Ellen entertains with Disney classics, comedian Gabriel Rutledge & more
Downtown Bozeman’s Ellen Theatre is home to just about every form of entertainment you can think of, whether live or up on the big screen. The historic space is your source for the best film and stage performance in the area. The venue also houses some great musical acts, both local and those visiting Southwest Montana. Here’s a look at what’s happening on Main.
On Saturday, September 7th, IndepenDANCE Community Dance Project is proud to present IndepenDANCE: Parallels, the culmination of the group’s eleventh season. With over 20 local choreographers and 100 dancers, each piece of the annual production is a reflection of the individuality of its participants. Performances of Parallels will be held on Sept. 7th at 2pm and 7pm. Bridget Pitman Wilkinson and Tyler Wilkinson will serve as emcees. All seats are $19.50.
Also this month, the Ellen presents a lineup of classic Disney movies the entire family will enjoy. The Little Mermaid is first up on Sunday, September 8th at 2pm. The movie tells the story of a mermaid princess named Ariel who falls in love with a handsome prince who lives on land. To be with the man she loves, Ariel must make a life-changing decision or continue living underwater with her friends and family. The Little Mermaid features songs written by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman and won two Academy Awards for Best Original Score and Best Original Song (“Under the Sea”).
A screening of Mary Poppins follows on Sunday, September 15th at 2pm. Considered to be Walt Disney’s movie masterpiece, this live action/animated gem features talented stars Dick Van Dyke, David Tomlinson, Ed Wynn, and legend of stage and screen Julie Andrews. Mary Poppins received a total of 13 Academy Award nominations, including Best Picture. It was an instant hit and is still a favorite with all ages. Tickets for both The Little Mermaid and Marry Poppins may be purchased for $4 at the door.
MontanaPBS will present an exclusive preview of the upcoming Ken Burns documentary Country Music on Tuesday, September 10th at 7pm. The sweeping, multi-episode series explores the questions “What is country music? Where did it come from?” – while focusing on the biographies of the fascinating characters who created it – from The Carter Family, Jimmie Rodgers and Bob Wills, to Hank Williams, Johnny Cash, Loretta Lynn, Charley Pride, Willie Nelson, Dolly Parton, Merle Haggard, Emmylou Harris, Garth Brooks and many more – as well as the times in which they lived. And like the music itself, Country Music will tell unforgettable stories – stories of the hardships and joys shared by everyday people. Following the 45-minute preview film will be a live performance of Montana’s own country music legends: Montana Rose with Cathy Moberg and Marcus Engstrom, and www.TWANG. All seats are $21. Country Music premieres Sept. 15th on Montana PBS.
Performing at the Ellen on Friday, September 13th is comedian Gabriel Rutledge at 8pm. A past winner of both the Seattle International Comedy Competition and The Laughing Skull Comedy Festival in Atlanta, Gabriel has made numerous television appearances including Comedy Central’s Live at Gotham, Nickelodeon’s NickMom Night Out, Laughs on FOX, and Inside Joke with Asif Ali streaming on Amazon Prime Video. Louisville Weekly called him “a quick thinking, fast talking, hardworking bad ass.” Reserved seats to Gabriel Bozeman show are $21.
Free movie night! On Wednesday, September 18th, Intermountain Opera Bozeman offers a complimentary showing of Woody Allen’s Midnight in Paris at 7pm. The modern time travel story to the salons of Paris in the 1920s will help set the stage for IOB’s fall production of Ricky Ian Gordon’s 27. Performances are set for October 11th and 13th. Midnight in Paris is rated PG-13.
Montana TheatreWorks has announced open auditions for its holiday production of Charles Dickens’ A Christmas Carol. Directed by Mark Kuntz, all ages are welcome to register for an audition slot between September 14th and 17th. This much-loved holiday classic will open December 6th and run through December 22nd. See the Ellen website for additional details and registration information.
Wine, beer, and other refreshments will be sold in the lobby one hour before all events. Ticketing and further information about these and other upcoming happenings is available at www.theellentheatre.org. For additional inquiries, call (406) 585-5885 or stop into The Ellen box office. Hours are Wednesday through Saturday from 1–3pm, as well as two hours prior to any event. •
