Bear Paw Mountain Outfitters presents
The Government Inspector
by Nikolai Gogol, Translated and updated by Mattius Rischard
April 16-18 & 23-25
New Final Date added May 2!
A sharp, fast-paced satire that thrives on excess including larger-than-life personalities, absurd misunderstandings, and wildly inflated egos. In this locally translated adaptation, the spirit of Gogol’s original Russian text is preserved while the language feels immediate, playful, and accessible, thanks to the careful work of Mattius Rischard (with input from the cast and crew) who brings a fresh take on this classic script.
At the heart of the play is a case of mistaken identity: a minor, underqualified man is confused for a powerful government official. What follows is a cascade of panic and performance, as the town’s officials—each more ridiculous than the last—scramble to impress, bribe, and deceive their supposed inspector. Every character is deliberately overdrawn: the mayor blusters with hollow authority, the judge rationalizes his incompetence, and the various bureaucrats reveal their corruption with almost cartoonish enthusiasm. Their flaws aren’t subtle. They’re comedic in their exaggerations making the satire impossible to miss. Rather than softening the humor, the adaptation embraces it, allowing the absurdity to shine while still honoring Gogol’s critique of vanity, greed, and institutional failure.
Visually, the production matches that heightened tone with unique, over-the-top costumes that transform each character into a living caricature. Silhouettes are exaggerated, colors are bold, and details are intentionally excessive. The costumes don’t just dress the characters; they amplify them, turning every entrance into a comedic statement and reinforcing the play’s satirical bite. The world of the play is further brought to life through exaggerated, stylized set pieces and dynamic lighting. Furniture and architecture may appear slightly distorted or outsized, echoing the inflated egos of the characters. Lighting shifts heighten the absurdity by spotlighting moments of panic, casting dramatic shadows during schemes, and using bold color to underscore the chaos. Together, these elements create a theatrical environment that feels heightened and off-kilter, perfectly mirroring the farcical unraveling at the heart of the story.
The result is a lively, accessible version of a classic that feels both timeless and immediate providing a comedic mirror where exaggerated characters and extravagant design reveal very real human behavior.
Tom and Caroline Patrick present
The Montana Actors' Theatre Production of
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Music by Alan Menken - Lyrics by Stephen Schwartz - Book by Peter Parnell
Based on the Victor Hugo novel and songs from the Disney film
Originally developed by Disney Theatrical Productions
May 14-16 & 21-23 at 7:30pm
May 16 & 23 at 2pm
Havre High School Auditorium
The Hunchback of Notre Dame is a powerful, character-driven musical that brings to life a story of longing, courage, and humanity. With a sweeping score by Alan Menken and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz, the show dives deep into the emotional lives of its unforgettable characters.
At its center is Quasimodo, the isolated bell-ringer of Notre-Dame Cathedral, who yearns for connection in a world that has shut him away. His innocence and hope are challenged by the rigid and controlling Archdeacon Frollo, whose inner conflict between duty and desire drives the story’s tension. When Quasimodo meets fierce, compassionate, and brave Esmeralda, he begins to see a different vision of the world, one filled with possibility and belonging.
Surrounding them are the loyal and spirited Clopin, who serves as both narrator and protector, and Phoebus, a soldier torn between obedience and his own sense of justice. Each character is complex, flawed, and deeply human, bringing urgency and emotional weight to every moment.
Through these intertwined lives, The Hunchback of Notre Dame becomes more than a spectacle. it is a deeply moving exploration of identity, acceptance, and the courage to choose what is right.
This production is a collaboration between Montana Actors’ Theatre and Havre Public Schools, bringing together experienced performers and student artists in a shared creative process. By combining community theatre with local schools, the project offers students hands-on experience onstage and behind the scenes while strengthening connections across generations. The result is a vibrant, community-driven production that highlights local talent and celebrates the power of the arts to unite and inspire.
The Hunchback of Notre Dame
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
423 West 55th Street, New York, NY 10019
(#p) 212-541-4684
(#f) 212-397-4684
www.MTIShows.com
Admission to the Ren Faire is free thanks to our generous local sponsors.
MAT Ren Faire featuring
William Shakespeare's
A Comedy of Errors
June 19-21
Bear Paw Bowmen Campground, Beaver Creek Park, Havre, MT
Step into a world of mischief, myth, and medieval mayhem at this year’s Ren Faire, where every path leads to laughter, spectacle, and adventure. Explore artisan crafts, savory food vendors, hands-on demonstrations, and games that invite you to play, learn, and explore.
At the heart of the celebration is a high-energy staging of A Comedy of Errors, one of William Shakespeare’s most delightfully chaotic comedies. The story follows two sets of identical twins, Antipholus and Dromio, separated at birth and unknowingly brought together in the same city years later. What begins as a simple search for family spirals into complete pandemonium as mistaken identities wreak havoc at every turn. Masters are confused for servants, husbands for strangers, and friends for enemies. Arrests, accusations, jealous spouses, and baffled merchants collide in a whirlwind of doors slamming and tempers flaring. The humor builds rapidly as each misunderstanding stacks on the last, creating a perfectly timed storm of confusion, until at last the truth is revealed and the long-lost families are joyfully reunited in a satisfying and heartwarming conclusion.
Adding to the revelry is Joshua the Ventriloquist, whose show blends quick wit, puppetry, and playful audience participation. His performances are filled with pirates, puns, and mischievous characters, often pulling unsuspecting guests into the act for unforgettable comedic moments.
For those seeking action and immersive excitement, the warriors of Sunz of Odin return bringing Norse-inspired energy to the faire. Their performances go beyond spectacle, inviting guests into a safe, foam-combat arena where anyone can test their courage, train like a Viking, and join the battle. With interactive fights, demonstrations, and hands-on experiences for all ages, their presence transforms the grounds into a living saga of myth and strength. As a special benefit for this event, Sunz of Odin will not be charging their usual participation fees, making their immersive combat experience more accessible than ever. It’s a unique opportunity offered just for our Ren Faire patrons, allowing more guests to step into the arena and be part of the action.
With comedy, combat, classic storytelling, and immersive entertainment around every corner, the Renaissance Faire offers a full day where history comes alive, and you become part of the story.