Northside bringing 'Emperor's New Clothes' to life

Thanks to the busy Silkworms, the Emperor has a stunning new outfit.

The community is invited along to see "The Emperor's New Clothes" as Northside Elementary students perform in the Missoula Children's Theatre production this weekend.

More than 50 local students are taking part in the production, an original musical adaptation of the Hans Christian Andersen classic.

The production is funded by the Northside PTO and marks the second visit by MCT to the school.

"It was an awesome experience for our students and [it was] strongly encouraged/requested that we bring it back this year," teacher Camille Fuller said.

Students auditioned Monday and immediately started rehearsals, which are ongoing through the week. Two performances will be held at the school Saturday.

"It's amazing how much they learn and accomplish within just five days," Fuller said.

Along with the rehearsals and performances, Missoula Children's Theatre schedules a workshop with each class at Northside during the week.

"This gives all the students, not just the ones cast in the play an opportunity to learn a bit about theater and acting," Fuller said. "It's our favorite week of the school year."

Playing the title character of the Emperor is local student Teak Ross. Other featured performers include Harper Overland as ManyPenny, Hannah Majors as Royal Scholar Roxy, and Olivia Watson as Royal Scholar Red.

The Kings will be Noah Hermiston, Ronan Kohout and Flynn Pamperin and the Queens will be Lila Westfall, Lilliana Kater and Evoda Logan. The Money Council will be Sabrina Funk, Cassidy Johnson, Elsie Peak and Avalon Gillis. Gem is Maylie Spohn, while the Royal Jewelers are Sienna Williams, Bailey Hermiston, Harper Brown, Remmi Shadel and Melina Tifft.

Boots is Honah Jensen and the Royal Cobblers are Matthew Guill, Scout Tauber, Kaleb Padilla and Natalie Mills. The Royal Hatters Magnolia Slough, Liam Deis, Calvin Conley and Fisher Ross will be lead by Alivia Storms as Lid. The Royal Tailors will be played by Eric Jansson, Ashlyn Gillis, Hadley Reilly, Eilah Poelstra and Piper Barnes will be Stitch.

And finally, the Royal Silkworms will be played by Brinley Schaures, Pearl Jacobson, Elliette Spohn, Adelaide Hawkins, Josie Tauber, Parli Barnes and Arabella Funk.

Austin Albert, Tian Abercrombie and Vienne LaFountain have served as assistant directors throughout the week.

Performances of "The Emperor's New Clothes" will be held Saturday, March 18, at the Northside Elementary gym. Shows will be presented at 3 and 5 p.m.

Tickets are $3 for adults, free for children and are available at the door.

The Missoula Children's Theatre residency is brought to the community by Northside Elementary School with support from the Northside Elementary PTO.