Summer time means play time
Courtesy of Karen Lewing
The Port Polson Players offer something for everyone, as the John Dowdall Theatre on the lake hosts a variety of comedy, music and fun for the whole family.
The Players present Rodgers and Hammerstein’s enduring classic, “The Sound of Music.” The story is renowned the world over as the Von Trapp Family Singers face the hardships and hazards of Nazi-occupied Austria at the outset of World War II with tunes like “Do, Re, Mi,” “Edelweiss,” “My Favorite Things” and “Climb Every Mountain.” A cast of forty local performers present this classic
“The Sound of Music” takes the stage for two weekends, May 22-24 and 29-31. Curtain times are 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.
Next up, the kids take over the theatre for the annual Performing Arts Camp. This year’s show, “Malice Toward None,” is a tribute to Abraham Lincoln’s 200th birthday. Kids from grades 1-8 participate in games, activities and workshops during the week-long day camp, culminating in two performances for the public.
“Malice Toward None” plays Saturday, June 20, at 2 and 7 p.m.
Summer Theatre goes into full swing with Ernest Thompson’s beloved comedy, “On Golden Pond,” the story of elderly Norman and Ethel Thayer who get a surprise visit as they open their summer cabin in upstate Maine. The Thayers are played by local favorites Michael Taylor and Karen Lewing. Kara Bishop, Neal Lewing and James Uhde round out the cast. “Variety” calls the show “…a rare and memorable theatrical experience, a commentary on love, family relationships and, ultimately, what constitutes a life well-lived.”
“On Golden Pond” plays three weeks, July 8 – 26. Wednesday thru Sundays.
“Three Voices,” a two-person show celebrates the lives and times of Gary Cooper, Jeannette Rankin and Nat King Cole. Their journeys were accompanied by some of the most memorable music of modern times as their individual and collective personalities gave voice to a grand coming-of-age in American History. Missoula’s Alicia Bullock-Muth joins Neal Lewing and pianist Diane Torres for this striking, funny and nostalgic play.
“Three Voices” runs for two weeks only, July 29 – Aug. 9. Wednesday thru Sundays
The Players wind down the summer with “Boomerang” featuring those fabulous Boomer Boys, Steve Nelson, John Glueckert, Bob Mazurek and Neal Lewing as they recount, in four-part harmony, the trials and tribulations of growing up Boomer. New harmony and humor from1946 through 1964, touch’s on Elvis, Doo-Wop, boomer biggies and a bevy of Bobby’s. The boys swing smoothly through joke after song accompanied by Trish Tavenner on piano.
“Boomerang” plays Aug. 12 – 30, Wednesday thru Sundays, with no shows Aug. 15 and 21.
Reservations are advised by either calling the Box Office at 406-883-9212 or emailing portpolsonplayers@centurytel.net. All shows are produced by Port Polson Players in association with Mission Valley Friends of the Arts, a non-profit arts support group since 1989, and sponsored in part by First Citizens Bank, Glacier Bank, Super 1 Foods and First Interstate Bank.
-Courtesy of Karen Lewing