Children's Theatre returns to Cathlamet

John C. Thomas middle school teacher Tina Merz stepped into the role of organizer this year in order to bring the Missoula Children's Theatre back to the Wahkiakum School District.

Merz, a native Montanan, participated in MCT as a child and felt a special connection to the program, which had a brief interruption in its visits to Cathlamet when former teacher and organizer, Linda Wright, retired.

This year, 41 students tried out for The Wizard of Oz. All of them were given a role, from flowers to munchkins, witches and wizards, and the more central roles of Dorothy, Toto, the Lion and the Tin Man. One of the directors from MCT, Jackie Wiles, also played the Scarecrow.

"The benefit for students is increased self-confidence, for sure," Merz said. "It is time for these students, who may not be athletes, to shine."

According to Merz, it costs $2,900 to have MCT come to town, if you don't count room and board for two directors, who travel to schools for MCT while continuing to be active in other theatre productions. This year's directors were Wiles and Nick Cartusciello.

After a week of preparation and rehearsals, going through lines and blocking, learning songs and dances, students were ready to present the play to the community twice on Saturday afternoon. They were impressive, hardly missing a beat. Some made the most of a small role and showed great comic timing.

"There is something special and magical when all of your work comes together," Merz said, "and you see the audience laugh or cry or have a great time. We will continue doing MCT as long as I am around and hopefully long after."

The play raised about $2,600, almost enough to pay for next year's production.