For the 17th year, the Missoula Children’s Theatre will visit Tarkio. Boys and girls who are entering kindergarten to seniors in high school are eligible to be in the musical “Pinocchio.” Registration forms are available at the Flower Mill in Tarkio or the Tarkio Branch Library lobby. Tuition is $30 per person or $40 for two in the same family living under the same roof. No pressure auditions will take place Monday, July 8, at 1:00 p.m. in the Tarkio High School Auditorium. Rehearsals will be held during the week from 10 a.m. to 12 noon and from 12:30 to 2:30 p.m. so kids can have time to swim in the afternoon. Lunch will be provided for those who stay for both rehearsals.

Not everyone will rehearse at the same time. Two performances of “Pinocchio” will be held Saturday, July 13, at 3 and 7 p.m. in the auditorium. In addition to the directors from Missoula Children’s Theatre, directors from Tarkio are Melody Barnett, accompanist, and Rev. Will Ratcliff. The cast features Pinocchio, the Blue Fairy, Jiminy Cricket, the villainous Fox, and the mischievous Cat. Also featured are Puppets, Pinocchio’s tough friend Candlewick and Candlewick’s crew, Urchins, School Kids and masterfully crafted Toys.

Missoula Children’s Theatre directors are Viktorija Vidziunas and Thomas Chubb.

Viktorija is currently a student at Western Illinois University working on her BFA in musical theatre.

Thomas is currently studying theatre and music at the University of Nevada, Reno in the brand new musical theatre program.