Popular music since the 1960’s has stirred people to get up and boogie to the unique beat of their generation. The natural combination of dance, music, and story has inspired Broadway musicals to become a new home for the sensational sounds of the last 60 years. From Motown to rock to disco to pop to punk, a Broadway Beat has emerged that the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) will celebrate Thu., Aug. 8-Sat., Aug. 10 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.
Broadway Beat is MCT’s Performing Arts Camp production, featuring nearly 160 teens from the USA and Canada. Through both its international tour and Missoula-based productions, MCT has worked with approximately 65,000 kids this past year. The cast of Broadway Beat features the young talent chosen to participate in this rousing music revue.
The entire show will be learned in just 10 days at Flathead Lake. The day before the show opens, the cast will return to Missoula to prepare for the 6 family-friendly Broadway Beat performances at the air-conditioned MCT Center for the Performing Arts.
For MCT, the Performing Arts Camp show holds a special place, because it highlights kids who have really discovered a deep love of theatre through the Missoula Children’s Theatre. All of the performers participated in a Missoula Children’s Theatre production somewhere in the world. Many of them grew up with MCT. For some of them, MCT may be their only access to theatre. Each of them brings talent, a thirst for performing, and a unique dedication to creating a full-scale, exhilarating production in a very short period of time. Be advised: you might have a hard time staying still in your seat, once you’re caught up in the Broadway Beat.
***Broadway Beat show times are Thursday, Aug. 8 at 7:30 PM; Friday, August 9 at 5 PM and 7:30 PM; and Saturday, August 10 at 1 PM, 4 PM, and 7:30 PM. All performances are at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts. Tickets are available at MCTinc.org; by calling 406-728-7529; or at MCT’s Box Office. Broadway Beat is sponsored by Southgate Mall, PayneWest Insurance, and Park Side Credit Union.
