Shakespeare in the Parks here tomorrow

Have you been itching to take your significant other, spouse or family out for quality entertainment? Are you pinching pennies but still looking for or looking to be entertained? Are you sick of clicking through television channels night after night? Are you looking for live entertainment but believe that you need to leave town for a solid live-action event?

If the above pertains to you, pay attention because, tomorrow evening at 6:30 p.m., Montana Shakespeare in the Parks (MSIP) will perform on the front lawn of Malta’s Courthouse. The show they will be performing will be their rendition of Shakespeare’s Richard III. The program was put together by Montana State University’s College of Arts and Architecture.

This is the first season that MSIP will have performed the play that includes 10 professional actors who are currently in the middle of their 2016 Summer Tour.

The crew has 76 shows booked throughout sites this summer, with most of their bookings set in rural locations, per a Montana State University news release.

The team will not only perform the play, they are tasked with setting up a huge stage, while also raising funds through a free will donation.

“Richard” is directed by Kevin Asselin. The cast list includes Ben Barker, Nate Cheeseman, Michael Gonring, McKenna Kelly-Eiding, Sasha Kostyrko, Maeve Moynihan, Nick Narcisi, Riley O’Toole, Erick Pearson and Sam Pearson.

The program is backed by local Malta High School teacher Anna LaBrie who also is the head of Malta High’s Theatre program.

“Richard the third wants control,” LaBrie said. “He wants to be king. He’s the main character but he’s also the antagonist.”

LaBrie, who is also a MSU graduate, has been a strong supporter of the 44-year-old program.

“Their mission is to go out and bring Shakespeare and other writers to us little people,” LaBrie said.

She believes that as far as entertainment goes, there is nothing like the live action spectators will see tomorrow.

“There is nothing like live action,” LaBrie said. “So many things can go wrong or right with live entertainment. When the audience is really into the show, the actors also get into the show. The actors and audience feed off of each other.”

Seeing the play will also be a good reason to get out of the house.

“It’s always nice to be able to watch something outside,” LaBrie said. “You’re not going to be inside, stuffed in your chairs, you’ll be outside.”

LaBrie encourages those that will come to bring a blanket, lawn chair, drinks or anything that will be beneficial to the experience.

“Knowing that it’s Shakespeare, don’t be afraid you won’t understand it,” LaBrie said. “They are really good at portraying what’s going on through their body language not just vocally.”

Cyrano de Bergerac was an enjoyable experience to people of all ages last year and LaBrie believes Richard III will be equally enjoyable to all age groups.

“They catch you and hold you with their acting,” LaBrie said. “They hold you there. There are really intense moments where you’re holding your breath, like Oh My God, what’s going to happen? And they are really good with their comedy.”