While many in the Flathead feel the pull to be outside in the summertime, the season also offers some of the best indoor entertainment in the region on theater stages throughout the valley.
With so much talent, the hardest part about going to a show won’t be about merely finding one, it will be having to pick from a multitude of worthy choices.
Here’s a rundown of what to expect on stage this summer, from Whitefish to Polson.
Whitefish:
The Alpine Theatre Project has a packed schedule this summer, offering three shows over two months. First up, the company takes on “Guys and Dolls,” a classic musical comedy, from July 11 through July 31.
Starting July 12, ATP will perform the bluegrass musical adventure “Big River,” which will run until Aug. 1. The production of “The Who’s Tommy,” a rock opera from The Who, starts July 22 and ends Aug. 2.
For show schedules and tickets, visit www.atpwhitefish.org.
The Whitefish Theatre Company has plenty of fun planned for summer 2014, including kids theater camps and two “Kids Take the Stage” events in July.
On stage, WTC will perform a cabaret favorite, “Boeing Boeing,” from May 28-31 and June 5-7. On June 13 and 14, join WTC as they host “The Hit Men,” five former members of mega-hit national acts who sing the hits they created and played from the 1960s to the 1980s.
For theater camp information and ticketing, visit www.whitefishtheatreco.org.
Kalispell:
Just because school isn’t in session doesn’t mean the theater at Flathead Valley Community College is closed for the season. Blake Sherman and returning director Joshua Kelly will direct Stephen Adly Guirgis’ “The Last Days of Judas Iscariot” and William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet.”
The shows are scheduled for late July and mid-August; visit www.fvcc.edu/current-students/student-life/theatre.html for more information.
Bigfork:
This year marks the 55th summer for the Bigfork Summer Playhouse, a true tradition on stage in the village by the bay. And along with offering a summer theater camp, the performance schedule is jam-packed.
Through the end of May, the cast performs “You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown,” the story of an average day in the life of the famous comic strip child hero, Charlie Brown.
The repertory schedule begins with June, with the stage favorite “West Side Story,” another classic in “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” and the family-favorite “Tarzan.”
Also on schedule is the adults-only story of down-on-their-luck male strippers, “The Full Monty.”
These shows run all summer at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts, so be sure to check out the calendar and ticketing information at www.bigforksummerplayhouse.com.
Polson:
At the other end of Flathead Lake, the Port Polson Players at the John Dowdall Theatre will take on full schedule of summer entertainment, with the Neil Simon comedy, “Fools,” running from June 27 through July 6, followed up with the drama, “Amelia Earhart,” from July 10 to July 20.
Then comes “Who Gets the Lake Place,” a musical comedy running from July 24 through Aug. 10, and then the final show of the season, the comedy “Almost Maine,” running from Aug. 14 to Aug. 31.
For tickets and scheduling information, visit www.portpolsonplayers.com.
Check www.flatheadevents.net for daily schedules of live music and shows in the Flathead Valley.