Local theater company kicks off new show with award

The husband and wife duo of Neal and Karen Lewing recently received recognition for their work with the Port Polson Players theater company. 

For Neal and Karen Lewing, theater and life are one and the same.

The husband and wife team behind the Port Polson Players theater company, met, married and managed to create careers sharing the joys of the stage with local communities. 

With a new play underway, and having recently been chosen for the prestigious Governor’s Art Award, the show indeed goes on. 

Sitting in the historic Johh Dowdall Theater before the Oct. 28 debut of their fall showcase “The Oldest Living Graduate,” the couple explained that their motivation comes from sharing their passion for performance with others.

“It’s like being part of a team,” said Karen, who directs most of the company’s plays. “Everybody’s a star.” 

She said the governor’s award, which the Lewings will receive in Helena on Dec. 2, should really go to the thousands of actors and volunteers that have participated in the theater over the years. 

“It might be given to us, but we’re receiving it for everyone,” she said. “If I could crowd everyone into that rotunda in Helena I would.”

Since taking over the company in 1986, the couple has worked to cultivate a tradition of performance in the Polson area. They feature a three-tiered program, offering children’s and community theater year round and professional shows five nights a week during the summer. 

Part of the theater’s charm resides in its 1930s-era venue in Boettcher Park. Through a partnership with the Mission Valley Friends of the Arts, the building has received over $300,000 in restoration work, resulting in a unique theater experience that the Lewings consider unlike any other in the area.

“Nothing says Montana more than this,” Karen said, gesturing to the rustic, log cabin-styled interior of the building.

In addition to acting, the Lewings also direct, produce and write many of their performances. While the thrill of being on stage can become addicting, Neal said the true reward lies in watching first time actors fall in love with the art as well. 

“They oftentimes find something out about themselves,” he said. “We call it the great equalizer.” 

From police chiefs to church ministers, Neal said they’ve seen performers emerge from all walks of life. 

“We get to work with incredible people,” he said, “and a couple of wing nuts along the way.”

Karen said the cast in “The Oldest Living Graduate” is a case in point. She said she’s waited for six years for the right group of actors to perform the play, which gained fame as a 1980 television movie starring Henry Fonda. 

“They’re just electric,” she said. “It’s hysterical, but it’s a tearjerker at the end.”  

For the couple, who met while working on a play in Fort Peck, running the theater provides an opportunity to spread the fulfillment that acting has afforded in their lives. Karen said she’s probably seen 10 other couples meet while participating in their plays.  

She said it just goes to show the power of theater.

“It’s a great place to meet people,” Karen said. “It’s just a great gift for the community.”

“The Oldest Living Graduate” plays Fridays through Sundays until Nov. 6. Shows start at 7:30 p.m on Fridays and Saturdays. Sunday matinées are at 2 p.m. Visit PortPolsonPlayers.com or call the theater box office at 883-9212 for more information or reservations.