Childrens' play was a hit

Local PTA officials are already making plans to have another Missoula Children's Theater performance next year.

"Blackbeard the Pirate," put on in two performances Saturday, attracted enough theater fans to encourage officials to look forward to another run in 2014.

PTA Vice President Crystal Jones said Monday that she was pleased with Saturday's performances, when 32 children from local schools, kindergarten through the sixth grade, participated.

She said that Missoula Children's Theater dates for the new season are usually set in April.

Jones said it isn't known what play will be available for the new season. The Blackbeard production is an original, written for the Missoula group, whose directors travel around the country putting on such plays in local communities.

Jones said she has had good feedback from parents, students and those who attended the performances.

The MCT charges $2,750, and the owner of the Grand Gallery Theater gave the group a reduced rate for using the facility, Jones said. The LDS Church provided the refreshments that were on sale Saturday.

The two representatives from MCT, Jessica Eisenberg and Chris Chamblee, started the process last Monday with auditions, then immediately started practices. Practices were held from 3-8 p.m. each day throughout the week.

The MCT provided sets and costumes and assisted in the presentation of the play.