Eureka Community Players’ spotlight northeastern MT history

The Eureka Community Players are presenting the play “More Precious Than Gold” Nov. 4 to Nov. 6 at the Timbers Lodge in Eureka.

“More Precious Than Gold” is a play in two acts with music based on oral histories of Northeastern Montana. The play was written by Margaret Baldwin, with the music and score by Kate G. Hansen

The vignettes, songs and stories weave together to form “The Story,” which the Storyteller brings to life for Molly in her backyard. The stories of the first act deal with the time of the last waves of homesteaders, roughly 1909-1930. The second act focuses on the “Dirty Thirties” and the building of the Fort Peck Dam. They are universal stories that appeal to all people, all ages.

Bringing these stories to life are Tigerlily Beamer as Molly and Jason Stoffer as the Storyteller. The company includes an ensemble of three men and women who adopt multiple roles — Danica Cate, Lori Stoffer, Rachel Lautaret, Alan Guderjahn, Marcus Kauffman and Grant Brenneman. Margaret Lambie is the music director, pianist and flutist. Also providing music is Nancy Haugan on violin and piano and Andy Hanson on guitar.

This play is directed by John and Sharon LaBonty, the play’s sole directors. While living in Glasgow, they were both involved in the 10-year process of collecting the oral histories, working with many artists, and touring the play in 1996 throughout northern Montana. The Eureka production is the third time this play has taken to the stage. The LaBontys worked with many artists, including the Appalachian group Roadside Theatre. They hope that the Eureka performances will spark someone’s interest in developing a play about Northwestern Montana and the Tobacco Valley.

“If you like PBS, you’ll love this play!” John LaBonty said.

Performances are Friday and Saturday, Nov. 4 and 5, at 7 p.m.; and Sunday, Nov. 6, is at 3 p.m. Tickets are available at the door.