Visiting Playmill Theater

Scott and I spent the first week of July visiting Brian in West Yellowstone, Montana.  The first night that we were there, we saw “Dirty Rotten Scoundrels”.  Brian’s dance partner had been in an accident and wasn’t able to perform, so he was cut from several of the dance numbers, but one of the actors graciously swapped with him on the big number so he could dance while we were there.  Brian plays the viola during the restaurant scene and is a big-spending investor at the end, along with a variety of ensemble duties.

For Independence Day, the theater did early shows.  After the 4 pm show, the cast ran to walk in the West Yellowstone parade, then rushed back to change and get ready for the 7 pm show.

 

Cast members are kept very busy.  Before the shows, they seat patrons and take turns doing a musical pre-show while seating.  During intermission, they stay in character and sell concessions to the audience.  During the intermission for “The Drowsy Chaperone”, Sue snapped pictures of Brian hawking concessions as the Pastry Chef/Gangster.

Brian plays one of the Pastry Chefs/Gangsters and their big number is “Toledo Surprise”.  He and his fellow gangster have a lot of funny bits plus he gets to do some great dance numbers.

The third night, we saw “Annie Get Your Gun”, but, alas, we have no photos.  Brian and Dave did the pre-show: Brian played viola, Dave played the guitar, and they both sang.  The final number was a crowd-pleasing rendition of “The Devil Went Down to Georgia” with Brian fiddling up a storm!

Brian and Brooklyn also choreographed the opening variety show number, “Take a Chance on Me”.  In the show, Brian plays Foster Wilson, the hotel owner who discovers Annie; a random singing cowboy; and other characters in the play.  It was a fantastic show with lots of great dance numbers and fun special effects.

We had a great time seeing all the shows and were very impressed with the cast–this is a great group of performers with tons of talent!