Benefit Revue showcases company talent

Bigfork Summer Playhouse actors will take to the stage Sunday night, showcasing their talent and performing some of their favorite numbers from movie musicals in the annual Benefit Revue.

The one-night performance raises funds for the Playhouse scholarship fund, which will go to company members returning to school in the fall.

The Revue started in the 1980s to raise funds for the new theatre. Once the new theatre was built the owners decided to use the funds raised for scholarships.

“For us to be able to slip some deserving kids $1,000 is nice,” company manager Brach Thomson said.

The Playhouse usually gives out scholarships to three actors, a technical company member and a musician.

The show is a different experience from any of the shows running this season.

“The Benefit Revue is definitely a different excitement,” Thomson said. “There’s not a story line, there’s not a plot.”

The 90-minute show will feature two acts each with about 10 to 14 songs. It will start with a version of “Be our Guest” from Beauty and Beast and move into medleys from other movie musicals. The actors choose the songs and fifth year playhouse cast member Nikki Spies is the director.

“It’s your chance to see them (actors) in a completely different setting,” Thomson said. “The highlight is just that you get to see everybody shine.”

The show starts at 7 p.m. Tickets are $35. There will be a champagne reception following the performance.