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BILLINGS, Mont. (April 7, 2016) – Westpark Village, a leading senior living community in Billings, is partnering with the Missoula Children’s Theatre (MCT) on a one week residency which will result in an intergenerational production of Rapunzel at Westpark Village. Casting for Rapunzel will include school age students from the community, grades K-12, and residents from Westpark Village, to create a multi-generational performance. Performances will take place on Friday, April 29 at 7:00 p.m and Saturday, April 30 at 2:00 p.m.

“The play is being produced by Missoula Children’s Theatre, and is part of our unique international touring project,” said Michael McGill, executive director, MCT. “We are thrilled to join forces with Westpark Village for the second time to develop an exceptional intergenerational theatre program experience for school age children and seniors. We understand this supports the senior living company’s Ages Entwined program, providing enriching, intergenerational experiences and entertainment for the local community.

Ages Entwined^TM, a program of The Goodman Group, the management company for Westpark Village, which develops activities and programs that help bring generations together to create meaningful interactions and provide an opportunity for sharing wisdom, mentoring and socializing.

“We are excited to join forces with our management company, The Goodman Group, to participate in its Ages Entwined innovative programs,” said Tina Vauthier, executive director of Westpark Village. “Our senior residents and the children in the community are really looking forward to the performance. We see that both generations benefit from the interaction, and the children develop confidence, skills and self-esteem, as well as meaningful relationships with our residents.”

Show Synopsis: In this play written by Michael McGill, Executive Director of the MCT, the story of Rapunzel takes a twist. The characters tell a silly tale of personal triumph and friendship. Our story will take you a frivolous frolic through the French countryside. The Ogres garden in the Mushroom patch, while the Corn and Potato spies report back to Madame Gothel. Frenchy and his intense friends, the Wood Elves, do their best to help Rapunzel escape the grasp of Madame Gothel. The lost Prince, Rapunzel’s parents, and her friends, the Unicorns, try to help. And just when you think it’s safe to cross the bridge, a Troll and Three Billy Goats Gruff get in the way. It doesn’t help that the Three Bears confuse Rapunzel by having Goldilocks chase her through the forest. With the Gremlins trying to play tricks on everyone, you have utter chaos! Well, it’s not that bad because the Pixies foil the Gremlin’s plans most of the time.

Tickets: Tickets can be reserved in advance by calling 406-652-4886.

Auditions: School age children, grades K-12 and Westpark Village residents are invited to audition on Monday, April 6 at Westpark Village from 3:30-5:30 p.m.

Rehearsals:
Mon., April 25, from 5:45-7:45 p.m.
Tues.-Thurs., April 26-28, 3:30-8:00 p.m., with a 30-minute break at 6:00 p.m.

Although not all cast members will be needed at every session, those auditioning must have a clear schedule for the entire week and if selected, be able to attend all rehearsals required for their role. A detailed rehearsal schedule will be distributed at the conclusion of the audition. Cast members scheduled for the full four hours of rehearsal will be provided a bag dinner of a sandwich, chips, and cookie for the 30 minute break between rehearsal sessions. For more information on auditions, call Melissa Scianna at 406-652-4886.

Year-round, Westpark Village hosts a variety of intergenerational activities to provide both children and older adults with extraordinary opportunities for sharing and learning. Westpark Village provides senior residents with a full range of care and services, including retirement living, assisted living and memory care.

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