From Desert Trails to Rocket Ships: The Many Lives of The Tortoise and the Hare
Stories aren’t meant to stay the same. They live, breathe, and transform with every generation that tells them. Theatre keeps these stories vibrant by reimagining them for the stage, making old tales feel brand new.
This fall at the PAC, young performers and audiences alike will see how a timeless fable evolves when Missoula Children’s Theatre brings its newest version of The Tortoise and the Hare to our stage.
One Story, Two Very Different Tellers
The Tortoise Versus the Hare: The Greatest Race (Earlier Version)
Several years ago, the Missoula Children’s Theatre brought their production of The Tortoise Versus the Hare: The Greatest Race to town. That earlier adaptation unfolded in desert country, where mammals and reptiles eyed each other with suspicion, and a rivalry grew until the steady wisdom of the tortoise and the humbling of the hare taught them all the value of cooperation—the moral fit the time: overcoming differences and finding common ground.
The Tortoise and the Hare (New Version)
The version coming to the PAC this month is entirely reimagined as The Tortoise and the Hare. Instead of desert trails, we’re in a small town near Cape Canaveral, and instead of a footrace, Taylor Tortoise and Curly Hare are building rockets to the moon. Their fierce rivalry puts friendships at risk, and along the way, they discover that winning isn’t everything because real success comes from working together.
This shift reflects the times we live in: a playful, imaginative story with high stakes that speaks to a generation growing up in a world of competition, collaboration, and possibility.
Why Adaptations Matter
Both versions teach lessons worth hearing. But they also reveal something bigger: each retelling reflects the values of its moment. The earlier version’s focus on bridging divisions becomes today’s reminder to look past rivalry and choose teamwork. That’s the beauty of theatre — it doesn’t just tell stories, it retells them, reshapes them, and helps us see the world anew.
Be Part of the Story at the PAC
And now it’s your turn to tell the story. The PAC is proud to host Missoula Children’s Theatre’s The Tortoise and the Hare this October. Kids can audition, families can attend, and together we’ll all see a classic tale take on a brand-new life.
- Date & Time: Monday, October 13 · 4:00–6:00 PM
- Eligibility: Students in grades 1–8
- What to Expect: Arrive by 4:00 PM sharp and stay for the full two hours. No preparation is needed — just bring your imagination!
- Fee: $20 if cast
- Rehearsals: Begin the same day (for select roles) and continue weekday evenings, 4:00–8:30 PM
- Friday, October 17 · 12:00 PM (School-day performance — reservations required)
- Friday, October 17 · 7:00 PM (Public performance)
- Saturday, October 18 · 2:00 PM (Public performance)
- Tickets: $11, $16, & $22.25
- Runtime: About one hour, rated G, best for ages 5 and up
Join the Adventure
Whether your child steps into the spotlight at auditions or your family joins us in the audience, you’ll experience firsthand how a thousand-year-old fable can feel brand new. This month, as The Tortoise and the Hare takes a giant leap — all the way to the moon — right here at the PAC.
Video Links
The links below provide a video version of this month’s blog and a link to HCECTV’s The Monthly Marquee, an interview program hosted by Bart focused on performing arts activities in our region.
Audience Survey Winners
Congratulations to Sarah Allred, Kat Decker, Ray Hedrick and Rick Newberry, each the lucky winner of a $20 PAC gift certificate for completing an audience survey in July, and thank you for helping us learn how to serve our audiences better!
Audience Survey
Share your thoughts on your recent PAC visit and get entered into the next drawing.
PAC Spotlight
The OCTOBER PAC Spotlight shines on John Hardin High School senior Taylor Barno, performing in their production of The Crucible this month at the PAC.
What do you want to do when you grow up?
I aspire to be a veterinarian and specialize in exotic animal care.
What have you participated in at the PAC?
At the PAC, I have been in Mary Poppins as a dancer. My favorite musical I have done with my Drama Club is Mamma Mia. The last musical I did with the Youth Theater of Hardin County was Matilda. Additionally, I have worked backstage for The Nutcracker, Beauty and the Beast, and most recently, Ragtime. I have also danced at the Center Stage Dance Studio for fourteen years.
What have been your most rewarding PAC experiences?
Seeing the set of Ragtime evolve from nothing to a fully developed one, thanks to the work we put in, was amazing. Although I am not in the cast of Ragtime, I have thoroughly enjoyed working backstage. This experience has made me realize how much effort the backstage crew puts into making a show work.
What did you learn from your PAC experiences?
The PAC has helped me learn how to work as a team. Being in musicals has allowed me to work together with many different people. The PAC has made me a kinder person, and I am grateful for the opportunity to be part of the PAC.
How have you benefited from the PAC?
The PAC has helped me be more confident performing in front of others. I used to be very shy around people, but participating in shows has helped me come out of my shell.
Why is the PAC important to you?
The PAC is not just a theater; it is a community. Without the PAC, I would not have met my best friends. Being a part of the PAC allows you to meet people who care about you. I am very thankful to have had this opportunity.
Why should the PAC be important to others?
Whether you are in the audience or cast, the PAC brings art to our community.
