MAT presents Death By Chocolate

Montana Actor's Theatre is preparing for another fun year with Death By Chocolate.

MAT Executive Director Jay Pyette will be spearheading this year's annual fundraiser.

This year's fundraiser is set for Sept. 28, with the location being the same as last years, in the St. Jude Thaddeus School gymnasium.

"This will be our 15th time. We started out in the SUB on the Northern campus, but as the event grew, we needed to move to a bigger space," Pyette said, "This event is the 'lifeblood' of MAT. It is the one event of the year in which we hope to raise enough funds to support the entire upcoming season."

The event itself has changed over the years. The fundraiser originally began centered around a murder-mystery aspect. In recent years, the event has seen far more about good food, music, dancing, previews of upcoming seasons, games, and raffles.

This year's popular raffle grand prize is a trip to New Orleans.

"Our community has always been incredibly generous and without it, we simply couldn't afford to operate. We sincerely hope that what we do improves the quality of life in this area and sincerely appreciate all the help and support we get," Pyette said.

This year's theme is Speakeasy in the Big Easy.

"A bit of a New Orleans feel combined with speakeasies of the 1920s," Pyette said. "We absolutely encourage everyone to break out their best 1920's garb and dress up for this, though they certainly don't have to. The characters this year are Pit Bosses from the quarters of New Orleans."

Upcoming season events are:

October - "An Enemy of the People"

November - "Rocky Horror Shadowcast," one weekend only

November - Women of Rock- an annual musical tribute concert

November - High School One Act Play Fest

December - "The Sound of Music"

February - "Hill Country Revue Too"

March - "The Foal Monty!" This show is MAT's annual touring dinner theater comedy

March - "Oliver!" in combination with the Havre High School theater

April - "The Prisoner of Second Avenue"

May - "The Tempest" and Ren Faire - "Our annual summer fest in Beaver Creek Park," Pyette said.

All shows will be up for auction for "Producers." The producers are advertised on all publicity that goes out with the show and they are then the guests of honor at the production.

Tickets for Death By Chocolate are $50 each or $90 for a couple and are available online at https://mtactors.com or at the Havre Area Chamber of Commerce office at 130 Fifth Ave., Bear Paw Meats at 1705 Fifth Ave., The Computer Center at 128 Third Ave. or Pratt & Company in the Holiday Village Mall.

Reserved tables are also available. The $1,000 Boss Table has seating for eight and includes hors d'oeuvres, chocolates, serving staff and unlimited beer and wine. The $750 Flapper Table is reserved seating for eight with wait staff.