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Good kids from Missoula Valley high schools have fun being bad in MCT’s ‘Grease’ (Get your tickets now!) – By supporting children, you’re investing in their future

Over the past two months, Jim Caron has spent his evenings teaching good kids how to be bad. It’s an odd and rather ironic challenge for the co-founder of Missoula Children’s Theatre. And what’s proven even more ironic is this: He’s never had an easier time working with a cast of teenagers.

"This group of kids has been an absolute delight to work with," Caron said in an interview just days before the opening of MCT Community Theatre’s production of the classic troubled-teen musical, "Grease."

"Anyone coming with the expectation to see children performing will be pretty much amazed at the level these kids are giving," said Caron, noting that the band of accompanying musicians and the stage crew are also made up almost entirely of high school students. "It’s a real testament to the phenomenal quality of the high school drama programs that exist around Missoula, so if you come to our show and like what you see, you’ll like what’s going on in the local high schools as well."

MCT Community Theatre presents "Grease" in performances March 19-21 and 24-28, at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts. Shows begin at 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 6:30 p.m. on Sunday, with additional 2 p.m. matinees on Saturday and Sunday. Tickets are $15-$20, available by calling 728-PLAY or visiting http://www.MCTinc.org.

By JOE NICKELL of the Missoulian

Full Story: http://missoulian.com/entertainment/arts-and-theatre/article_34ddf752-3317-11df-8210-001cc4c03286.html

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By supporting children, you’re investing in their future

Late last fall, as I was directing “The Sunshine Boys” with several seasoned actors who share my passion for directing, I mentioned to them the game plan for my next production, “Grease,” with a cast of 50 or so teenagers. These journeyman theatre types, who are also my friends, and several of whom have teenage kids of their own, responded with a warm and supportive “Are you nuts?”

“Grease” is a complicated piece, they were eager to point out. It is loaded with tough music, complicated dance, and even some subtle and quite serious moments, which would require thoughtful and perceptive acting. Fifty teens? Hmm!

Come on, Jimbo – high school kids – we all know the stereotype: 1.) lazy; 2.) undisciplined; 3.) self-centered; 4.) overly emotional; 5.) generally obnoxious; and 6.) too young and inexperienced to have any real talent. Plus, these will be kids from every high school in the area – from Hellgate Knights to Frenchtown Broncs and all those dens of teenage angst in between. School rivalries will overcome any sense of community, which theater casts develop when things go well. Go well? What was I thinking!

OK, I lied, but just to get your attention. My colleagues reacted to the concept with smiles and, I think, just a little envy. Sadly, however, buying into the aforementioned stereotype is not entirely uncommon, and the “Are you nuts?” sentiment has been evident in more than a few passing comments, knowing smirks and even a bit of the ever-popular eye-rolling. What was I thinking? After watching teens grow and blossom on stage for four decades, and doing the dad thing for 15 years, I was thinking, “No problem.”

First of all, about that nasty list: 1.) Goal-oriented teenagers are capable of highly potent, focused energy. 2.) When they are motivated by confident leadership, their self-discipline and personal drive is boundless. 3.) Self-centered? A little nurtured bonding and their concern for each other is almost primal. 4.) They are capable of great passion, honesty and intensity in a culture of hum-drum pessimism and partisan blame games. 5.) They are delightful human beings when we take a moment to step into their world or inspire them to step into ours. 6.) No real talent? Please. Just sit back and enjoy.

And as for that concern about high school rivalries – it simply never happened. These kids are all proud of their schools – as well they should be – but when they put that vintage Brylcreem in their hair and step into those poodle skirts, they become a cohesive and purposeful community. They have common goals, respect for their authority figures and a complete understanding of the difficulty of their task – not to mention personal ties, which will last a lifetime. To use a word that is way overused, embraced by the maternal plumage of mother hen Margaret Johnson, they have become nothing short of a “family.”

And finally, a little plea to all of us grown-ups out there – take these kids to your hearts. Attend with visible pride their school plays, concerts, recitals, chess meets, ball games, etc. Whatever they do, be there. It won’t be a chore. Support the Boys and Girls Club, Big Brothers Big Sisters, Youth Homes, the Flagship Program and all of the other terrific opportunities found here in Missoula.

Above all, play an active role in their education. Make parenting – or grandparenting – the priority. Lead, volunteer, mentor, contribute and simply spend time with them, for their sake and for yours. They need us now as they navigate their frightening, formative years in an ever more challenging world. They need us now to help them understand how much graduation truly does matter. They need us now – in the present – but not nearly as much as we will need them. These are not just kids – they are the future.

Missoula’s Jim Caron is director of “Grease” at the MCT Community Theatre and CEO of the Missoula Children’s Theatre.

http://missoulian.com/news/opinion/columnists/article_f9d65d16-3361-11df-aa17-001cc4c002e0.html

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