CARLYLE - Local young actors performed at the Carlyle Elementary School last weekend.
Before a large crowd estimated at over 200, the classic Hansel and Gretel was brought to life with a twist or two to the script.
The Missoula Children’s Theatre has been coming to Carlyle for nearly 20 years with its last visit being in 2019. Two tour directors, Talley Sugg and Elke Myers, orchestrated the production and in five short days molded the 45 young performers into a cohesive talented unit.
Lead roles included Jessica Cooper as Gretel, Kassidy Schultz as the witch and Ryan Lenius as Hansel. Schultz is 16 years old, and this was her ninth appearance in a Missoula Theatre production.
“I absolutely love live theatre and really enjoy drama and acting. My favourite productions include Alice in Wonderland, Peter Pan, Jack and the Beanstalk and of course Hansel and Gretel,” said Schultz. “Back in Grade 5, I was shy and introverted. I said to myself, I must change my ways and so I did. I now have no fears of standing up in front of a crowd.”
Schultz is the daughter of Steve and Jolyn and is in Grade 11 at Gordon F. Kells High School.
“Next year, I will be going into Grade 12 and it will be the last time I will be eligible for a Missoula acting role. I am really looking forward to it.”
The adaptation received rave reviews from the audience. Jade Moore attended the play accompanied by her two young sons, Sedric and Sully.
“It was an impressive production, and so nice to see local kids pursuing the dramatic arts,” said Moore. “We are lucky to have this opportunity in Carlyle, and after seeing the play tonight, both of my kids want to join next year.”
Gisele Carriere also attended and is the proud grandmother of Jessica Cooper.
“It was a wonderful opportunity for the kids who took part in this play,” said Carriere. “We are so fortunate to have a play of this caliber at the Carlyle Elementary School. It was well organized, and the actors knew their parts well after only five days of rehearsals. Kudos to the two ladies that directed the play.”
Melanie Pauls is the community education liaison for both the Carlyle Elementary School and Gordon F. Kells High School.
“Putting on a full-scale musical production is no easy venture, but thanks to our two Missoula tour directors, Talley and Elke, this year’s production of Hansel and Gretel was a great success,” said Pauls. “Participating students endured long evenings of rehearsals, battled cold and flu bugs, mastered scripts and dance routines, overcame pre-show jitters, to finally [perform before\] smiles and excitement in Friday night's amazing performance.
We are so grateful to Carlyle Pharmasave for sponsoring this production. This exciting and unique opportunity provides many benefits to participating students. Musical theatre inspires creativity and confidence in children through singing, dancing and acting, and brings together students from across different year groups. On behalf of CES & GFK staff, we are so proud of our participating students and look forward to hosting Missoula Children’s Theatre again next year.”
