Sufjan Stevens

Sunday, Dec. 9
Doors for the show open at 7:30 p.m., and the music starts at 8:30 p.m. Tickets are on sale for $20, available by calling 1-877-4-FLY-TIX and online at ticketfly.com. (Note: Tickets for this show are not available at Rockin Rudy’s.)

Most touring bands have gone into hibernation for the month, and instead a wide variety of Christmas-themed concerts are making their way to town.
First up is indie folk singer-songwriter Sufjan Stevens’ oddly titled and elaborately staged performance at the Wilma Theatre on Sunday, Dec. 9.
The official name for the show is “The Surfjohn Stevens Christmas Sing-A-Long Seasonal Affective Disorder Yuletide Disaster Pageant On Ice,” with special guest Sheila Saputo. While the title is tongue-in-cheek, Stevens is serious about Christmas music. His catalog of holiday releases is heavier than some indie bands’ entire catalogs: His latest, “Silver & Gold,” has a staggering 58 tracks.
His label, Asthmatic Kitty, offers a disclaimer for any potential Scrooges:

“All Grinches be forewarned: The show will consist entirely of Christmas music, inviting audience participation. Be prepared to sing along with bawdy bravura! Song sheets will be provided. There should be plenty of low-production props and gags, dollar-store giveaways, inflatable unicorns, cheap confetti, make-shift costumes, and Gloria in excelsis deo.”

Tickets are on sale for $20, available by calling 1-877-4-FLY-TIX and online at ticketfly.com. (Note: Tickets for this show are not available at Rockin Rudy’s.) Doors for the show open at 7:30 p.m., and the music starts at 8:30 p.m.

 Irish Christmas in America

Sunday, Dec. 9
Show starts at 7:30 p.m. at the George and Jane Dennison Theatre. Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Student tickets are $15 with ID, and kids age 12 and under will be admitted free. Tickets are available at all GrixTix locations, Rockin Rudy’s, online at griztix.com or by calling 888-MONTANA.

A less unorthodox holiday experience is happening the same night across town.“Irish Christmas in America,” brings the Emerald Isle’s seasonal traditions to the U.S. with songs, dance and more.

The show is produced by Oisín Mac Diarmada, a member of the Irish group Téada, and features Aaron Jones of the Scottish band Old Blind Dogs, and Séamus Begley, an accordion player and storyteller.

Throughout the performances, the customs will be explained and narrated to help American audiences understand the music and dance.

The show is set for 7:30 p.m., Sunday, Dec. 9, at the George and Jane Dennison Theatre. Tickets cost $25 in advance or $30 at the door. Student tickets are $15 with ID, and kids age 12 and under will be admitted free. Tickets are available at all GrixTix locations, Rockin Rudy’s, online at griztix.com or by calling 888-MONTANA.

The performance is a fundraiser for UM’s Irish Studies program.

 Dolce Canto

Friday, Dec. 15
The concert starts at 7:30 p.m. in the University of Montana Recital Hall. Tickets are $15 for adults and $10 for students. Tickets available at Fact & Fiction, Rockin Rudy’s, or via the choir’s website at dolcecanto.info.

Missoula’s own vocal ensemble Dolce Canto is presenting a holiday concert at 7:30 p.m. Saturday, Dec. 15, entitled, “Serenity & Stillness.”

Their annual holiday concert, which frequently sells out, will feature artists the Missoula Mendelssohn Club and cellist Fern Glass Boyd, professor of cello at the University of Montana and director of the String Orchestra of the Rockies.

This year’s program features familiar carol arrangements by Alice Parker and Robert Shaw, Norman Luboff, and more alongside working composers such as Abbie Betinis, Ola Gjeilo, Patricia Van Ness and Kevin Memley.

The concert is set for 7:30 p.m. Friday, Dec. 15, in the University of Montana Music Recital Hall. Tickets may be purchased at Fact & Fiction, Rockin Rudy’s, or via the choir's website at dolcecanto.info. The cost is $15 for adults and $10 for students.

Frank Zappa

Frank Zappa set a sometimes impossibly high standard as a guitarist and composer, but his son, Dweezil, has proven up to the task of performing his dad’s Stravinsky-inspired rock.

While a guitar-magazine crowned virtuoso in his own right, Dweezil has taken it upon himself to tour playing his father’s work – which would be covered more often if it weren’t so difficult and elaborately arranged. (See “Peaches En Regalia, or well, almost anything he recorded.)

For “Zappa plays Zappa,” which has been an ongoing project since 2006, Dweezil recruits and rehearses with a band, and then conducts them live, just like Frank.

“Zappa plays Zappa,” is set for Thursday, Dec. 20, at the Wilma Theatre in downtown Missoula.

Tickets are on sale now. All ages, reserved seats are $62.50, including receive sound-check access and a special event poster. General admission is $35, additional fees may apply. Available at jadepresents.com, at Rockin Rudy’s, by calling (866) 300-8300, or at tickets300.com.

Lisa Lampanelli is comedy’s lovable Queen of Mean. Heralded as “more than a standup -- a standout,” by comedy legend Jim Carrey, Lampanelli is a cross between Don Rickles, Archie Bunker, and a vial of estrogen. The popular insult comic is a frequent participant in celebrity roasts, known for her searing, often vulgar one-liners. Audience members in the first four rows at this show may feel the burn of Lampanelli’s acid wit.

As a staple of the annual Comedy Central roasts, Lampanelli has gotten on stage to take shots at Chevy Chase, William Shatner, Jeff Foxworthy, Pamela Anderson, Donald Trump, and Gene Simmons. Furthermore, as a frequent guest on “The Howard Stern Show,” she’s also roasted fellow comedians Andy Dick and Artie Lange.

Lampanelli’s act often deals with issues of race and sex in a frank and outrageous way, saying things aloud that most people are afraid to think. Though she’s an expert at cutting others down, she’s not afraid to poke fun at herself either. Lampanelli’s memoir, “Chocolate, Please: My Adventures in Food, Fat, and Freaks,” recalls her childhood as an “attention whore” and her addiction to food and black men. She follows her memories of “fat rehab” with a variety of topics, from the Virgin Mary to vegans.

Lampanelli said in a recent interview, “I think it’s what they see on the inside. They know I’m just kidding around. Because if it’s funny -- if it’s a good joke, it’s a good joke.”

Get Creative at the Missoula Community Theatre
By Brian D’Ambrosio, media relations coordinator at MCT

The house lights dim. Hushed excitement builds as untested performers and savvy veterans await opening cues. Hours of rehearsal time and memorization lead to this split second. Show time at last.

If your curiosity has been piqued by these descriptions, then you may want to come and be a part of the Missoula Community Theatre.

Since 1977, the Missoula Community Theatre has strived to be an integral part of the city of Missoula’s artistic and cultural life. For the benefit of those unfamiliar with our organization, please allow us to reintroduce ourselves and explain the nuts and bolts of what we do – Missoula Community Theatre 101, if you will.

First things first, we are friendly to all.

“All auditions are open,” says MCT artistic director Joe Martinez. “We don’t precast. We want people to know that all are welcome. We invite and do want people without experience.”

Interested parties need to be aware that community theatre productions require teamwork. Despite the fact that individual characters or starring roles have the ability to make or break a production, the cast and crew must come together as a cohesive unit for any production to be successful. Members of the cast and crew not only rediscover the tenets of responsibility and time management, and adapt to the rigorous necessity of practice, but understand that individual efforts shape the complete fabric.

“Community theatre is about building relationships,” says executive director of MCT Michael McGill. It is a strong benefit to actors, providing a community connection and a place for those who wish to develop their craft. The doors here are open to a wide cross section of people in the region. Even those with no theatrical experience can find a place where they belong.”

Context of Cooperation

Teamwork at Missoula Community Theatre means that you have to be ready to intervene and help another participant in rehearsals with a missed line or forgotten cue. It means developing a healthy amount of sensitivity to fellow cast members. Personal preferences and quirks no longer matter. Becoming your character in the larger context of cooperation is the greater purpose.

As they work to memorize their lines and develop their character, participants have the chance to help others and enhance their interpersonal skills.

Mark Heyka, chief meteorologist at NBC Montana, moved to Missoula in 1999, not knowing a single person. One year later, he was still looking for a place to belong. He found acceptance at the Missoula Community Theatre.

“I auditioned for The Wizard of Oz,” says Heyka. “Being from Kansas, it was rather ironic that while Dorothy was trying to get back home, I was yearning to call Missoula home. After that show, I was hooked on the magic of MCT and knew that it would be one of the reasons I would consider Missoula my home. Ushering, being a cast member, it’s just so much fun to be a part of my community. What a wonderful group of people.”

Friendships and Skills

Broadcast journalist and Missoula native Casey Chaloupek has been involved with the Missoula Community Theatre for two seasons.

“A college professor once told a friend and me,” Chaloupek says, “that if you go to see live theatre, and you don’t leave a changed person, it didn’t do its job. Live theatre should be able to reach to the soul of a person and help transform them for the better. MCT has given me that chance to explore and develop my interests and talents, and by doing so, I have been able to work with some of Missoula’s finest. Being mentored by exceptional directors, choreographers, and musicians has been one of the most humbling experiences I have ever been part of.”

Though her first show with MCT was in 1981, as an ‘apple seed’ in a Missoula Children’s Theatre production of Johnny Appleseed, Ann Bates only recently made her way to the Missoula Community Theatre; she and her daughter will be part of the ensemble cast of MCT’s next production, “Miracle on 34th Street The Musical”. A southeastern Montana native, Bates’ oldest daughter has participated in six Missoula Children’s Theatre productions and she considers MCT an extension of her family.

“We are completely exited to be a part of this production and look forward to seeing more MCT staffers in the weeks to come,” says Bates. “To be a part of Missoula Community Theatre at this time, and with this show, is truly a blessing and a full circle moment for me.”

Thirty-one years ago, Bates performed under the instruction of tour actor/director Michael McGill, now MCT’s Executive director and director of “Miracle on 34th Street The Musical.” In November, she will join up with McGill once again.

“Now, here we are together, doing a musical adaptation of one of our favorite Christmas films,” says Bates. “MCT’s commitment to the performing arts allow for numerous creative and technical expressions for our community of Missoula, the US, and beyond. The dedicated staff at MCT is extremely cognizant of this and fosters an environment and message that we all need the performing arts in our lives and communities- no matter what stage of life we are in.”

Community Theatre: Not Just About Acting

Becoming a thespian is not the only way for people to get involved with the Missoula Community Theatre. From ticket taking to lighting, to sound operation and concessions, there is plenty to do behind or near the scenes. Sets and props need to be carried and adjusted; the spotlight needs to be manned, and lighting has to be correctly placed. No matter how one decides to contribute, we will be appreciative of your presence. 

“We respect people’s time,” says Martinez. “We do our best to be flexible with people’s time, while balancing that with the need to put on a quality production.”

For more information about becoming a part of the Missoula Community Theatre, schedules, and show times, call (406) 728-1911, visit www.facebook.com/missoulacommunitytheatre, or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Acclaimed stand-up comedian Brian Regan will perform at the University of Montana at 7 p.m. Sunday, March 24, in the George and Jane Dennison Theatre.
Regan has released two hour-long Comedy Central stand-up specials and DVDs, and his 1997 CD “Brian Regan Live” has sold more than 150,000 copies. Regan also has appeared on the “Late Show with David Letterman” and the County Music Television network. His nonstop theater tour has visited more than 80 cities each year since 2005 and continues through 2013.
Tickets cost $42.50 and are available at all GrizTix locations and online at http://www.griztix.com. For more information call Zoe Donovan, UM Productions marketing coordinator, at 406-243-4719 or email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. .

Sunday, March 24 at the George and Jane Dennison Theatre.
Tickets are available at all GrizTix locations and online at http://www.griztix.com.

by CORY WALSH

Frank Zappa’s son, Dweezil, a guitar virtuoso in his own right, will perform a set of his father’s music on Thursday, Dec. 20, at the Wilma Theatre.
Having watched his father perform concerts from the side of the stage since he was in diapers, it was no surprise that Dweezil Zappa began to show an interest in music early on. At 6 years old, he received his first guitar, a Fender Music Master, from his dad.
Since then, Zappa has remained an advocate for his father’s music while pursuing a career of his own.
In spring 2006, Dweezil debuted the live band Zappa Plays Zappa, playing long, ambitious sets of Frank Zappa favorites and obscure gems to big audiences of crazed Zappa fans.
“I think that my father’s music is quite powerful live,” Dweezil said in a recent interview. “We do our best to present it in a way that emphasizes what makes it unique in the world of music as well. I’ve said many times before that learning to perform Frank Zappa’s music is like training for the Olympics. You have to be prepared to pull it off at your best when the audience is there to witness it.”
Dweezil recently released “F.O.H.” – a live double CD featuring Zappa Plays Zappa performances of Frank Zappa songs.
The reserved tickets are $62.50, and provide access to sound check access and an event poster. Other all-ages tickets are $35. Additional fees may apply.

Thursday, Dec. 20
The doors open at 7 p.m., and the music starts at 8 p.m. Tickets go on sale Friday, Sept. 21, at 10 a.m.
Tickets are available at jadepresents.com, at Rockin Rudy’s, by calling (866) 300-8300, or at tickets300.com.