MAT looks at life, death in 'On Borrowed Time'

A co-director of the latest Montana Actors' Theatre production urged people to come see the show, which opens Friday in Montana State University-Northern's Little Theatre in Cowan Hall.

"It's a matter of life and death," said Anthony Cammon, who is co-directing with Casey Pratt "On Borrowed Time."

Paul Osborn's 1937 play, based on a novel by Lawrence Edward Watkin - who based that on a story by Geoffrey Chaucer - relates the tale of Death, in the unassuming form of Mr. Brink, coming to harvest the soul of Gramps. The play tells what happens when Gramps tricks and traps Mr. Brink, ending death around the world.

The play was translated into a popular 1939 movie starring Lionel Barrymore and Sir Cedric Hardwicke.

The extensive cast in the Havre production, sponsored by Steve Mariani Insurance, is headed by Terry Munson playing Julian "Gramps" Northrup; Hiram Cammon as his grandson, John "Pud" Northrup; Audrey Barger as Nellie "Grannie" Northrup; and Luke Pratt as Mr. Brink.

Rounding out the cast are Josiah Stocker, Jamie Lowham, Mindy Smith-Langel, James Stocker, Rachel Dean, Bill Chambers, Shawn Reichle, Brandon Bergren, Matt Twedt and Brandon Berreth.

Several of those actors also are helping out with the stage, set and costume work, along with Kristiny Lorrett, Jim Potter, Egan Phillips, Trevor Bulkley, Angela Pratt and Jay Pyette and his MSU-N Drama 101 Students.

The doors to the theater and the backstage lounge open Friday at 7:30 p.m., with the production starting at 8 p.m.

The show's run continues Saturday with productions also slated for Oct. 23-25, 30-31 and Nov. 1.

Tickets for "On Borrowed Time" are $15 for adults, $10 for students and seniors, and Northern students gain free admission with a current student identification card.