Theater
Last Chance Play Fest returns
Helena’s 11th annual Last Chance New Play Fest, the longest running festival of its kind in Montana, will run Nov 7-17, and features new projects by Montana writers.
Montana Short Cuts, a program of 10-minute plays, returns to the Fest with the theme “Future Present Tense.”
This event is at the Helena Avenue Theatre (HAT) at 1319 Helena Ave.
Actors rehearse a scene from “Fanny the Fox” for the Last Chance New Play Fest in October 2022.
Tickets for individual performances are $18 (adult) or $15 (student/senior) and are available at the door or online. $30 Fest passes, which admit holders to any performance throughout the Fest, are also available. Tickets can be purchased online at https://buytickets.at/lcnpf. Evening performances are at 7 p.m., weekend matinees vary, depending on the day. Check the website for exact times.
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Eight plays were selected from the number of entrants the Fest received. The lineup includes:
- “Towards a Brighter Future” by Gregory Younger
- “How it Began” by Ross Peter Nelson
- “Did We…?” by Lily Hoelscher
- “Sanity Defense” by Robert Worthy
- “Double Exposure” by Steve Palmer
- “Quad” by Leigh Ruggiero and Brent McCafferty
- “Reprisals” by Bruce Hall
- “Secret Service” by Rebecca Ryland
In addition to the Short Cuts, a program of independently-produced projects will also appear:
- “A Field of Daisies” by Rebecca Ryland
- “Saturn Station” by Barry Stambaugh
- “Escape” by Steven Palmer
- “The Giveaway Pile” by Samantha Strom
- “San Juan Todavia Vive” by David Singer
Community
Historical society open for art walk
The Lewis and Clark County Historical Society will be open to the public 4-8 p.m. Nov. 8 with artists Carol Montgomery and Matt Egan for the Downtown Helena Fall Art Walk.
Located in the Steamboat Block, 618 Helena Ave., the new museum has displays, a research library and books for sale. Helena and people and locations throughout Lewis and Clark County including Helena and the Helena Valley, Marysville and Unionville are featured. More information from other areas throughout the county will be added in the future.
The museum is staffed by volunteers with plans to be open on Saturdays. History-loving volunteers are invited to join them as researchers, display-creators and museum hosts. For more information, call (406) 438-6560 or email lcchs1989@gmail.com.
Music
‘Hansel and Gretel’ visit Helena
The Helena Symphony returns to the Helena Civic Center with the season 70 fully staged opera “Hansel and Gretel.”
It will be 7:30 p.m. Nov. 16 and 2 p.m. Nov. 17 at the Helena Civic Center, 340 Neill Ave.
Brothers Grimm’s whimsical masterpiece from 1812 comes to life in this production featuring the coming-of-age story of Hansel and Gretel and their journey through the forest, battle with the mysterious witch, a dream ballet, and learning about greed, trust and overcoming fears. This family-friendly opera performed in English is perfect for all ages.
Tickets range from $22-$55 and are available online at helenasymphony.org or by calling the Symphony office at 406-442-1860.
Josh Turner comes to Helena Civic Center
MCA Nashville recording artist Josh Turner will be at Helena Civic Center in Helena on Jan. 24 as part of his nationwide “This Country Music Thing Tour.”
Tickets start at $49.50 plus applicable fees and go on sale 10 a.m. Friday at www.helenaciviccenter.com.
Josh Turner performs during CMA Fest on Sunday, June 9, in Nashville, Tenn.
With songs like “Long Black Train” and “Why Don’t We Just Dance,” Josh Turner’s global reach has surpassed 5.8 billion global streams, 6.5 million album sales and almost 12 million track sales worldwide.
For more information, visit www.joshturner.com.
Art
Bray Holiday Show coming up
The Bray Holiday Show will be Nov. 7-Dec. 23 at the Bray Gallery and Visitor Center, 2915 Country Club Ave.
There is an opening reception 6-8 p.m. Nov. 7.
Shop artwork from current and former resident artists to find the perfect one-of-a-kind gift for anyone on your list.
Shop local — consider these unique gift ideas; a handmade mug for hot morning drinks, a comforting soup bowl, a distinctive pitcher for the table, jewelry, a stunning sculpture, a stand-out vase, pleasant cocktail cups, uncommon ornaments and find more in-person at the gallery.
‘Pause’ event at the Holter
An opening reception for “Inside the Pause” by Heidi Marie Faessel will be 6-8 p.m. Nov. 8 at the Bair Gallery at the Holter Museum, 12 E. Lawrence St.
Artwork by Heidi Marie Faessel
She will speak at 6:30 p.m. Her show will run Nov. 8-Dec. 31.
Faessel is a multidisciplinary artist based in Whitefish.
Her recent work includes abstract paintings and sculptures made from everyday and salvaged materials, exploring themes of impermanence, transformation and interconnection.
Holter having midyear fundraiser
The Holter Museum of Art is having its midyear fundraising event, The Art of Travel, taking place 6-8 p.m. Nov. 15, with a happy hour and time to bid on silent auction items beginning at 5 p.m.
Join Holter, Live Longitude Travel and Viking Cruises to talk luxury river cruising, sample a wine flight that corresponds with different rivers in Europe, bid on beautiful art, and possibly walk away the winner of a Viking eight-day luxury European river cruise for two.
This fundraiser supports Holter Museum of Art programming while encouraging attendees to enjoy the finer things: wine, art and luxury travel. A big thank you to our sponsors for this event – Viking Cruises, Live Longitude Travel, George’s Distribution and the Helena Symphony.
The silent auction opens 10 a.m. Nov. 8 and closes 7:45 p.m. Nov. 15. It includes 35-plus art items all with a bidding start under $400 plus several items related to travel, experiences and wine. Bidding is only available at the Holter. To preview all of the silent auction items, visit https://holtermuseum.org/silent-auction/.
For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.holtermuseum.org or contact the Holter at 406-442-6400.
Dance
Queen City Ballet to perform ‘Nutcracker’
The magic of the holiday season comes to life as Queen City Ballet Company presents its 23rd annual traditional production of the timeless classic, “The Nutcracker” at the Helena Civic Center Nov. 23-24th.
Audiences will see a magical world of dancing snowflakes, battling soldiers, an evil Rat King and the beloved Sugar Plum Fairy.
Featuring a talented cast of QCBC dancers, students, alumni and renowned guest artists, this year’s production promises a magical experience.
Tickets are available online at HelenaCivicCenter.com, by phone at 406-447-8481, or in person at the Helena Civic Center Box Office. Prices range from $18 to $50, with special discounts available for students and seniors in the economy section. VIP tables are also available for groups.
Submissions to the Around the Town calendar should be emailed to irarts@helenair.com and should be 200 words or less. Submissions should be written in story form, no flyers please. Please write “Around the Town” in the subject line. Call Phil Drake at 406-447-4086 if you have questions.
