Rapunzel is rescued by Valier’s cast of 30 Missoula Children’s Theatre actors

A French twist on a classic fairy tale came to Valier last Friday as students performed the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) adaptation of Rapunzel. The “frivolous frolic through the French countryside” told a “silly tale of personal triumph and friendship.” (Missoula Children’s Theatre)

Thirty of Valier’s elementary and middle school students joined the cast after an audition on Monday night. Directed by MCT staff Kassidy Kampmeier and Bryan Penn, with the help of assistant directors Colton Kelley and Brock Bales, the cast performed a lighthearted musical that included fanciful creatures. After coercing Rapunzel’s parents Maurice (Weston Anderberg) and Monique (Hayzen Kuka) to give up their daughter, Madame Gothel (Colter Bales) enlisted the services of Corn (Camryn Kelley) and Potato (Leander Padgett) to be her ears and eyes as Frenchy (Kassidy Kampmeier) and the Wood Elves (Isabella Augilar, McKinnley Farnstrom, Lailah Butterfly) attempted to rescue Rapunzel (Sawyer Woldstad, Kora Wilden) from the confines of her tower.

Potato pledged his help, “I’ll keep my eyes peeled, but that’s a scary concept for a potato!”

Repeatedly, Madame Gothel and the Prince (John Woldstad, Rayden West) had mishaps as Rapunzel forgot to let down her hair for them to exit her tower. After each loud thud the Prince (John Woldstad) called out, “I’m alright!”

Two magical Unicorns (Kyra Culver, Rylee Wilden) befriended the lonely Rapunzel while three Ogres (Cormac Sherwood, Holdyn Printy-Smith, Barrett Bales) tended a garden of Mushrooms (Austyn VandenBos, RhueAnne Paddock, Avi Padgett, Levi Landis, Beatrix Sherwood, Hoyaanii Kipp). A cunning Troll (Jaden Nation) attempted to steal identities while guarding a bridge and two Billy Goats Gruff (Ember Anderberg, June Jackson) were intent on getting to the other side for greener grass to chomp. In the confusion that ensued, Corn exclaimed, “That is really eerie!”

In the end, Rapunzel was freed and even Madame Gothel changed for the better as the entire cast encouraged her to try a little kindness. 

This year’s show stealer was Wood Elf, McKinnley Farnstrom. McKinnley’s exaggerated dance moves and comic facial expressions were unmatched.

Superintendent Josh Reed expressed gratitude to Valier Schools’ custodians for preparing the facility, Lisa Momchilovich for being instrumental in bringing MCT to Valier, Linda Holden for serving as piano accompanist, MCT Directors Kassidy and Bryan, and the student Assistant Directors Coltyn and Brock for “keeping them (actors) in line.” 

Montana Children’s Theatre is vital for exposure to the arts as Valier does not have a theater program in the school. MCT is still recovering from the Covid-19 pandemic that devastated their budget. Opportunities to donate are available online at MCTinc.org or via text by texting “MCTGive” to 44321.