Missoula Children's Theatre
Beauty Lou and the Country Beast
Adapted by Jim Caron
Music & Lyrics by Michael McGill
Auditions: June 8th @ 10 AM
Camp: June 8th through June 13th
Performances: June 13th @ 3 PM and 6 PM
Internationally known for their work with young artists, the Lofte is proud to host the Missoula Children’s Theatre free workshop again for the 2026 season.
Open auditions for all children entering 1st grade thru 12th grade will be held on June 8th at 10 AM, and the week-long camp will run from June 8th thru June 13th with live performances June 13th at 3 PM and 6 PM.
Public Performance Tickets: $10 for Adults; $8 for Children
Have questions about Missoula? Review these FAQs!
Have more questions? Call the Lofte Box Office at (402) 234-2553.
Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella
Music by Richard Rodgers
Book by Oscar Hammerstein II
July 18, 19, 23, 24, 25, 26, 30, 31; August 1, 2
The timeless enchantment of a magical fairy tale is reborn with the Rodgers & Hammerstein hallmarks of charm and elegance. Originally presented on television in 1957 starring Julie Andrews, Rodgers & Hammerstein’s Cinderella was the most widely viewed program in the history of the medium.
50th Season Celebration Gala
August 15
Join us as we celebrate 50 years of stories, laughter, and community at The Lofte Community Theatre—you won’t want to miss it!
Event Schedule (please note the two locations)
5:00 PM – Cash Bar & Silent Auction
Cass County Fairgrounds Exposition Center
6:00 PM – Dinner
(Rathe Family BBQ – beef, pork, chicken, salad, cooked vegetables, fruit, dinner roll, dessert)
Cass County Fairgrounds Exposition Center
8:00 PM – Full Program & Performance
The Lofte Community Theatre
Attire: Business attire or better is requested (we’ll let you define “better”).
Tickets are on sale now
(Club 50 members may be eligible for complimentary or discounted tickets.)
Are you a Born-in-a-Barn Player? We would love to have you join us! Contact the box office at 402-234-2553 or tickets@lofte.org for a special discount code (limit 2 tickets).
And if you have a story about the Lofte that you're willing to share, now is the time! We are collecting stories, memories, photos, and experiences to highlight during the gala.
Share your stories here: https://forms.gle/4NZPyMXbmTHdSisf6
A Few Good Men
By Aaron Sorkin
September 4, 5, 6, 10, 11, 12, 13
Aaron Sorkin’s groundbreaking debut tells the story of a group of military lawyers assigned to defend two Marines in Guantanamo Bay. During the course of the trial, they uncover a high-level conspiracy designed to eliminate weaker soldiers in the name of patriotism. Recognizing our nation’s 250th birthday, we celebrate the armed forces with this classic play. Rated R due to language.
Volunteer!
The Lofte 40+ years of quality entertainment has only been possible thanks to the hundreds of volunteers who have donated their time over the years. Join this wonderful legacy and volunteer during this production season!
Volunteers receive the following for volunteering for a show:
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T-shirt
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Two free tickets to that performance
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Free popcorn & soda
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Recognition at annual meeting
Whether you want to help in the front lobby or behind the stage,
JOIN THE LOFTE FAMILY!
For regular performance volunteering, click the Volunteer button below to sign up for:
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Door Greeter
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Ticket Scanner
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Ushers
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Parking Attendant
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Concessions
![On August 19, 1976 patrons attended the opening night of "Godspell" at The Lofte, Weeping Water's Community Theater.
"A Weeping Water English, speech, and dramatics teacher [Diane "BJ" Bjornberg, pictured here at the center top of the image] saw a lot of dramatic talent in the town where she lived... "But there wasn't an outlet," she said," according to a local area paper.
The Howard Rathe family contributed their barn. "First used by horses, and then by pigs, now by actors," it was in good condition. They laid a cement floor and built a 32-foot stage. "Lumber for the stage came from livestock stalls." The theatre could seat around 250 people, about 220 on the floor, and another 30 in the balcony.
850 came - crowds sold out for the 3 performances, each concluding with a standing ovation from the audience.
Later that year, the Lofte presented two melodramas, The Great Western Melodrama and The Wild Flowering of Chastity. The shows were directed by Dianne "BJ" Bjornberg and, making his Lofte directorial debut, Kevin Colbert.
In 1978, The Lofte produced "Catch Me If you Can," "The Music Man," anniversary performances of "Godspell," and additional melodramas. Many milestones were achieved this year, including the official status of "The Lofte Association Incorporated."
1979 saw The Lofte produce "God's Favorite" as its first production, "Oliver!" as the summer musical, and then "Star-Spangled Girl," followed by "Little Mary Sunshine," a musical melodrama.
In 1980, we presented Neil Simon's "Plaza Suite" as the first show of the season, followed by "My Fair Lady," and then "Butterflies Are Free." The season closed with "Something's A Foot," a musical mystery.
In 1981, The Lofte celebrated its 5th anniversary! The cast of "Godspell," went on a tour to local area churches. Along with this show, the Lofte produced "Nothing but the Truth," the musical "Annie Get Your Gun," and "Come Blow Your Horn," another play by Neil Simon, followed by "Exit the Body," a mystery comedy.
Come back every week to learn more about the history of the Lofte! And to see these pictures and more, be sure to get tickets for our 50th Anniversary Gala!](https://scontent.cdninstagram.com/v/t39.30808-6/717115711_1949649493131065_4096137568507729536_n.jpg?stp=dst-jpg_e35_tt6&_nc_cat=100&ccb=7-5&_nc_sid=18de74&efg=eyJlZmdfdGFnIjoiRkVFRC5iZXN0X2ltYWdlX3VybGdlbi5DMyJ9&_nc_ohc=1V-lnK6QLkoQ7kNvwGJzvQw&_nc_oc=AdoJ2Uxal89wfRteoQz8NhT3nJC3tsN1BrI1ibBuABKnZlb9MP5jrU81EjLajeBqNJk&_nc_zt=23&_nc_ht=scontent.cdninstagram.com&edm=ANo9K5cEAAAA&_nc_gid=yxcCuVwOmVHTQgKKU1EXOQ&_nc_tpa=Q5bMBQGJ5vTdcIOQ2-O-tzxvtmCQDgRDVYrTARDgon3scZ8E2vl90FkspDi9WxOOfOjS54mMd_qY5rxY&oh=00_Af_PFc7cQrrFS-6wKVCiM7c7eqwPDTYOp2IROKzSTYHsUw&oe=6A2F4B08)
Calendar of Events
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