Bigfork Summer Playhouse: Making sure the show goes on

Don and Jude Thomson have been owners of the Bigfork Summer Playhouse for over 50 years, and even though every season is different, the last two stand out.

With the outbreak of Covid-19 they had to navigate new regulations and protocol to keep their company and audience safe, but in the spirit of the “show must go on” they were able to bring live theater to Bigfork, providing a much-needed escape and the pleasure and excitement of live theater.

While most of live theatre ground to a halt in 2020, the Playhouse was one of the only the theaters in the U.S. to stay open through their resourcefulness, hard work and sheer grit.

Last year was the most challenging while Covid-19 was still shaping the world. This year began with the advantage of vaccines, new treatments and the hopefulness of a better year.

Last Friday evening, Don, Jude and Brach Thomson sat in the ticket office before the closing of "Bonnie & Clyde" and the night before the closing of "Jersey Boys," the last of the four musical productions this season, which also included "Lucky Stiffs" and "9 to 5."

The couple along with son Brach appeared relaxed, upbeat and light-hearted – not what you necessarily expect at season’s end for people immersed in a hectic and often unpredictable tourist-based area, compounded by the ever-changing coronavirus.

They explained that this was a good summer. The theater had a nearly full house many nights and some performances were sold out.

“It was better than last year,” Don said, with a big smile.

Brach, who wears several hats as associate producer, company manager and music director noted, “Audiences were definitely more chipper and positive than last season. The audience was grateful to be out and entertained. Everyone seemed to be walking on eggshells last year.”

Brach said they also had the most “together” company they have had in years.

Jude explained that they had a more mature company with a lot of experience. Many were alum, anxious to return to acting after last year’s hiatus in most live theaters. They looked forward to getting back on the stage along with another chance to return to Bigfork.

Most of the company had at least two seasons at the Playhouse under their belts with only one new actress and one new musician in the pit this year. Company members came from across the U.S., but the company also includes four Bigfork residents: Dwayne Ague, who has been stage manager for almost 20 years; Ben Johnson, a recent Bigfork High School graduate working as a stage technician; and Dylynne Cosand and Aiden Harker, who played young Bonnie and Clyde.

Don says the older actors knew their way around and brought a lot to the younger members, such as their pacing and understanding of comedy. Their good attitudes were priceless in the intense climate of theatre and helped keep things running smoothly throughout the season.

“This company was as helpful and humble offstage as they were talented and capable onstage," Brach said.

As thing wind down there is a sense of relief and gratitude for a good season. Some of the company moves on with the ending of the musical performances, but there are still two more weekends left in the season with the popular "The Hits" of the 50s 60s and 70s shows on Aug. 26, 27 and 28 and Sept. 2,3 and 4.

After that the Thomsons gear up for another season of the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre, which offers its own set of challenges and rewards.