With not much more than a dream and the desire to "put on a show," Montana TheatreWorks (MTW) was formed in 1995 and the curtain went up on the maiden production of Damn Yankees. Over 3,000 people attended, which begged the question: "What's next?" Since that time, MTW, a member of the American Association of Community Theatres, has produced several years of shows, including The Sound of Music, Annie, Guys and Dolls, Oklahoma!, and Oliver!, which have entertained over 51,000 people, including audiences in Butte, Billings and at the annual summer Sweet Pea Festival in Bozeman, Montana. And, with ticket prices always being affordable, we are proud that the world of theatre has been made available to Gallatin Valley families without breaking their piggy banks.
Each MTW production also allows several community members to take part in a process that strives to replicate professional theatre. Cast members work closely with highly-skilled musical directors, vocal coaches, choreographers, musicians and stage directors to hone their performances skills. Meanwhile, a small army of backstage crew members work with a professional stage manager in a team effort that results in not just a terrific production, but a great sense of accomplishment for everyone involved. Another great benefit is meeting new people and often making lifelong friends.
In need of a permanent home since its inception, Montana TheatreWorks set its sites on The Ellen Theatre. Owned by the Russell family since the 1930s, The Ellen (along with the Rialto across Main Street) had most recently been used to show movies by Carmike Cinema. With the possibility of Carmike not renewing their lease, the fate of the theatres was in question and the owners were interested in selling. Mike McKenna, working on behalf of MTW, contacted owner Greg Russell of Minnesota, who later commented, "When we heard what Montana TheatreWorks had planned for The Ellen, we couldn't have been happier." Those plans included returning The Ellen to a glorious, live stage venue, serving as a home for MTW productions as well as a performing arts center for various community and professional groups. Based on that initial conversation, an agreement to sell the theatres to MTW was made almost immediately.
On September 15, 2005, both the Ellen Theatre and Rialto Theatre, which could only be obtained as a pair, were purchased by Montana TheatreWorks. Much thanks should be credited to First Interstate Bank, who believed in the project and loaned a sizable amount of money to MTW at a very good price. In April of 2008, Carmike Cinemas terminated their lease with the buildings and the monstrous task of renovation began. After endless construction crews, volunteer hours, tons of elbow grease, polish and paint, MTW presented it's first show in The Ellen, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Over 6,000 people attended 14 performances and The Ellen Theatre was on her way to once again being a glorious showplace.
A great deal of success for the project goes to some very bighearted community members. Clyde Park rancher and former MTW board president Elise Donohue joined the campaign, soon followed by Karen and Klein Gilhousen, with their generous contribution on behalf of the Gilhousen Family Foundation. The Taylor Family, supporters of MTW from day one, also were quite gracious with a sizeable gift toward the restoration of the building. When it came time to pay for the last of the work, Bill Martel, owner of Martel Construction who did a stellar job of overseeing the renovation, tore up the bill, much like the changed Scrooge forgiving a loan. Without Elise Donohue, the Gilhousens, the Taylors and Bill Martel, all extraordinary people, it's safe to say the fate of the Ellen would still be up in the air. "Thanks" seems hardly adequate. If you know these fine folks, make sure you tell them how much the entire community appreciates their generosity. The first phase of our remodel is complete, but there is still much to do. While we continue to raise money for needed renovation, Montana TheatreWorks is happily pushing ahead producing plays, musicals, concerts and events -- a wide variety of entertainment for the whole family. So, stop by anytime, visit The Ellen Theatre and treat yourself to a show as we celebrate the arts right in the heart of downtown Bozeman.
Each MTW production also allows several community members to take part in a process that strives to replicate professional theatre. Cast members work closely with highly-skilled musical directors, vocal coaches, choreographers, musicians and stage directors to hone their performances skills. Meanwhile, a small army of backstage crew members work with a professional stage manager in a team effort that results in not just a terrific production, but a great sense of accomplishment for everyone involved. Another great benefit is meeting new people and often making lifelong friends.
In need of a permanent home since its inception, Montana TheatreWorks set its sites on The Ellen Theatre. Owned by the Russell family since the 1930s, The Ellen (along with the Rialto across Main Street) had most recently been used to show movies by Carmike Cinema. With the possibility of Carmike not renewing their lease, the fate of the theatres was in question and the owners were interested in selling. Mike McKenna, working on behalf of MTW, contacted owner Greg Russell of Minnesota, who later commented, "When we heard what Montana TheatreWorks had planned for The Ellen, we couldn't have been happier." Those plans included returning The Ellen to a glorious, live stage venue, serving as a home for MTW productions as well as a performing arts center for various community and professional groups. Based on that initial conversation, an agreement to sell the theatres to MTW was made almost immediately.
On September 15, 2005, both the Ellen Theatre and Rialto Theatre, which could only be obtained as a pair, were purchased by Montana TheatreWorks. Much thanks should be credited to First Interstate Bank, who believed in the project and loaned a sizable amount of money to MTW at a very good price. In April of 2008, Carmike Cinemas terminated their lease with the buildings and the monstrous task of renovation began. After endless construction crews, volunteer hours, tons of elbow grease, polish and paint, MTW presented it's first show in The Ellen, Charles Dickens' A Christmas Carol. Over 6,000 people attended 14 performances and The Ellen Theatre was on her way to once again being a glorious showplace.
A great deal of success for the project goes to some very bighearted community members. Clyde Park rancher and former MTW board president Elise Donohue joined the campaign, soon followed by Karen and Klein Gilhousen, with their generous contribution on behalf of the Gilhousen Family Foundation. The Taylor Family, supporters of MTW from day one, also were quite gracious with a sizeable gift toward the restoration of the building. When it came time to pay for the last of the work, Bill Martel, owner of Martel Construction who did a stellar job of overseeing the renovation, tore up the bill, much like the changed Scrooge forgiving a loan. Without Elise Donohue, the Gilhousens, the Taylors and Bill Martel, all extraordinary people, it's safe to say the fate of the Ellen would still be up in the air. "Thanks" seems hardly adequate. If you know these fine folks, make sure you tell them how much the entire community appreciates their generosity. The first phase of our remodel is complete, but there is still much to do. While we continue to raise money for needed renovation, Montana TheatreWorks is happily pushing ahead producing plays, musicals, concerts and events -- a wide variety of entertainment for the whole family. So, stop by anytime, visit The Ellen Theatre and treat yourself to a show as we celebrate the arts right in the heart of downtown Bozeman.
