Rebecca Spear and Lauren Lim Jackson in Alpine Theatre Project's "Chicago" (costumes by Kerry Bechtel)
Alpine Theatre Project, Montana’s world-class professional theatre, opened its 11th season July 9. As is ATP’s hallmark, the 2015 season of “Chicago,” “Ring of Fire,” and “Big Fish” is performed by a roster full of Broadway veterans. ATP Artistic Director, Betsi Morrison, has rounded out the casts with favorites from the local music, theatre, and even figure-skating communities.
“ATP has become known both locally and nationally for attracting some of the greatest theatrical talent in the country,” says Morrison. “This season is no exception. We have a roster of Broadway actors that our audiences get to see without ever leaving the beautiful Flathead Valley.”
The 2015 season consist of a core company of 13 actors who will perform in all three productions. Broadway professionals include:
Sean McDermott: performed in the Broadway productions of “Miss Saigon,” “Falsettos,” “Starlight Express,” and “Grease.” McDermott was also hand picked by Barbra Streisand to sing alongside her on her 2008 European tour.
Lauren Lim Jackson: performed in the Broadway productions of “Motown,” “Memphis,” “Wonderland,” and “Finian’s Rainbow.”
Kristen Beth Williams: performed in the Broadway productions of “Pippin,” “Nice Work if You Can Get It,” “Promises, Promises,” and “Anything Goes.”
David Kirk Grant: performed in the national tours of “42nd Street” and “The Music Man.”
Nicholas Ward: performed in ATP’s hit last year, “Big River,” and on Broadway in “On the Town.”
Luke Walrath: starring in Big Fish this summer, Walrath performed in the Broadway production of “42nd Street” and the national tour of “The Sound of Music” starring Richard Chamberlain. He’s also the co-founder of ATP.
Returning ATP artists also include professional actresses Rebecca Spear and Susan O’Dea.
In a new twist this year, darling of the local music scene and daughter of Montana musical ambassador Rob Quist, Halladay Quist, will be performing – and playing bass – in ATP’s upcoming production of “Chicago.”
Alpine Theatre Project presents “Chicago,” “Ring of Fire: The Music of Johnny Cash,” and the regional premiere of “Big Fish” in rotating repertory from July 9-Aug. 1 at the Whitefish Performing Arts Center. Show times are 8 p.m. Tuesdays-Saturdays; call 406-862-7469 or visit atpwhitefish.org for tickets and information.