Kids are stars of FVCC productions

Flathead Valley Community College Children’s Summer Theatre will bring fun-filled and affordable entertainment for all ages to its stage this summer as it presents “Schoolhouse Rock Live! Jr.” and “A Bagful of Fables.”

The shows, which open July 21, star local children ages 7 to 13. FVCC Theatre students serve as the directors, stage managers and technical crews for both productions.

“School House Rock Live! Jr.” will be performed July 21 and 29, and Aug. 4 at 2 p.m.; and July 28 and Aug. 3 at 7 p.m.

“A Bagful of Fables” will be performed July 22 and 28, and Aug. 5 at 2 p.m.; and July 21 and 27 and Aug. 4 at 7 p.m.

“A Bagful of Fables,” directed by FVCC student Heather Smith, offers a selection of Aesop’s Fables for the whole family, especially youngsters. Aesop himself takes the audience on a trip through some of his most well-known stories, such as “The Fox and the Crow,” as his troupe of actors perform some important life lessons.

“Schoolhouse Rock!” is a four-time Emmy Award-winning series and a timeless collection of animated songs that taught an entire generation to believe that "knowledge is power.” Director and FVCC student Kenny Griggs has brought together a group of talented children to perform in “Schoolhouse Rock! Jr. Live.”

The children sing, dance and act as they tell the story of a new schoolteacher, Tom, and his anxious morning before his first day at work. While he is getting ready, a few special children appear and give him the knowledge, power and courage he needs to start his first day.

The shows are suitable for audiences of all ages.

Tickets cost $2 for children and $5 for adults and can be purchased in advance at the FVCC Bookstore, by calling 756-3814 or online at www.fvcc.edu/fvcctheatre.html. Remaining tickets will be available for purchase at the door of the FVCC Theatre inside the Arts and Technology Building on the Kalispell campus.

For more information, contact Rich Haptonstall at rhaptonstall@fvcc.edu or at 756-3962.