MAT sets auditions for 'The Wind in the Willows'

Havre Daily News staff

The local acting troupe is looking for some 40 actors of all ages to bring a classic children’s tale to life.

Montana Actors’ Theatre is holding auditions for a state adaptation of Kenneth Grahame’s “The Wind in the Willows’ Sunday at 3 p.m. and again Monday at 7 p.m., both in The Little Theatre in Montana State University-Northern’s Cowan Hall.

The 1908 novel tells the story of Mole, Rat, Mr. Toad and their friends as they adventure on the river, in the woods and even venture into the world of mankind — often having to deal with Mr. Toad’s obsessions, especially with motor cars.

“But they must also be wary, as the Weasels and Ferrets of The Wild Wood are always lurking about to cause mischief and distress,” MAT said in a release about the auditions. “And we musn’t forget about those pesky humans from the The Wide World.”

The story has been told and retold, including a 1929 stage adaptation by “Winnie the Pooh” author A.A. Milne and multiple screen adaptations including Walt Disney Production’s “The Adventures of Ichabod and Mr. Toad,” an animated feature half based on “The Legend of Sleepy Hollow” and half on “The Wind in the Willows.”

The production calls for 16 or more adults and 20 or more children of all ages.

MAT’s production of “The Wind in the Willows” is scheduled to run May 5-7, 11-14 and 18-20.

For more information, contact Jay at 945-0272 or via email at [email protected] or Andi at 399-7014 or via email at [email protected] .