(L to R) Alysa Richards (White Rabbit), Penelope Thompson (Alice Medium), and Ellie Mann (Fish) during Saturday's production of "Alice in Wonderland."

Missoula Children's Theatre Celebrates 30th Anniversary with 'Alice in Wonderland' Production By Jennifer Bailey Staff Writer   Covington, VA (June 14, 2025)— For three decades, Missoula Children's Theatre has been an important staple of the Alleghany Highlands Art Council, inspiring creativity and confidence in generations of young performers. This year, as they celebrate their 30th anniversary in the region, the theatre company continues its cherished tradition with a musical adaptation of Lewis Carroll's infamous books, "Alice's Adventures in Wonderland" and "Through the Looking Glass." More than just a play —the one which started it all, in fact— this milestone marks a legacy of nurturing young talent, fostering teamwork, and bringing the magic of theatre to children and their families. The Journal was able to interview a few members from the original cast as well as the youngsters who, thirty years later, have taken over these roles. Among the alumni and their counterparts were Rachael Thompson, Penelope Thompson, Greg Boris and Alysa Richards. Rachael played "Alice Medium" in 1995 while her daughter, Penelope, took over the exact role in today's production. Meanwhile, Greg Boris played the White Rabbit in 1995 and, today, Alysa played the part. That interview will soon be available on the Alleghany Journal Facebook page and YouTube channels. We also spoke to a brother-sister duo: Jacob Lockhart and Megan Mann, who were with the Missoula Children's Theatre as youngsters. Now with children of her own, Mann's three offspring: Josie, Dalton, and Ellie, were all in today's production with Josie and Dalton playing lobsters and Ellie playing "Fish." That interview will also be available soon on the Alleghany Journal Facebook page and YouTube channels.

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