Curtain rises at Opera House Theatre

New season of vaudeville, comedy and mystery continues in Philipsburg

On Stage
Philipsburg's historic Opera House Theatre
Philipsburg’s historic Opera House Theatre offers another rousing season of vaudeville, comedy and drama.

The Opera House Theatre in Philipsburg offers another rousing season of comedy, mystery and drama, beginning June 21 with the return of the ever-popular Vaudeville Variety Show.

Directed by maestro D.J. Gommel, the delightful show brims with music, comedy, parody and hi-jinks.

Opening Friday, June 22, is the murder/mystery/comedy “Psych!” Was it the psychic? The psychiatrist? Or maybe the Security Guard? Join the fun as Edward Baxter, a successful psychiatrist framed for murder, sets about to unravel his current situation and finds himself veering from bad to worse. Psych! author Lisa Rowe will be on hand for the opening performance.

The third offering for the 2018 season is “Having Hope at Home,” which opens June 28. Carolyn wants to a home birth but her dad is head of gynecology at the local hospital. What could possibly go wrong? Practically everything in this fun-filled family comedy touching four generations.

Built in 1891, the Opera House Theatre is recognized as the oldest continually operating theatre in Montana. Originally named the McDonald Opera House, the lovely old playhouse has been tenderly resurrected by current owners Tim and Claudette Dringle, who are committed to continuing its long tradition of live theatre.

The production company is helmed by producing director/music director DJ. Gommel, who has steered or appeared in over 250 productions over the years; director and company manager Nathan Adkins, who joined the troupe in 2013; and ensemble director Tim Eastman, returning to the Opera House Theatre Company for his fifth season.

The ensemble includes several veteran Missoula actors and University of Montana students or alumni, including Anna Evans, Megan Folsom (whose acting credits include appearances in the series Law & Order and the 1979 movie “Heartland”), Maisie Gospodarek, Ryson Sparacino and lighting tech and stage manager Adam Wood.

Show times are 4 p.m. Thursdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. Sundays, through Aug. 26.

For tickets or more information visit  www.operahousetheatre.com or call 406-859-0013.