Show by Show: Red Riding Hood

Great article in the Tribune today about the Chicago theater scene's tremendous influence on this year's Tony Awards.

And here's some great information about the 45 Days of Theatre festival currently taking place on the numerous stages in Bloomington/Normal.

And let's not forget "Urinetown" (a really smart and funny show; please don't let the title dissuade you) playing in Normal, and all of the great shows at Miller Park's Summer Theatre.

All in all, theater is thriving in our area. Record box office in the Second City, record involvement in the Twin Cities. And it's just going to get better.

In just six weeks, kids will be coming to the BCPA to audition for the Missoula Children's Theatre's "Red Riding Hood." The August 8 show will feature over 50 local children in the starring roles. Two actor/directors from the Missoula Children's Theatre (MCT) will be here to hold auditions on the morning of Monday, August 4. Casting will be done over lunch and rehearsals will begin that afternoon.

It's a procedure the cast/crew of the MCT know well. The MCT is the nation's largest touring children’s theatre. The tour team arrives in town with a set, lights, costumes, props and make-up, everything it takes to put on a play... except the cast. Participants spend the week rehearsing an original adaptation of a classic children's story, which they then perform for the public. Creativity, social skills, goal achievement, communication skills and self-esteem are all characteristics that are attained through the participation in this unique, educational project.

MCT's mission is the development of lifeskills in children through participation in the performing arts.

It's going to be a memorable week. Last year's production of "The Little Mermaid" was a tremendous success, so much so that we booked the terrific Missoula company almost immediately to work their magic again this year.

"Red Riding Hood" is going to be a fun, contemporary play both to participate in and see. The story is Red Riding Hood's, but, like the great 2005 film Hoodwinked, it's told with a twist, as Riding Hood is now firmly in her teens. She's sassy. A little more streetwise. The wolf? He's definitely not accountable for the crime. He'd like to blame it all on his little brother, "Li'l Luvable Wolf."

See for yourself. "Red Riding Hood" takes the stage on August 8.

CLICK HERE FOR AUDITION INFORMATION