included in the residency are three enrichment workshops presented by the Tour Actor/Directors. Creativity, social skills, goal achievement, communication skills and self-esteem are all characteristics that are attained through the participation in this unique, educational project. MCT's mission is the development of life skills in children through participation in the performing arts.
The Missoula Children's Theatre is based in Missoula, Montana, and also runs many local programs. These include musical theatre day camps and performing arts classes for local children, a summer residency Performing Arts Camp for students from around the world and the Missoula Community Theatre which creates an arena for local talent of all ages to participate in large-scale productions and attracts audiences from western Montana.

THEATRE CAMP AGE RANGE
The Summer Musical Theatre Camp is designed for up to 50-60 school aged children entering grades 1 to 12. There are roles especially suited for all ages, skill levels and experience levels.

ASSISTANT DIRECTORS
For those more interested in the backstage workings of a production, four to six Assistant Directors (ADs), ages ten and older, will help teach and direct the show early in the week as well as take on technical responsibilities at performance time.

GENERAL SCHEDULE AND WHAT TO BRING
Rehearsals and workshops will be conducted Monday July 9th through Friday July 13th from 10am to 2:30pm in the Performing Arts Centre's Auditorium and Marie Fleming Hall (plan to arrive 10 minutes early so we can start at 10am sharp!). Please remember that everyone must stay the entire rehearsal/workshop period. Cast Members will be required to bring a bag lunch and one or two snacks, each day.

REHEARSALS
The rehearsals are under the direction of the Missoula Children's Theatre Actor/Directors. Rehearsals are closed to the general public and parents/guardians.

ADDITIONAL WORKSHOPS
Throughout the week, participants will have the opportunity to sign up for additional workshops at no extra charge. These workshops typically take place in the morning before 10am and will be scheduled and announced prior to the camp start date.

PERFORMANCES
There will be two performances on Saturday July 14th at 3:30pm and 5:30pm. Cast members will need to arrive at 11:30am for a dress rehearsal (remember to bring a bag lunch and plan on a late dinner this night). Performances run approximately 60-70 minutes with no intermission.

COST
A participation fee of $100 will be charged per Cast Member. Payment may be made by cash, cheque, debit, visa, or mastercard.
Cheques should be made payable to "Ticket Seller". Cast Members will be given ticket vouchers for two family members to attend a performance at no additional cost.

ADDITIONAL TICKETS
Additional tickets for the performances will be available through the Ticket Seller Box Office and are $12 each. The Missoula team will sell t-shirts following the performance.




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