Friday, August 13, 2010 at 7:00 PM
Tickets $10

The Missoula Children’s Theatre presents ALICE IN WONDERLAND, an original adaptation of the classic fairy tale - performed by over 50 local children on the Treasure Coast.

Music by David W. Simmons
Lyrics by Lewis Carroll, William Shakespeare and David W. Simmons

The Missoula Children’s Theatre presents ALICE IN WONDERLAND, an original adaptation based on Lewis Carroll’s Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland and Through the Looking Glass. The story begins with Alice and her older sister Margaret reading together. Margaret becomes frustrated, as Alice is curious about absolutely everything. Suddenly, a White Rabbit appears from nowhere. After a quick and nonsensical conversation, Alice follows the rabbit to a strange and wonderful place. In the course of her adventures, Alice meets a band of Flowers, the King and Queen of Hearts, the Knave and the rest of the suit of Cards, a giant Caterpillar, a Fish, a Frog, the Duchess, the Cook, the Cheshire Cat, the Gryphon, the Mock Turtle, a group of singing Lobsters, Tweedle Dee and Tweedle Dum, the March Hare, the Mad Hatter, the Dormouse and Humpty Dumpty. Through it all, Alice grows “curiouser and curiouser” as to where she is and even who she is. In the end, the answers she seeks are unimportant. Wonderland is all nonsense, anyway. As the White Rabbit explains, “Nonsense is fun!”

ALICE IN WONDERLAND is actually the last of four (4) Missoula Children's Theatre Camps this summer at the Sunrise Theatre:

1. SLEEPING BEAUTY- June 21- 25 (with a 7 PM performance on Friday, June 25th)
2. PINOCCHIO - July 12 - 16 (with a 7 PM performance on Friday, July 16th)
3. THE FROG PRINCE - July 26-30 (with a 7 PM performance on Friday, July 30th)
4. ALICE IN WONDERLAND - August 9-13 (with a 7 PM performance on Friday, August 13th)

This is a fantastic opportunity to support the Sunrise Theatre and our Sunrise Education Foundation (a 501(c)3 Non Profit), and most importantly, to cheer on these wonderful kids, as they take the same stage as Bill Cosby, Bryan Adams, Engelbert Humperdink, Dave Koz, Melisa Manchester, Charlie Daniels, Willie Nelson, Clint Black, the B-52s, Brian Reagan, Pat Benatar, the Temptations, Kool and the Gang, and countless others, including a number of Nationally Touring Broadway shows (such as Movin' Out, the Producers, Hairspray, Menopause, etc.) ...all who have performed here over the past 2 seasons!

Join the Missoula Children's Theatre and over 50 local students in an original musical production of ALICE IN WONDERLAND!

All the camps listed above are filled in the age groups of 6-12; however there are 4 spots per camp for 13+ years old to serve as the assistant director. If you have a teenager or student with aspirations to direct or produce, this is the perfect summer camp for him/her! Call the Box Office at 772-461-4775 for more information.
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The Mission Statement of Missoula Children's Theatre

We live in a highly competitive era. Youngsters are introduced at an early age to the critical realities of our achievement- and success-oriented society. From academics to athletics to social interaction, children are pressured to get the best grades, to score the most points, to have the most friends. At the same time, segments of our society tend to view the arts as a luxury, a frill, an extra-curricular activity running a distant second to the popular status of sports. Add to these conditions the natural curiosity of the child, the tendency toward self-exploration, the adolescent impatience to put away the things of the child and emulate adult role models – for better or for worse. Pressure. MCT approaches children with a full awareness of these conditions and strives to use participation in the performing arts as a vehicle to develop the lifeskills (social skills, communication skills, self-discipline, a strong work ethic, an understanding of the team concept and self-esteem) necessary to answer the challenges of our time.

Although MCT's programs tour to major metropolitan centers, MCT remains dedicated to providing financially accessible arts experiences to all communities, regardless of size or economic status. Many of the communities served by MCT are isolated, cul­turally deprived and/or economically depressed. Live theatre participation, qualified drama teachers and educationally sound music programs within the curriculum are often non-existent or low on the priority scale. Constructive opportunities in the performing arts are rare, and the chance to spark a new interest often goes unkindled. MCT's programs can and do provide the kindling to ignite the flame of interest.

Within each MCT cast, girls and boys are equal; the disabled become able; the shy experiment with bravery; the slow are rehearsed to perfection; and the gifted become part of the whole. The lesson they learn is that all of them are necessary for the show to go on. Few arenas exist where respon­sibility is taught and learned so clearly. MCT provides a unique opportunity to learn the lessons of group dynamics while excelling as an individual – a lesson from art that carries into life.

Unsolicited testimonials to the practical value of MCT participation are received on an almost daily basis. A stronger performance in a geography oral report, better grades, a healthier rapport with teachers and classmates, confident self-control in that first job interview, an increased sense of tolerance and respect for others, tunnel-vision enthusiasm for the most chal­lenging project, a blossoming imagination and sense of individuality, a perceptible sense of emotional and physical well-being--a happier child; these are among the positive results of MCT participation often noted by parents and educators alike. Yes, MCT provides a top-quality entertainment experience for audience members. Yes, MCT nurtures and challenges the abilities of those rare children with career performance ambitions and potential. Yes, MCT provides a healthy and wholesome ambassadorship for the arts and opens the door to new life experiences and aesthetic pleasures. But, the primary goal of MCT – indeed, the organization's mission – is the development of lifeskills in children through participation in the performing arts.