October 16, 2019
The University of Montana Western’s Theatre students are pleased to announce Montana Western’s production of “The Giver” October 24-26, as part of the Bank of Commerce Performing Arts Series.
The performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. each night in the Beier Auditorium on the University of Montana Western campus. A matinee performance will also be held on October 25 at 10:00 a.m.
A cast of 10, including community actors Jeanne James and John McGinley, will perform this intriguing drama based on the award-winning novel by Lois Lowry. Directed by guest instructor Bethany Mason, the production features adjunct professor Larry Brazill’s dynamic set design, while technical director and faculty member Marcus Todd guides crews of student costumers, stage hands, lighting and sound assistants, and those working on promotion of the show.
The story is set in a dystopian world where young people are assigned life roles in their early teens by the Council of Elders. One bright boy is chosen as the next “Giver,” the sole keeper of history and wisdom, and begins his lessons with the current Giver. There is hope in the actions of the characters, with a central theme that humanity will free itself from tyranny.
Originally commissioned by the Oregon Children’s Theatre in March 2006, Lowry’s novel has been dramatized by Eric Coble, and is produced by special arrangement with The Dramatic Publishing Company of Woodstock, Illinois. “The Giver” was also recently adapted into a feature film, starring performers such as Meryl Streep, Jeff Bridges, and Taylor Swift.
Tickets to the production are $10 for general admission, $5 for seniors and youth, and Montana Western students are admitted free of charge. For school groups, a special rate of $2 per student are available, with a recommended audience age of 11 and above. To make school group reservations and for more information, please contact Professor Judy Ulrich by calling 406-683-7422.
