Theatre

The Port Polson Players enter their 45th season of live summer theatre with some new twists and terrific shows!

Due to CDC restrictions, the season kicks off a little later than originally planned with “Pinup Girls,” a brand new musical comedy salute to our veterans from the team of James Hindman and Jeffrey Lodin. The high-energy cast of Missoula actors reels through classic songs like “Sincerely,” “Coney Island Baby” and “Someone to Watch Over Me,” all taking place in a VFW hall in “anywhere America.” Director Anna Loehrke calls this a “Rollercoaster of laughs, music, nostalgia and heartfelt sentiment sure to please.”

The regional premiere of “Pinup Girls” plays two weeks, July 16 – 26.

Next up is the comic gem about family, “Over the River and Through the Woods,” by Joe DiPietro. Two sets of Italian grandparents conspire to keep their only grandson from taking a job and moving clear across the country. DiPietro captures the heart and soul of what it means to be a family with a ton of laughs that will also tug at your heartstrings.

“Over the River” runs for two weeks, July 30 – Aug. 9.

Finally, “The Last Romance” enjoys its own regional premiere in the last summer slot. Also by Joe DiPietro, this is the story of two senior citizens who meet by chance on a park bench, strike up a conversation and ultimately create a beautiful romance, all because of a lost dog. A meddling sister creates a conflict that may or may not be enough to call a halt to this touching, funny and charming tale of romance in the twilight years.

“The Last Romance” plays three weeks, Aug. 13 – 30.

All shows are presented at Polson’s beautiful theatre on the lake, on the Polson golf course. Curtain times are 8 p.m. Thursdays through Saturdays, with Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.; the theatre is dark Mondays, Tuesdays and Wednesdays.

Please note that, at this writing, this information is tentative, depending on Montana Health Department guidelines. The theatre will only be allowed to seat between 50 and 60 patrons per show, as per social distancing restrictions. Therefore, reservations are imperative; no walk-ins will be admitted. Intermissions will maintain six-foot distances in bathroom and concession areas, and no receiving lines will be observed after the shows.

“At this point, we’re proceeding with this plan, which could change unexpectedly with unforeseen CDC developments,” says Players Artistic

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Director Karen Lewing. “Some summer theaters have cancelled their seasons altogether, but if possible, we want to afford people some diversion and a chance to have a few laughs.” But, Lewing cautions, the Players will adhere to all recommended government guidelines.

Patrons are asked to bring masks. The performers’ acting area is 12 feet away from the audience; every other row will be blocked off but parties will be seated together. The theatre will have sanitizer at various stations and will be thoroughly disinfected before each show. Packaged concessions will be available at intermission to enjoy outside on the Polson Golf Course.

Reservations can be made by calling the theatre box office at 406-883-9212 or by visiting: portpolsonplayers.com. “One of the best ways to stay on top of things is to follow us on Facebook,” reminds Players Managing Director Neal Lewing, who also recommends forwarding Facebook information to friends and family. Local news sources, such as the Valley Journal, will also be kept abreast of the Players schedule.

In association with Mission Valley Friends of the Arts, Port Polson Players look forward to presenting three uplifting and funny shows to bring cheer to our faithful audiences in accordance with Montana State Health Guidelines. by Karen Lewing for the Valley Journal

45 Years of Live Theatre

Montana Health Directive Employed

Recipients of the 2016 Montana Governor’s Arts Award 883-9212

“Some summer theatres have cancelled their seasons altogether, but if possible, we want to afford people some diversion and a chance to have a few laughs.”

- KAREN LEWING, PORT POLSON PLAYERS ARTISTIC DIRECTOR

PORT POLSON PLAYERS