Fort Peck Summer Theatre prepares for landmark 50th Anniversary Season

From Fort Peck Summer Theatre

Fort Peck Summer Theatre is preparing for the 50th Anniversary Season.

The season promises to celebrate the history of the theatre and showcase a wide variety of productions, which continue to engage and attract audiences of all ages. Artistic Director Andy Meyers is returning for his ninth season and is honored to be welcoming back a rich roster of talent, including many alum, audience favorites and local cast members.

"Lend Me a Tenor" June 1 – June 16

Director: John Rausch

Back by popular demand, this Tony Award winner opens the 50th season. A legendary farce, set in 1934 at the famous Cleveland Grand Opera Company, this side-splitting comedy features mistaken identity, revolving doors, over-the-top opera personas, and of course, a love story.

"Mamma Mia" June 21 – July 7

Director: Joseph Martinez

One mother. One daughter. Three possible dads. This world-wide phenomenon is making it's FPST debut. Bursting with dozens of ABBA's famous hits, this spectacle musical is sure to leave audiences dancing in the aisles. Get tickets early, as this is sure to be a standing-room only production.

"The Marvelous Wonderettes" July 12 – July 21

Director: Andy Meyers

Written by FPST alum Roger Bean, this smash off-Broadway hit ventures back to the 1958 Springfield High School prom and follows a female singing group, whose hopes and dreams are as big as their beehives and crinoline skirts. The score includes over 30 classic 50s and '60s songs, sure to keep audiences smiling during this must-take trip down memory lane.

"Peter Pan" July 26 – Aug. 11

Director: Megan Wiltshire

Peter Pan, Captain Hook and the Darling family come to life on stage in this colorful and extravagant musical. The FPST production will feature high-flying special effects, large athletic dance numbers and swash-buckling pirates, perfect for the entire family. Glasgow-native Christen Etchart returns to star in the title role.

"On Golden Pond" Aug. 16 - Sept. 1

Director: Dan Sharkey

Audience favorites Pam L. Veis and James Rio play the roles made famous on film by Katherine Hepburn and Henry Fonda. This touching, warm and witty story centers around Ethel and Norman Thayer as they spend their 48th season on Golden Pond. Director Dan Sharkey, who is a veteran of many Broadway productions, including "The Music Man," "Bridges of Madison County" and "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark," makes his FPST debut.

Two Theatre for Young Audience productions are set for the 2019 season. After a nearly sold-out run in 2018, "Alice's Rockin' Adventures in Wonderland" returns to the Fort Peck Theatre stage June 26, 27, 28 and 30 at 10 a.m. "Pinocchio" will tour to various locations around northeast Montana July 9–July 16. Admission is free for all TYA productions.

Registration is now opening for FPST's Annual Performing Arts Camp, held July 30–Aug. 8. Taught by professional artists from around the county, camp culminates in a showcase performance Aug. 8 at 7 p.m. For more information and registration people can visit FPST's website.

The official 50th Anniversary Reunion Weekend and Celebration is June 28–30. People can visit http://www.fortpecktheatre.org for information about all the planned events. The weekend will be highlighted by a very special reunion by the original 1970 FPST company, performing their original roles from the first season, in a concert style presentation of "OKLAHOMA!"

For immediate information on Reunion Bundle Packages call 406-228-9216. To purchase and secure tickets visit http://www.fortpecktheatre.org/. Regular box office hours will begin in mid-May and people can then call 526-9943.