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BAKER LAKE
Children of all ages were treated to an evening of theatre in Baker Lake this past month.

From left, step sisters Lovely (Marguerite Tolgyesi) and Beauty (Josee Stasila-Boyer) enjoy their mother's (Bobby Jo Sweetland) song about how good they look on their way to the ball during a production of Cinderella in Baker Lake this past month. - photo courtesy of Rebecca Walker

Jordan Williams and Kristal Burke of the Missoula Children's Theatre worked with students from Rachel Arngnammaktiq Elementary School and Jonah Amitnaaq Secondary School (JASS) to produce a rousing rendition of Cinderella.

JASS teacher Sally Strutynski co-ordinated this year's Missoula visit.

It was the second year the famous children's theatre came to Baker, with local students performing King Arthur's Quest in 2010.

Strutynski said the Missoula program has been amazing in Baker.

She said students at both schools enjoy the chance to take part in a real stage production.

"The program affords the children the opportunity to strut their stuff," said Strutynski with a laugh.

"It's very impressive what they accomplish with the children in such a short period of time.

"It really shows the resilience - the fact they can come in and do something within a week that can totally amaze you."

Strutynski said Cinderella attracted a large audience.

She said there wasn't enough time to do a separate show just for the schools.

"We lost one of our rehearsal days when school had to be cancelled one morning.

"That didn't leave them with enough time to get one together for the schools, so it was just the one-night show.

"We had almost 75 students try out between the two schools for this year's performance.

"They seem to be more and more interested each year in lending their talents and showing off what they can do."

Strutynski said the majority of youth in Baker are always keen to be involved in any form of show that visits the community, whether it's Missoula, different musical groups, hip-hop artists or even classical musicians.

She said with Missoula, the kids become quite excited when it's time for their costumes and makeup.

"That seems to be the crowning glory to it all for them, and the level of self-esteem and self-confidence has increased exponentially from being involved with the show.

"Some of the kids, especially those in the more major roles, really try to become the character they're playing.

"Our student assistant directors - Vincent Taipana, Tina Kayuruk and Gage Inukpak - did a great job in keeping the kids quiet

and on track during the week.

"We definitely plan on getting Missoula back to Baker again next year."

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