The Missoula Children’s Theatre returns to Brookhaven next week,and area students are being encouraged to audition for a role inthe weeklong production and performance.

>Auditions will be held at 3:30 p.m. Monday in the LipseyMiddle School gymnasium, said Terri Moak, Brookhaven Arts Councilchairwoman for the project. She said council members and schoolofficials have been helping to get ready for the production.

“Everything is all set,” Moak said. “Everybody has been realcooperative and helpful.”

This year’s production is the Tales of Hans Christian Andersen.It is a musical adaptation of stories from Denmark’s greateststoryteller.

Students in grades kindergarten through 12th grade are encourageto audition.

Moak said no previous experience is necessary but studentsshould be prepared to “put their best face forward and have a happysmile.” She said the arts council is looking for a good group ofparticipants.

“In the past, we’ve had as many as 180 audition,” Moak said. “Wehope to have that many this year, but with that being a holidaywe’ll have to wait and see.”

Monday is Dr. Martin Luther King’s birthday, and schools will beclosed.

In the production, Andersen returns to his hometown of Odense asvillagers recall some of the tales that made him famous.

Among the roles to be cast Monday are young Hans and older Hans,the players, villagers, misers, Ida and a “bouquet of mischievousflowers.” Assistant directors will also be chosen to help withrehearsals throughout the week.

Moak said Missoula’s Micah Fortenberry and Amy Sonnanstine willserve as directors for the production.

“They’ll be here Sunday evening and be ready to go to workMonday,” Moak said.

Selected cast members will begin rehearsals following auditionsMonday. Rehearsals will be held at 3:30 p.m. daily at BrookhavenHigh School.

Moak said the production will be held 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. Jan. 22at BHS. Doors will open 30 minutes before each performance.

Moak said 2005 is the sixth year for The Missoula Children’sTheatre, sponsored by the Brookhaven Arts Council, to come to thecity. Previous productions have included Hansel and Gretel, Alicein Wonderland, the Wiz of the West and Rumplestiltskin.