Virginia City Players open season with “Double Trouble on the Prairie”
Published: May 27, 2011
The Illustrious Virginia City Players, produced by Rocky Mountain College, kick off their 62nd summer season May 28 with a matinee performance of “Double Trouble on the Prairie” at the Opera House in Virginia City.
Montana’s oldest summer theater will present three melodramas, each followed by a unique vaudeville show known as the “Varied Vigorous Vagary of Vivacious Variety Acts.” RMC theatre professor Gearld B. Roe of Rocky Mountain College leads the players in “Double Trouble,” May 28-June 26, “The Three Billys in Love,” June 29-July 31; and “The Test of a True Heart,” Aug. 9-Sept. 4.
"I am thrilled to be gathering the Virginia City Players family for the summer,” says Roe. “Our young, talented cast is primed to provide exciting theatre and fun for the families who visit us at the Opera House.”
The summer’s first melodrama, "Double Trouble on the Prairie," was written by Montana native and Virginia City Players alumni, Sean Abley. Timothy and Jimothy Scrubb, identical twins, aren't the smartest brothers in Virginia City. But they must use their collective smarts to save the theater and Miss Mary Sarah Sue Laura's reputation.
The season continues June 29 with the “The Three Billys in Love,” written by Professor Roe. It is the turn of the century and Young Billie Newhope is in love, but the apple of her eye is her boss’s son. Her childhood friend (also named Billy) is pursuing her actively so he can use her voice to launch him to stardom, and his old flame (also named Billie) is wildly jealous.
As young Billie’s impossible romance starts to bloom, Uncle Sam’s call-to-arms looms in this romantic comedy.
“The Test of a True Heart” by Brad Carroll rounds out the season, Aug. 9-Sept. 4. Maurice and Giselle have been happily married for years, but when Maurice discovers the infidelity between his servants, he begins to wonder whether his wife has remained true to him throughout their marriage. To that end, he disguises himself as Reginald, a former lover of Giselle, and tries to discover the truth of Giselle’s heart.
Six of the company’s actors are Rocky Mountain College students: DeLaney Kay Hardy from Red Lodge, Janie Evelyn Rife from Billings, Shane Patrick McClurg from Absarokee, Jayme Green of Billings (who graduated in 2009), Travis Kuehn of Laurel, and Judah Benjamin LoVato from Clearmont, Wyo.
Rounding out the roster are Kelley Pierre and Heidi Cheyenne Lindholm of Bozeman and Shelby Kristina Rassley of Belgrade.
Marilyn Rice of Butte, who has played the piano across the country for everything from summer theatre to touring Broadway shows, is accompanist for the troupe.
Returning company members include Angel Beneventi of Helena as the costumer, Jennifer Rassley as the stage manager and David Platisha of Butte as the business manager. Two interns join the company as well – Justin Rife of Billings in the box office and Allanda Lattin from Livingston as the costume intern.
“With rising gas prices and tight times,” Roe says the theatre has dropped prices for youth significantly this year. “We hope this helps families plan a visit to Virginia City with a bit more ease.”
Adult pricing stays the same ($16-$18), but children up to age 6 are now free (with an accompanying adult), and tickets for youth ages 7-17 are $12. The theatre also offers a $2 discount for military members and college students, with ID.
For reservations, call the box office at 800-829-2969 or visit virginiacityplayers.com.
