2VS season kicks off with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks

Alpine Artisans' 2 Valleys Stage can't wait to start its 2019-2020 season. On the first day of August, we're kicking the season off with Montana Shakespeare in the Parks' presentation of "Merry Wives of Windsor."

In this comedy, disreputable Sir John Falstaff pursues housewives Mistress Ford and Mistress Page, hoping to gain access to their husbands' wealth. But the women are more clever than he is, and the play is full of laughs as they outwit and humiliate him. And that's just the main plot – woven throughout are the antics of Mistress Ford's jealous husband and the story of three suitors vying for the hand of Mistress Page's daughter. Don't miss the fun at The Double Arrow Lodge Grounds at 6 p.m. on Thursday, Aug. 1.

Food will be available for purchase, courtesy of the Double Arrow Lodge. Bring a blanket or a chair, some warm clothes for after the sun sets, and get ready for an exciting night of theater. We hope to see you there!

We also hope we will see you at the rest of the 2019-2020 performances:

Repertory Dance Theatre – Oct. 13, 3 p.m. Seeley-Swan High School

Salt Lake City's amazing Repertory Dance Theatre will once again offer unique and compelling performances. Folks who saw them last time they were in Seeley Lake were so impressed with their dynamic and thought-provoking choreography that we just had to bring them back again.

Chinook Winds – Nov. 17, 2019, 3 p.m., Swan Valley School

Great Falls based woodwind quintet Chinook Winds is another return-requested group. One or two people change in the group each year, keeping their music fresh and exciting, but their passion for chamber music and for sharing remains as enthusiastic as ever. If you think chamber music is old and stuffy, Chinook Winds will change your mind.

Tanya Gabrielian – Jan. 5, 2020, 3 p.m., Seeley-Swan High School Auditorium

Pianist Tanya Gabrielian delights in bringing her virtuoso skills to rural arenas as well as to prestigious concert halls. Her goal is to inspire new generations of music lovers and musicians alike. American Record Guide said of Tanya Gabrielian, "She has the sensitivity to caress the beautiful melodic phrases and the power to bring off mammoth climaxes."

Scott Kirby – March 8, 2020, 3 p.m., Swan Valley School

Scott Kirby excels in multimedia performances which reflect the areas in which he performs. After taking some time to absorb the atmosphere of the Blackfoot valley, he will offer his impressions through an interweaving of piano, spoken narrative and his own artwork.

Stringfever – April 28, 2020, 7 p.m., Seeley-Swan High School Auditorium

To say that Stringfever's signature act is all four members playing Bolero on one cello – at the same time – tells you all you need to know about how entertaining this season closer will be.

Don't miss this exciting 2VS season! Season tickets will be available at the Shakespeare performance and also online at http://www.alpineartisans.org/2valleysstage or by calling Kirsten at (406) 270-0108.