Children stage ‘Robinson Crusoe’

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On Jan. 26, they will stage an original musical adaptation of Daniel Defoe’s “Robinson Crusoe” at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. at the Sheldon Theatre.

The Missoula version begins on Robinson’s island years after he and his companion, a goat named Wilson, get shipwrecked. The island has turned into a tourist destination, complete with a singing leopard, a tribe of natives known for their colorful coifs, Friday’s Seaside Resort and the legend of Robinson Crusoe.

In a flashback the audience is taken back to the shipwreck that stranded Robinson Crusoe and Wilson on the island.

The population discovers that people’s differences need not stand in the way of friendship.

Fifty or more school children from throughout the county will be selected during auditions at the start of the week. Actor/directors from Missoula will work with them to prepare the play, and at the same time help the young people develop life skills such as teamwork, discipline, hard work and creativity through theater.

Missoula also supplies the costumes, props and sets for a full-scale production.

The company, which has been working with young people for over 30 years, also is currently involved in making a documentary film about an international tour. “The Little Red Truck” will show how children can come together to create a musical stage production while learning important lessons like commitment, confidence, teamwork, trust and acceptance.

For more about the project, go to www.mctinc.org.

Tickets to “Robinson Crusoe” are $10 for adults and $6 for students. Call (651) 388-8700 or (800) 899-5759 or go to www.sheldontheatre.org.

Tags: mn, wing, red, theatre, sheldon, crusoe, robinson, children, entertainment