BRUNSSUM, Netherlands -- The Missoula Children's Theater made their first stop of their 2012 European tour in the Benelux region where more than 34 local community children performed the European fairy tale "Little Red Riding Hood" in the JFC Brunssum Alliance Theater here April 5.
The Missoula Children's Theatre was hired by the U.S. Army's Installation Management Command to support Child, Youth and School Services at installations worldwide. Since 1972, they have taught developmental life skills to more than a million kids through performing arts and theatrical productions. Under the leadership of Cofounder Jim Caron and Executive Director Michael McGill, 65,000 children in nearly 1300 communities in all 50 U.S. states and 17 countries will participate in an MCT International Tour residency this year.
Missoula Children's Theater's next stop on this European tour is Rota, Spain, April 9 to 13 then in Germany at Baumholder April 16 to 21, Hohenfels April 23 to 28, Grafenwoehr April 30 to May 5, and Garmisch May 7 to 12.
Their first performance April 5 features children from the tri-border military community who live and work on NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany; or NATO Headquarters JFC Brunssum or U.S. Army Garrison Schinnen in the Netherlands.
The Missoula Children's Theater production of "Little Red Riding Hood" features a cast of raccoons, forest shadows, three little pigs and a wolf gang. There's also Brother, Baby and Robin Hood; Ranger Rooney, and of course, Little Red Riding Hood being played by the tri-border's own Ashlie Pannell.
The performance is guided on stage by the Big Bad Wolf and co-director Calida Davis with her colleague and co-director, Katie Murk orchestrating music and back-stage traffic. Davis and Murk are from Montana and have been working with the Missoula Children's Theater for four years.
"Missoula Children's Theater likes to take a typical or traditional story and give it a twist. We typically cast between 50 and 60 kids, so the large military bases in Europe can get ready for a great show in their community," Davis said.
We've enjoyed such great support from USAG Schinnen's Child & Youth Services and everyone here. It's been great," Davis said.
"Going overseas to put on productions has its own challenges to it, but certainly its own adventures as well," Murk said.
Murk, whose studies included experience as a teacher on a U.S. military base in Germany, was hiking with Calida Davis this year when they got the call offering the opportunity to take the Missoula Children's Theater on the road again across Europe.
Obviously, they both decided to accept another adventure.
"I learned while teaching in Europe that kids overseas have such unique opportunities and challenges and the Missoula Children's Theater offers some wonderful chances and something very different from the norm," Murk said.
NATO's JFC Brunssum Theater in the Netherlands was buzzing April 4 during a rehearsal for the April 5 performance. Davis expertly held the youth's attention as she outlined safety and etiquette for working on stage. Her on stage role as the Big Bad Wolf must contribute to the effective way she serves as the leader of the pack! Murk led the older youth in preparing musical and dance numbers that were quickly integrated into the ongoing rehearsal.
When asked about her preparations to portray Little Red Riding Hood, the tri-border's own Ashlie Pannell sounded confident.
"No pressure. I'm ready for this. Actually this is really fun being able to act sassy," Pannell said.
"Yes," said tri-border's own Kailon Cobb, who will play the role of the Woodsman, confirming that this was his first time on stage. When asked if this would be his last, Cobb said, "No."
The role of the Little Lovable Wolf, who appears on stage as quite the antagonist, is played by the tri-border's own Miranda Browning.
"This is fun," said Browning, as a chorus of little pigs sought out their own media attention.
"I'm the first little pig," tri-border's own Julianna Reimers said. The portable recorder moved towards her position and is quickly joined by tri-border's own Maddison Ellis and Alyanna Diaz to complete a chorus of "oinks" from three little pigs!
Tri-border's own Sarah Seitz stepped forward to provide the piano accompaniment for the entire show.
"A big part of this experience, for me, is working with the kids and seeing how they can change and what they can accomplish in just a few days. Kids are awesome and they're happy and excited to be here, too," said Davis.
This Missoula Children's Theater production of Little Red Riding Hood appears to have it all and room for everyone! The story conveys important lessons, too.
The chorus of raccoons will remind audiences that it's fun to be mischievous and important to wash our hands. Little Red Riding Hood's journey to grandmothers house reinforce rules like don't feed the animals, no unattended camp fires, and stay on your path. Ranger Rooney, played by the tri-border's own Joel Fowler, proves that even bad jokes can still get a laugh.
And in this story, all the Big Bad Wolf really wants is for you to memorize your lines and to have fun!
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