“Olympians, come heed the call!” rings out in the opening number of the Missoula Children’s Theatre newest musical, Hercules! Just in time for this year’s Olympic games, Hercules! tells a tale of the first Olympics in ancient Greece. The show will take place Friday, February 16 at 5:30 PM & 7:00 PM, and Saturday, February 17 at 3 PM & 5 PM at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.

The character of Hercules is known for his super human strength, but is that quality really what makes him a hero? In fact, that is the inspiration for playwright and executive director Michael McGill’s original version of the play. “I have known a lot of people in my life, some of them children, that I admired for qualities that seemed very heroic, but it never involved the strength of their arms.”

Philosophers, Tiny Titans, Cyclopes, Spartans, Royalty, and Olympians are among the colorful characters that are comically weaved into the hour-long performance. “Ancient Greece has so many iconic figures to interact with,” says McGill. “Some of them mythical and some historic.”

The humor, catchy tunes, exciting costumes, and MCT-style audience participation will keep even the youngest audience members engaged throughout the performance. By the end of the show, it’s very possible that you and your family will be singing, “Hooray for Hercules!” along with the cast!

Tickets are available at www.MCTinc.org, in person at the MCT Box Office (9AM-5PM, M-F) or by calling 728-7529. Hercules! is sponsored by Frenchtown Dental, Missoula Pediatric Dentistry, PC; and Langel & Associates, PC.

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