This fall finds me onstage singing and dancing for the first time since playing Thenardier in Les Miserables back in 2013.  Well, there was that matinee during The Little Mermaid (2016) when I had to almost literally jump in as the Chef at the last minute but I don’t count that.

I’ve handed over the directing reins this fall to our Tech Director, Aaron Taylor, and he saw fit to cast me as Igor (it’s pronounced “eye-gore”).  I turn 54 in a few days and to say that I was a bit rusty going into rehearsals would be an understatement.  I’m using muscles (vocal and mental as well as physical) that I haven’t relied upon in years.  It’s been a great challenge of time and stamina and a heck of a lot of fun.

A large part of that fun has been being put through my paces alongside the local adult amateurs and professionals as well as students that I’ve had the joy of directing over the years and what a great learning experience that has been for all of us.  Whether it is asking an adult to run lines or asking a student to go over a dance step, they are getting to teach me for a change and that’s empowering them in ways I might never be able to do as a director.

We’re also launching our eighteenth season here at the PAC and since tickets just went on sale for all our season events, I thought it might be helpful to give you the inside track on what shows you might want to check out:

• Young Frankenstein (9/19-29/2019) – If you are easily offended, best skip this one. If, however, you love the original Mel Brooks movie, this is a once in a lifetime experience.
• Dickens’ Christmas Carol (11/2/2019) – This live radio drama filled with local celebrities, guest starring Terry Meiners, and with the audience supplying sound effects is fun for young and old alike with active imaginations.
• The Nutcracker (12/20-22/2019) – If you’ve not seen “The Nut” in a while, now’s the time. We’re literally adding more magic to the show thanks to collaboration with one of our dancers who is also a magician.
• The Sign of Four (1/16-26/2020) – Yep, Sherlock’s back following last year’s surprise hit A Study in Scarlet with the next novel in the series. If this one’s equally  successful, expect The Hound of the Baskervilles next season.
• Hamlet (3/27/2020) –If Shakespeare scares or worse yet bores you, take a chance and check out how Kentucky Shakespeare makes the Bard’s work more interesting and accessible to modern audiences.
• Sleeping Beauty (4/10-11/2020) – Imagine what 50-60 children can accomplish in a week’s time and you won’t even come close to the caliber of performances Missoula Children’s Theatre brings to our stage each year.

So, come see me in Young Frankenstein this month and see how well I am holding up or come to any of our other events this season and see how well the PAC is holding up.  Hopefully you’ll find we’re all doing pretty well for our age.

This month the PAC Kid Spotlight shines on North Hardin High School student Laci Knowles.  Laci is playing the role of “Stage Manager” in her first PAC ProAm production Young Frankenstein this month.   Learn more about Laci and our other PAC Kids.