Fe-fi-fo-fun at Starlight Bowl

Molly Shore

For Natalia Vignali’s big acting break, she landed the role of a

magical Mexican jumping bean.

Natalia, 5, is one of the cast members in the Missoula Children’s

Theatre musical production of “Jack and the Beanstalk,” on stage

tonight at the Starlight Bowl.

AnnChris Warren, one of the show’s directors, said that at

auditions on Monday, she looked for uninhibited children.

“They have to be willing to put themselves out there and not be

afraid to be anything,” she said.

About 70 children were at the audition, Linda Jewell said. Her

daughter Brittany Shea, 5, was also chosen as a magical Mexican bean.

“They put them in a circle and asked them to say their names.,”

Jewell said. “It was a process of how well they followed directions.”

T.J. Adams-Falconer, 11, said the last time he acted was in

kindergarten. He was chosen to be background actor, variously playing

mountains and the ocean.

Last year Jason Fendi, 10, was one of the cast members in

Missoula’s production of “Treasure Island.”

“Now, I’m an assistant director,” he said proudly.

Missoula Children’s Theatre, the nation’s largest touring

children’s theater troupe, has been on the road for 30 years,

traveling throughout the United States and overseas, visiting more

than 800 communities year-round.