Musical: Hearth, a Yuletide Tale

Montana Repertory Theatre partners with The Poverello Center to bring a family-friendly, uplifting musical that reminds us of the importance of caring for our community.

“Hearth: A Yuletide Tale” takes place in a small American town in the winter of 1970 during the Vietnam War. It tells the story of a young boy, Tom, who is grieving the death of his veteran father. Tom has a unique musical gift that manifests when he meets a group of vagabonds and buskers. Tom hatches a plan to help and learns what it means to live in a community that cares for each other. Previews for “Hearth: A Yuletide Tale” are on Nov. 30 & Dec. 1 at 7:30 pm. Performances are on Dec. 2-3 and Dec. 8-10 at 7:30 pm, with Sunday matinees on Dec. 4 and Dec.11 at 2:00 pm at The Masquer Theatre-University of Montana.

“Hearth” is co-written by local artists Kate R. Morris and Tyson Gerhardt. Montana Rep commissioned the play from Morris and Gerhardt last season and workshopped it in front of live audiences. This season, Montana Rep is mounting a full production of the play in partnership with the Poverello Center to bring more awareness to the plight of the homeless community in Missoula.

The Poverello Center and Montana Rep will host a supply drive throughout the run of “Hearth.” The Poverello Center requests donations of essential winter gear such as winter hats, gloves, socks, and hand warmers. Patrons may bring their donations to the theatre and drop them off in the lobby before the performance.

"We are so grateful for this partnership with MT Rep and the items provided through the supplies drive. In-kind donations to the Poverello Center are critical in allowing us to save money and strategically use our financial resources. This ensures that the Poverello Center continues to be a safety net for members of our community who are living with hunger and homelessness." -The Poverello Center

Montana Repertory Theater offers “Pick What You Pay” pricing to encourage theatergoers to set their costs for each show. Tickets are now on sale and available online at the University of Montana Box Office. The pricing model is possible in part by the sponsorship of Northwestern Energy.

All performances are subject to the University of Montana and Missoula City-County Health Department guidelines surrounding public gatherings and can change anytime. The Rep will release information about audience safety protocols should changes occur before the performance.