Theater, WHS hosting events

After a successful inaugural “Toys for Tots” charity event in 2016, Star Theater Manager Colton Anderson has high hopes for 2017.

The 2017 event will be a combined effort between the theater and Whitehall High School.

From Friday, November 17 to Saturday, November 19, the theater will be playing the film “Walking Out”. Anderson said if residents bring in a sealed toy they will get free admission (one per toy), there will be silent auction items, and all those proceeds will go towards Toys for Tots. Anderson said the theater is getting the film because they are part of the Montana Film Festival Roadshow. He said “Walking Out” was filmed near Livingston, was a Sundance Film Festival Selection, has great reviews and also stars Bill Pullman.

The high school drama department will also be part of this year’s drive and will be performing the play “Over the River and Through the Woods” on November 20 and 21 at the theater. The admission price is $5 and Anderson said all proceeds will go towards Toys for Tots, adding brining in a sealed toy will also get residents free admission. The play will start both nights at 7 p.m.

“I had the idea about doing the play at the theatre when thinking about the event this year. So I talked to Cheri Shaw (WHS Theater Director) and they were excited to do the play at the theatre. The high school principal Hannah Nieskens was also excited about the kids getting involved in giving back to the surrounding community. So a lot of credit goes to them for deciding to be apart of it,” Anderson said.

In 2016, the theater was able to raise $600 at the event. Anderson hopes to raise at least a $1,000 in 2017.

Editor’s note: Please read more about the play on the front page of next week’s Ledger.)