MAT begins run of 'Puss In Boots'

Montana Actors' Theatre is ready to perform its holiday panto, a locally written version of the classic children's tale "Puss in Boots."

The run starts tonight at 7 p.m. in The Little Theatre in Montana State University-Northern's Cowan Hall.

Director Angela Murri said the performance will be for all audiences, old and young, adding that the version includes many cartoon characters that take on a different storyline than in the original "Puss In Boots" story.

This year, Murri said, she plans to keep with the tradition of doing a take on a British panto, or pantomime. Pantomime puts a twist on a well-known fairy tale, fable or folk tale. The style includes songs, gags and slapstick comedy.

"In general, pantomime often includes gender-crossing actors, and we have done a lot of that in our fairy-tale of choice this year ... 'Puss in Boots,'" Murri said.

It is a play packed with references to Mario Brothers, Disney, puns, and much more, including a special musical number, all in the fairy tale world of "Puss In Boots."

"It is a really fun show that - to quote our Artistic Director Dr. Grant Olson - 'was a labor love,'" Murri said.

The panto was written by MAT veterans Murri, Morgaine Evans-Lomayesva and Gwen Hart with additional writing by Martin Holt and Caroline Tuss.

Acting in the show is a first for quite a few people, including Navelle Ramales, Lora Compton, Dawn Burrington, Quinten Hamilton and Taylor Nast who are acting or helping in stage production right alongside several veteran actors.

"This is my first time directing a main stage show for Montana Actors' Theatre, and when I initially signed on for the task I thought that it would be my sole role," Murri said, "However, things happened that found me dabbling in writing a script alongside several amazing MAT writers, which was a good challenge and it gave me a new respect for script writers."

This project has been a group effort with many helping, including with technology and painting.

"It is an amazing show, and I'm very lucky to have gotten the privilege of working with such a great crew," Murri said.

The play will be performed Dec. 8, 9, 14, 15, 16, 21, 22 and 23 at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased on the MAT website.