Sunrise Theatre Presents - Missoula Children's Theatre Production of Alice in Wonderland

Lewis Carroll’s story of a bored schoolgirl who finds herself in the middle of an adventure was originally made for bored schoolgirls Carroll entertained on a riverboat. People remember Carroll's story for its clever wordplay and imaginative settings, but as this article states he also drew inspiration from popular sayings and people from Carroll's day job at Oxford College.

Think about it: In it's time Alice in Wonderland was created with children in mind, but had pop-culture references that only adults would get. It was the Shrek of its time, but continues to endure even after the satiric elements lost their original meaning. That's solid writing.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre production of Alice in Wonderland is a musical adaptation of Carroll’s most-famous work. The play will be set up and performed by local children with the support of MCT members. Thanks to the MCT, Treasure Coast children will have a final week of adventure before their classes start.

The play is this Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets are only $10 and can be pre-ordered here.

Photos from the Missoula Children's Theatre Production of Pinocchio (And Preview for The Frog Prince)

On July 16th, children from around the Treasure Coast performed a musical adaptation of the classic tale Pinocchio. The Missoula Children's Theatre made this play possible, taking the role of Geppetto to craft the week-long program that helps these kids learn the art of theater and gain the confidence they'll need for the future. We took our cameras to the performance to show you the results of their hard work.

The next play in our summer partnership with the Missoula Children's Theatre is The Frog Prince this Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets are only $10, and you can order by clicking here.

Sunrise Theatre Presents - Missoula Children's Theatre Production of Pinocchio

Sometimes life is like going into a cold pool. You want to go in, but the chill strikes you as soon as you dip your toe into the water. You try again and again, but all you got for your trouble is a wet foot. You know you should jump in and get it over with, but something still holds you back.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre is a cannonball into a cold pool. Right now this company is teaching local kids from around the Treasure Coast how to produce a musical version of Pinocchio. The children are in charge of everything from acting to lighting and direction. And they only have four days to prepare for their show this Friday on the Sunrise stage. Not only is the MCT giving children a chance to perform, but it's also giving them life lessons in confidence and teamwork. No dilly dallying necessary.

You can be a part of the experience by coming to the MCT's play this Friday at 7 p.m. Tickets are only $10 and are available on this page. For more information on the Missoula Children's Theatre, check out their Web site.

Sunrise Theatre Presents - Sleeping Beauty by the Missoula Children's Theatre

This Friday the Sunrise will host a musical production of Sleeping Beauty, the first of three plays from the Missoula Children’s Theatre. Started in the 1970s in Missoula, Montana, the MCT places gives local children the chance to perform on stage, teaching them teamwork, communication, and more in the process. The company makes an effort to reach areas with few drama programs, and has been covered by the PBS NewsHour.

The play starts at 7 p.m. with tickets at $10. For more information, click here.

Sunrise Theatre Presents - Charlie and the Chocolate Factory

Sign Stage on Tour brings an American Sign Language version of Ronald Dahl’s book to the Sunrise this Sunday. Sign Stage on Tour is dedicated to raising awareness of hearing issues, and in this production the actors speak with their mouths and their hands at the same time. The cast is comprised of both deaf and hearing actors, and hearing issues are also integrated into the plot.

This show puts a unique twist on a well-known story as Charlie, his grandpa, and a bunch of misbehaved brats brave the wonders of Willy Wonka’s chocolate factory.

For more information and tickets, click here.

Sunrise Theatre Presents - Menopause: The Musical

A change is coming to the Sunrise on April 10-11, when Menopause: the Musical comes to town for three shows. The hit show has been performed around the world and is meant for anyone who is a woman or knows a woman.

The show takes place in the lingerie department of Bloomingdale’s, where four women from a Professional Woman to a hippie Earth Mother bond over a black lace bra. Stacy Schwartz, who plays the Soap Star, spoke to us by phone about how much fun it is for the cast and the audience alike.

"It’s for audiences of both sexes,” she said. “We’ve talked to men before and after the show and they say something like, ‘I was dreading it and was kicking and screaming, but we had a ball.’”

The show involves parodies of baby-boomer songs from “Stayin’ Awake” to “My Husband Sleeps Tonight,” and that’s part of the fun.

“The appeal is the music,” Ms. Schwartz said. “Men know the music. They’re surprised that they get a better perspective of what the women in their lives are going through. Everything is done with humor and song.”

All of the performers are over 40, some a little more than others. Schwartz is one of the younger ones, but that’s all right.

“My character is supposed to have had a nip, a tuck, an injection,” she said. It’s okay that I look a little younger.”

Schwartz lived in the Fort Lauderdale area for 11 years and has performed throughout South Florida. For Menopause, the audience tends to be in their 40s and 50s.

“There are a lot of girls-nights-out audiences,” she said. We’ve seen them in boas and tiaras. Saturday night is more date night and we have the largest male audience.”

While Menopause examines some serious issues in women’s health and aging, the show sticks with a light pace.

"It’s pure entertainment,” Ms. Schwartz said. “There’s something for everyone. Everything is comically based. If there’s a slight embarrassment, we’ve gone on to the next thing.”

Ms. Schwartz cautioned that it’s important to stay until the very end.

“There’s a surprise,” she said.

You’ll have to come to the Sunrise to find out what it is.

Shelly Koppel
Writer

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Menopause: The Musical will have shows on Saturday at 4 p.m. and 8 p.m., and on Sunday at 2 p.m. Click here for more information and tickets.