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Two women, one dream: Kalispell Repertory Theatre.
“They (the actors) have a place to go learn, a place to grow, a place to call home,” said Donna Glynne, artistic director of Flathead’s newest theatre company. “They will have a family.”
Glynne and managing director Mary Sullivan Slack, both active members of Flathead Valley’s theatre companies for at least five years, have received much support from the community. Board members of the theatre include a lawyer, radio station owner and real estate agent — to name a few. The space for the theatre, above the KM building, was donated by the owner for one year.
“Ever since I came here I was looking for a place to have a permanent home,” said Slack. “We decided we always wanted to be in Kalispell.”
Both Slack and Glynne have done shows all over the valley with Readers’ Theatre and toured with The Gingerbread Lady in Kalispell, Whitefish, Polson and Missoula. Just as their faces are familiar around the Flathead Valley, Glynne is no stranger to FHS students. Glynne worked for Kalispell Children’s Theatre for five years, directing more than 2,000 children and 200 adults. Senior Chandra Lutz acted in several plays directed by Glynne, including How To Eat Like A Child, Cinderella and Give My Regards To Broadway.
“She was always so happy,” said Lutz. “She is so supportive and she makes you believe in yourself.”
While Glynne has influenced students and people all over the valley, she also harbors pride in her work.
“You can say my kids all have grown up — many of them to become directors and actors at the high school and college level,” said Glynne.
With the experience Slack and Glynne bring to Kalispell, the theatre offers entertainment and a resource for local actors.
The theatre opens its premier show, The Lion In The Winter, on April 26. Junior Zach Mahon plays the young prince in The Lion, which has given him the chance to work with professional actors such as James Barry, who has done live theatre for more than 25 years, and Jon Listne, who has done commercials and soap operas in Hollywood.
“So far I’ve been extremely impressed, almost overcome by how good some of these people are,” said Mahon. “They have shown me different acting techniques than I’ve seen or done.”
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