'Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.'

A five-time Broadway veteran. A former Radio City Rockette. One of the nation’s most in-demand tap dancers. These have been just a few of the professionals working with local students in Alpine Theatre Project’s Broadway Summer Training Camp. The camp culminates in a performance of the classic musical comedy, “Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.” on Aug. 4 and 5 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center.

“We are so thrilled to have ATP’s summer company of professionals working with our local students,” said Luke Walrath, the camp’s director. “It is giving local kids a chance to work directly with seasoned professionals with over 20 Broadway credits among them. There is no other opportunity quite like it in the state of Montana.”

The Broadway Summer Training Camp was designed to provide local students with an in-depth look at just what it takes to successfully perform in musical theatre. Over the past three weeks, 28 local students between the ages of 10 and 18 have been mentored by Alpine Theatre Project’s professional artists. Students have been working four hours a day, five days a week, while ATP’s professional company also performed at night.

“This is by far the most dedicated and hardworking class of students we’ve ever had,” Walrath said. “It’s been thrilling to watch them work one-on-one with these Broadway veterans and really absorb things. This final performance is going to blow people away.”

Filled with fun flappers, dashing leading men and a villainess audiences will love to hate, “Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.” is a clever adaptation of the six-time Tony-Award-winning Best Musical and the Academy Award-winning film. “‘Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.’ is the high-spirited musical romp that has all of New York dancing the Charleston!”

It’s 1922 in New York City, and a young Millie Dillmount has just moved to the Big Apple in search of a new life. Her grand plan is to find a job as a secretary for a wealthy man and then marry him. However, her plan goes completely awry. Millie’s wealthy boss is slow in proposing marriage, and the man she actually falls in love with doesn’t have a dime to his name ... or so he tells her. What’s a small town girl to do?

ATP’s Broadway Summer Training Camp is sponsored by Don K Subaru. “Thoroughly Modern Millie Jr.” runs Aug. 4 and 5 at 7 p.m. at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $18 for adults and $8 for children 12 and younger.

For more information or to order tickets, call 406-862-SHOW (7469) or visit http://www.atpwhitefish.org.