When the folks at Montana TheatreWorks took ownership of the historic Ellen Theatre in 2008, the basement was full of garbage. Today, the stage that was once crumbling is now the center of an amazing venue that has hosted many theatrical treasurers for thousands of Bozemanites to enjoy.

This holiday season, theatre-goers will be treated to a live performance of Irving Berlin’s White Christmas. This classic movie, released in 1954, has come alive in recent years on Broadway and is now in production with Montana TheatreWorks. After the Rogers and Hammerstein Organization granted production rights to MTW, the team started working right away – over a year ago.
“We tried for last Christmas but needed more time to prepare and get the right team in place to make the production come alive,” says producer John Ludin. “The director, choreographer, set designer, costumer…these are all really key elements to a production like this. It captures a style of musical theatre that is somewhat timeless.”

While the original film production is over 50 years old, White Christmas contains themes that are universal. “Relationships, falling in love…that just never gets old,” says Ludin. “It has a flavor of a classic piece of musical theatre just like Oklahoma! does.”

When Ludin began to assemble his team, he looked to MTW veterans and newcomers in which he had confidence to pull off this grand production. He claims that the best director he knows just happens to also be his wife, Mary Jo Ludin. “Since we started (MTW) in 1995, one of best things we have done having her at the helm. She’s a really talented director which allows me to focus more on producing the show.”
Shari Watson joins the White Christmas team as choreographer. She was responsible for the dance moves in MTW’s recent production of Oklahoma!, her first full show with the company. The style of the two shows are certainly very different – think tap shoes not cowboy boots.

Laurie Jo Howard serves again as vocal director for her eleventh show with MTW. “From out of the gate she has the most difficult job because she is teaching extremely complex harmonies and music to a cast that has a wide variety of experience,” says Ludin. “Some are well experienced, some new. To put all those voices together, twenty- four cast members with seven different harmonies…it’s tricky.”

Tom Watson gives his set designing talents to the festive and elaborate set. Watson’s work with Montana Shakespeare in the Park makes him a notable talent  in our community and one that MTW is honored to call upon.

White Christmas costumer Claudia Boddy is an integral part of a show like this because it is much more stylized than other MTW productions. We’ll be transported to a world of fantasy and luxury.
You will recognize many traditional songs in this production, including the iconic “White Christmas”, “I love a Piano”, “Happy Holidays”, and “Count Your Blessings (Instead of Sheep)”, another Bing Crosby standard. You will be thoroughly entertained as the production moves quickly through twenty musical pieces.

White Christmas starts December 2nd – the same night as Bozeman’s Christmas Stroll – and will run for a significant thirteen performances through the 23rd of December. Past holiday shows have completely sold out and because this one brings something different and new, there will be a lot of interest. As Ludin says “we’re looking forward to big crowds.” So get your tickets early.

Ticket prices are $20, with discounts for seniors and children. MTW works hard to make quality theatre accessible to all. Typically in a bigger city, shows like this would be at least $50. So, what a great deal!
And for those businesses or organizations looking for something different for your holiday parties, the Ellen has just the thing. The stunning upstairs ballroom is available for rent and you can even get a block of discounted White Christmas tickets to watch the show after your party. What a fun and affordable way to celebrate your company and support the historic Ellen. Contact the event coordinator for all the details and booking opportunities.

As many of us know, the Ellen is operated as a nonprofit organization with a daily struggle to pay very expensive operation costs. “We have just enough money to get this building safe,” says Ludin. “Upgrades to bathrooms, new electrical, heating and cooling were all put in to keep our patrons safe and comfortable.” Over $75,000 was required to get building into operational shape and MTW relies solely on support of community, with no grants, government, or tax incentives used. All funding comes by the way of private donations from a small number of very generous donors.

In additional to direct financial support, many Bozeman businesses have helped to make sure the Ellen stays open. Ludin names Insty Prints, ABC-FOX TV, Reier Broadcasting, the Bozeman Chronicle, Sunshine Cleaners, and John Bozeman’s Bistro as community partners who make a big difference in the operations of the theatre.

There is another important group that often goes unnoticed – volunteers. Productions like this – especially with thirteen performances – are not possible without a number of volunteers working hard literally behind the scenes and at the door to provide us all with an exceptional theatre experience. Montana TheatreWorks is always in need of ticket takers, ushers and concession workers, so if you want help out, sign up at theellentheatre.com.

But of course, the easiest way you can support live theatre in Bozeman is to go to the productions. Be a patron. Montana TheatreWorks prides itself on creating something for everyone and the Bozeman community is responding well. In any given population, you can expect about 2% attendance to live arts – concerts, plays, dances, etc. In our great town of about 35,000, performances at the Ellen reach up to 6,000 attendees or about 17% of our population – well above the national average. I have to think that is because organizations like Montana TheatreWorks provide incredible opportunities for us all to expand our cultural horizons.    e

WHAT: Irving Berlin’s White Christmas
WHEN: December 2-23– check theellentheatre.com
or call 406-585-5885 for show times and ticket prices
WHERE: The Ellen, 17 West Main Street, Bozeman

Chantel Schieffer is a Bozeman resident who enjoys the many cultural experiences our community offers.