Benefit Revue raises funds for arts scholarships

Attendees at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse's Benefit Revue on Sunday experienced a bit of "Christmas in July" and supported the students who have spent the summer working the Village's stage.

The revue, which included many Christmas-themed tunes, is an annual one-night-only event that features all of the company's members, both cast and crew.

"It went really well," said Brach Thomson, associate producer and music director for the playhouse. "The audience seemed to love it. They hooted and hollered all night."

The acts in the Benefit Revue provide an opportunity to show more of the individual actors' personalities, Thomson said. Actors perform numbers solo and in groups from a variety of shows and music genres.

"It's always a different night," Thomson said. "Each actor has a chance to shine."

One of the highlights of the evening was when all the male members of the company came out at the start of the second act to sing Billy Joel's "Longest Time."

With 300 people in attendance, the event raised more than $8,000 for the Bigfork Summer Playhouse Scholarship Fund.

Scholarships are given based on need as well as skill and work over the summer.

Five to eight scholarships are given to company members annually, averaging about $1,000 apiece.

This includes the musicians and technical support as well as the actors in the 40-member company. Only those working to complete their schooling can qualify to receive a scholarship.

"This is important because most of the funding has gone by the wayside for the arts," Thomson said. "It's become harder and harder to find scholarships or even grants."

That's why the playhouse started the scholarship fund in the first place, to continue to support its company members' careers.

Residents can donate to the scholarship fund year round through a donation box in the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts' lobby.

"These young people are trying to perfect their craft," Thomson said. "This helps them get the training that they need."

Thomson gives credit to actor Andy Meyers who directed the revue for the third time along with Evan Goldhahn, who also made significant contributions to putting the show together.

The playhouse season continues through Sept. 4. Still playing are "Dirty Rotten Scoundrels," "Fiddler on the Roof," "Sugar Babies' and "All Shook Up." The final show of the season, "Tom Foolery," will open Aug. 26.

Shows start at 8 p.m. at the Bigfork Center for the Performing Arts and some Sunday matinees are available at 2 p.m.

For ticket information, call the box office at 837-4886 or visit www.bigforksummerplayhouse.com.