West End Theatre Creative, in conjunction with Montrose West Recreation, will be bringing the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) production of “Peter and Wendy” to the West End July 29 through Aug. 2. It’s the third year in a row for the MCT theater collaboration. Children eligible to participate are any incoming first-grade students through those in 12th grade. To ensure a child’s participation, families should sign up at www.montrosewest.com or https://form.jotform.com/222625261088152. The cost for the six-day experience is $40 per child. Scholarships are available to qualifying families.
To kick off the immersive theatre experience, all participants must attend auditions on Monday, July 29, at the West End Public Schools’ new school building (enter from south drop-off entrance) from 10 a.m. to noon. Those auditioning should arrive at 10 a.m. and plan to stay for the full two hours. Some of the cast members will be asked to stay for a rehearsal immediately following the audition.
Among the roles to be cast are Peter, his Shadow, Tinker Bell and the Lost Boys; Wendy and her brothers, John and Michael; their parents, Mr. and Mrs. Darling, with their faithful friends, Nana and Liza; Captain Hook and his pirate crew, along with the crocodile; Tiger Lily, the band of Neverlanders and Neverland creatures; and, carrying them to Neverland, a group of stormy clouds.
No advance preparation is necessary. Assistant directors will also be cast to aid in rehearsals throughout the week and to take on essential backstage responsibilities.
Following auditions and castings, participants will be assigned rehearsal schedules for the remainder of the week. Any child who would like to participate, but for whom transportation is an issue, should reach out to Sara Bachman or Megan Caruso via the phone numbers below. It is likely that transportation within reason may be arranged.
Participants should be prepared to bring snacks, drinks and lunch daily for the remainder of the week. Parents and guardians are welcome to watch during rehearsals, but are not required to do so.
The Missoula Children's Theatre touring productions are complete with instructors, costumes, scenery and props. The Vestal House has generously donated lodging to the MCT instructors for the entire week. Ruth Phippeny is donating her talents as the accompanist for this year’s production. Montrose West Recreation, West End Pay It Forward Trust, the Telluride Foundation, West End Public Schools and many private donors have made this year’s production possible.
West End Theatre Creative is still seeking donations to make the production possible again in 2025, as well as donations of meals for the MCT instructors during their residency in the West End, plus volunteers to be available during rehearsals to help as needed during the week.
“Peter and Wendy” will be presented to the community on Friday, Aug. 2, at 6 p.m. and Saturday, Aug. 3, at 11 a.m. at the new West End Public School’s building in Nucla. There will be a door fee of $5 per person to support future productions.
For more information, the public may call Megan Caruso at 720-841-4271 or Sara Bachman at 970-250-0484.
