Missoula Children’s Theatre production of ‘King Arthur’s Quest’ slated for Saturday

For the 13th year, the Missoula Children's Theatre has teamed with the Assistance League of Marshalltown to stage a play that casts local youth. The public is invited to see "King Arthur's Quest" at 1 p.m. Saturday at the Marshalltown High School Auditorium, also known as the Marshalltown Performing Arts Center.

Michael McGill adapted the play, with music and lyrics also by McGill and additional music and lyrics by Rebecca McGill.

A total of 72 kids showed up for auditions last Monday at First Presbyterian Church. Of that number, 61 were cast, including two student directors. Cast and crew have been working daily ever since, getting the show ready for its debut. Dress rehearsal will be held on Friday from 4 p.m. to 8 p.m.

There will be a cast party following Saturday's performance.

"It's a good way to get kids involved in something -- especially during the winter months when there's just really not a lot going on," said Lindi Trowbridge, Assistance League Missoula publicity chair. "We believe it builds self-confidence and we want to instill that in our young people."

The theatre group comes to Marshalltown every other year with a different show to stage.

MCT is the country's largest touring children's theater and is based in Missoula, Mont. Its team supplies the set, lights, costumes, props and makeup. The presenting organization -- in this case, the Assistance League -- covers the cost.

Hans Pfrang and Olivia Sheppard will direct the show.

Pfrang is a graduate of the University of Wisconsin Parkside in Kenosha, Wis., and has a degree in theatre arts and concentrations in musical theatre and acting. His favorite show credits include Jean Michel in Rodger and Hammerstein's "Cinderella," Francis Flute/Peaseblossom in "A Midsummer Night's Dream" and Senator Fipp in "Urinetown." Sheppard is a graduate of Sacred Heart University with degrees in musical theatre and media arts. Her favorite show credits include Cynthia in "Sweat," Amiens in "As You Like It" and ensemble/soloist in "Hair."

This opportunity is not a fundraising event for Assistance League, but rather, a way of giving back.

"This theatre is strictly to give back to the community. Other than the ticket cost, this is a free learning and skill-building opportunity for kids in our community," Trowbridge said. "The program has been a huge success with kids and families and has become a Marshalltown tradition."

Tickets are $5 for kids 13 and under and $10 for adults.

Those interested in helping to support this partnership can do so by becoming a patron.

Patron levels are:

• Squire: ($50)

• Knight's Workshop: ($75)

• Queen: ($100)

• King: ($125+)

Patrons also receive two tickets to the show.

To become a patron, make checks out to Assistance League of Marshalltown, PO Box 3, Marshalltown, IA 50158.

Please include your name to print in the program and indicate whether you would like the two complimentary tickets to the show.

The Assistance League of Marshalltown is a nonprofit that formed in 1938. It is made up of 40 women who volunteer their time to raise money for the betterment of the community. Since its founding, the organization has volunteered hundreds of thousands of hours and given back more than $1.3 million.