​The 1st Annual “Montana Comedy Festival” will take place in Deer Lodge from March 12th – 17th.  March 12th and 13th will see the likes of Vegas comedians Ron Coleman and headliner Derek Richards, both who perform regularly on the Vegas strip and across the nation, and March 17th will welcome the Powell County local improv troupe “Das Froot.”  All shows are at 8 pm on the given nights.

GET TICKETS NOW!

Ron Coleman, who began his entertainment career acting as a stuntman in over 30 movies and television shows, will open for Mr. Richards.  Ron is a regular on the Las Vegas strip and has opened for such comedy greats as Rodney Dangerfield, Tim Allen, Ellen Degeneres, Joe Rogan, and George Lopez.  Ron is a California native that brings a likeable sarcasm to the stage.  He is like the fun uncle you wish you had but your parents would probably frown when you hang around him. 

​The show’s headliner Derek Richards also has an extensive comedy resume in and outside of Las Vegas.  His hour special “The Irish Comedy Tour” can be seen on demand via Amazon Prime, DISH, Direct TV, iTunes, VUDU, Vimeo, Google Play, Microsoft XBOX, and YouTube.  Derek’s act is fast, fresh, and at times, fanatical.  He brings the funny with tales about his Irish-Catholic upbringing, divorce, the holidays, and his child-free existence.  A veteran of the USO and Armed Forces Entertainment tours, Richards has performed at U.S. base camps in Iraq, Afghanistan, and 15 other countries. 

Rounding out the 1st Annual “Montana Comedy Festival” will be the wacky improv team “Das Froot” performing on St. Patty’s Day evening.  Tickets for the Vegas comedians are $20 and reservations are highly recommended at (406) 846-4096.  Tickets may also be purchased on the Cutler Brother’s Productions Facebook page as well as their website cutlerbros.com.  Tickets for the improv show on St. Patty’s Day are $10 and may be purchased at the door.  Call the number listed for further questions. 

​GET YOUR TICKETS HERE!

Marquis Dijon Archuleta, a Cutler Brothers resident actor, will make his first appearance in Creepshow as a guide.  Archuleta has longed to participate in the Deer Lodge October festivities but has always had theatre jobs outside of the state during this month.  In 2020 he has stayed close to home and looks forward to “creeping” audience members out later this month.
           
​“Creepshow” is an interactive haunted house where audience participants are thrown into a story and must make decisions to weave through the plotlines.  This year’s show begins with a short stage production to set up the theme before participants are lunged into the theme on a walking tour.  Cutler Brothers productions has made all efforts to abide by the state Covid19 mandates including socially distanced tours, limited numbers on tours, hand sanitizer stations, and more. 

​The Cutler Brother’s 44th Comedy Night will premier this Friday, August 21st at 8 pm at the Cutler Bros. Theatre in Deer Lodge.  Comedy Night is the brainchild of Kelly, Matthew, and Patrick Cutler and it was first produced in 2003.  The comedic sketch show resembles Saturday Night Live with a special guest host, musical guest, and several original sketches written by the Cutler brothers.

Comedy Night 44 will be hosted by New York’s John Knispel and the musical guest will be area favorite John Montoya.  Knispel has been on and off the Cutler Bros. stage since 2011 taking leading roles in “Annie,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie,” “Oklahoma,” and more.  Montoya has been entertaining audiences in establishments across Montana for several years.
 
​Sketches for Comedy Night 44 include a spoof on the hit TV show “Ghost Hunters,” a father that thinks he’s a clown, a Twilight Zone Episode, Behind the Scenes of The Wizard of Oz, and more.  The Comedy Night News, a crowd favorite, will also be co-anchored by Knispel and Kelly Cutler.  The cast is 14 comedians strong.

“Romeo and Juliet,” the Shakespeare classic, will open in Deer Lodge at the Cutler Bros. Theatre on Friday, July 24th and run to Sunday, August 16th with showings Friday and Saturday nights at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm.  The second play of the Cutler Brother’s altered season will be directed by veteran to the Cutler stage and resident actor Marquis Dijon Archuleta in his directorial debut with the troupe. ​

Archuleta first took roles at the Cutler Bros. Theatre in 2014 when he played Crooks in “Of Mice and Men” and Benny Southstreet in “Guys and Dolls.”  Since that time, he has been back to Deer Lodge for every summer theatre season for at least one show.  His resume at Cutler Brothers includes roles in “Chicago,” “To Kill a Mockingbird” (Tom Robinson), “Jesus Christ Superstar” (Peter), “Damn Yankees,” “The Little Mermaid” (Sebastian), and many more. ​

​Archuleta is a graduate from the University of Montana’s theatre program with an emphasis in acting and is excited to deliver to audiences his interpretation of this timeless piece.  In his directorial debut the “Romeo and Juliet” that will be presented will have a modern flare and even take place in certain locations around Montana.  “The plotlines of this show seem to never lose their relevancy, no matter what year the show is produced,” Archuleta stated.  He would know.  Marquis has performed “Romeo and Juliet” over 5 times playing 5 different roles as well as countless other Shakespeare in Missoula, MT and at the Tennessee Shakespeare Company.

On top of the directorial debut, Marquis will play the extensive role of Friar Laurence in the show among a solid cast of Deer Lodge-locals and a few recruited Missoulians.  Jourdan Nokleby (Nurse) and Erin Agner (Sampson/Friar John) will both make their Deer Lodge-debuts as well and both have broad credits with the University of Montana, Montana Repertory Theatre, and other companies across the country.  Lee Hague, a Deer Lodgian, makes his theatrical debut as the Prince and Matthew (Tybalt) and Patrick (Lord Capulet) Cutler will represent the Cutler family in the production.  Romeo will be played by Louis Savalla and Juliet by Megan Blue Earth-Highley, both of which will be freshmen in high school this fall.

​The cast tops out at 16 total members and the show will run for 4 straight weeks at the Cutler Theatre.  Tickets are $20 general admission and interested parties are encouraged to visit the Cutler Brothers Productions Facebook page for current specials.  Reservations are recommended due to social distancing efforts and may be made by calling the box office at (406) 846-4096.  Visit cutlerbros.com for more information.     

​“Mayhem in Montana,” is the title of Kelly Cutler’s latest comedy and will be the opening show of the Cutler Brother’s 2020 theatre season in Deer Lodge.  Cutler Brothers Productions will present an altered theatre season due to the Covid19 pandemic and the original comedy will begin this Friday at their theatre. 

​“Mayhem in Montana” is Kelly Cutler’s 9th original play and the second to be written within the last year.  “The Wizard of OZ” was supposed to be the June production in Deer Lodge but plans were changed due to what was happening around the world.  “We just thought we should go with a smaller cast and something that’s a little more budget-friendly after all of the chaos,” Cutler, who also directs the show, said.

“Mayhem in Montana” runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm from June 19th to July 12th with no showing on the 4th of July.  Tickets are $20 general admission and reservations are highly recommended due to safety measures that will be taken.  Reservations may be made at cutlerbros.com or by calling the Box Office at (406) 846-4096. ​

​“Young Frankenstein,” the fast-paced musical romp by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, will open on the Cutler Brother’s stage on Halloween night and run through November 17th.  “Young Frankenstein” is based on the 1974 comedy film of the same name written by Brooks and Gene Wilder.  Showings are Halloween night then Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm.  A ticket discount will be given on Halloween night if patrons show up in costume.   

​Zane Cozby, a long time Cutler brother actor, will make his directorial debut with “Young Frankenstein.”  “I’ve just always been in love with how funny this Mel Brook’s movie is,” stated Cozby.  He continued, “And after participating in the Cutler brother’s Comedy Nights I knew it was a show that we had to do!”

Other Deer Lodge familiar faces taking parts in “Young Frankenstein” include Kelly Cutler (Dr. Fronkensteen), Stuart Jewell (Igor), Kamryn Johnson (Inga), Jim Cameron (Inspector Kemp), and Mariann Cameron and Glory Blue-Earth Highley splitting the role of Elizabeth Benning.  Director Cozby will play the role of the Monster and Cutler Bros. newcomer Sarah Ward will play the castle housekeeper Frau Blucher.  The cast totals over 20 individuals with 3 costume designers, tech experts, and Sally Bridgham at the helm of props manager once again.
           
“Young Frankenstein” follows the movie plot quite closely with massive dance numbers in “Join the Family Business,” “The Transylvania Mania,” and, a crowd favorite, “Put it on the Ritz.”  The overarching plotline follows Dr. Fronkenstein as he returns to Transylvania to settle the will of his late grandfather Victor and quickly becomes wrapped up in the insanity of his family’s business of bringing dead people back to life.     
           
​Tickets for “Young Frankenstein” are $20 and reservations are highly recommended by calling (406) 846-4096.  All showings take place at the Cutler Brother’s Theatre located at 301 Main Street in Deer Lodge.  Visit cutlerbros.com or the Cutler Brother’s Facebook page for more details.  

Meredith Willson’s “The Music Man” will open on the Cutler Brother’s stage in Deer Lodge on Friday, June 14th and run through the 30th.  The musical is based on a story by Willson and Franklin Lacey.  This marks the second show of the Cutler Brother’s 2019 Summer Theatre Season.

Other cast members in the Deer Lodge ensemble include Josh Pentland as Marcellus Washburn, Candice O’Brien as mama Paroo, Theresa Cameorn as the mayor’s wife, Kamryn Johnson as Zaneeta Shinn, Tristan Marjerison as Tommy Djilas, and Jonah Tilley as Winthrop.  The cast tops out at around 40 local actors.  Popular musical numbers include “76 Trombones,” “The Wells Fargo Wagon,” and “Gary Indiana.”  A live 8-piece orchestra supplements the show.

​“The Music Man” runs Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm.  Tickets are $15 to $20 and reservations are highly recommended.  Reservations may be made at cutlerbros.com or by calling the box office at (406) 846-4096.  All showings take place at the Cutler Bros. Theatre at 301 Main in Deer Lodge.  For tickets click here for more information please visit the website or call the number listed.   

 
BEST LEADING ACTOR
1. Zane Cozby - A Christmas Story, The Old Man Parker
2. Josh Pentland - Blind Date,  Charles
3. John Knispel - Oklahoma!, Curley
4. Marik Chrisman - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Prince Eric
 
BEST LEADING ACTRESS
1. Annmarie Downey - The Turn of the Screw, The Governess
2. Ramona Chrisman - A Christmas Story,  The Mother Parke
 3. Mariann Cameron - Blind Date,  Emilia
4. Taylor Caprara - Oklahoma!,  Laurey
5. Solveig Munson - Steel Magnolias, M’Lynn
6. Kamryn Johnson - Disney’s The Little Mermaid,  Ariel
 
BEST SUPPORTING ACTOR
 1. Louis Savalla - The Turn of the Screw,  Miles
 2. Darryl Barton - A Christmas Story,  Ralph Parker (narrator
3. Matthew Cutler - Blind Date, Greg
4. Stuart Jewell - Oklahoma!,  Will Parker
5. Marquis Archuleta - Disney’s The Little Mermaid,  Sebastian
 
BEST SUPPORTING ACTRESS
 1. Karen Phillips - The Turn of the Screw, Mrs. Grose
 2. Theresa Cameron - Blind Date, Natasha
 3. Tiana Albery - Oklahoma!, Ado Annie
 4. Taylor Caprara - Steel Magnolias, Shelby
 5. Candice O’Brien - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Ursula the Sea Witch
 
BEST ACTOR IN A SMALLER ROLE
 1. Jonah Tilley - A Christmas Story, Randie
 2. Kelly Cutler - Blind Date, Romero
 3. Marquis Archuleta - Oklahoma!, Ali Hakim the Peddlerman
 4. Josh Pentland - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Scuttle
 5. Kyle Gillette - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Grimsby
 6. Matt Dunbar - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, King Triton
 
BEST ACTRESS IN A SMALLER ROLE
1. Izzy Hunter - The Turn of the Screw, Flora
2. Jenna Singleton - A Christmas Story, Miss Shields
3. Linda Suckow - Blind Date, Ellen
4. Sally Bridgham - Oklahoma!, Aunt Eller
5. Carin Sullivan - Steel Magnolias, Ouiser
6. Izzy Hunter - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Flounder
 
BEST STANDOUT MUSIC
1. Dan Cornwall - drums, Oklahoma!
2. Kelly Cutler - piano, Oklahoma,! Disney’s The Little Mermaid
3. April Kersch - flute, piccolo, Oklahoma!, Disney’s The Little Mermaid
4. Sheila Thompson - flute, clarinet, sax, Oklahoma!, Disney’s The Little Mermaid
5. Sara Mosier - trumpet, Oklahoma!, Disney’s The Little Mermaid
6. Dennis Mahagin - bass guitar, Disney’s The Little Mermaid
 
BEST SET DESIGN
1. Anthony Savalla - The Turn of the Screw, A Christmas Story,
                                    Disney’s The Little Mermaid
2. Stuart Jewell - A Christmas Story, Blind Date, Oklahoma!
3. Ken Kimerly - Steel Magnolias
4. Laurie Pentland - Oklahoma!, Disney’s The Little Mermaid - painting/artwork
5. Erin Franzen - Disney’s The Little Mermaid - painting floor tiles
6. Steel Magnolias Cast - Steel Magnolias
 
BEST COUPLE / ONSTAGE DUO
1. Zane Cozby / Ramona Chrisman - A Christmas Story, The Old Man & Mother Parker
2. Matthew Cutler / Josh Pentland - Blind Date,  Greg and Charles
3. John Knispel / Taylor Caprara - Oklahoma!, Curley & Laurey
4. Marquis Archuleta / Tiana Albery - Oklahoma!, Ali Hakim & Ado Annie
5. Kelly Cutler / John Knispel - Oklahoma!, Jud and Curley
6. Marik Chrisman / Kamryn Johnson - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Prince Eric & Ariel
7. Solveig Munson / Taylor Caprara - Steel Magnolias,  M’Lynn and Shelby Eatenton
 
BEST DRAMATIC PERFORMANCE
1. Annmarie Downey - The Turn of the Screw, The Governess
2. Izzy Hunter - The Turn of the Screw, Flora
3. Solveig Munson - Steel Magnolias, M’Lynn Eatenton
4. Theresa Cameron - Steel Magnolias, Annelle Dupuy Desoto
5. Kelly Cutler - Oklahoma!, Jud Fry
6. Kamryn Johnson - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Ariel
7. Matt Dunbar - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, King Triton
 
BEST DEATH SCENE
1. Louis Savalla - The Turn of the Screw, Miles
2. John Knispel - Oklahoma!, dream sequence, Curley
3. Kelly Cutler - Oklahoma!, Jud Fry
4. Taylor Caprara - Steel Magnolias, Shelby Eatenton
5. Josh Pentland - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, poor unfortunate soul
6. Candice O’Brien - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Ursula the Sea Witch
 
 
 
MOST VERSATILE ACTOR / ACTRESS
1. Kyle Gillette - The Turn of the Screw, Director
    Blind Date, Quint, the Waiter
   Oklahoma!, Andrew Carnes
   Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Grimsby
2. Marquis Archuleta - Oklahoma!, Ali Hakim the Peddlerman
                                       Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Sebastian
3. Kelly Cutler - Blind Date, Romero
                          Oklahoma!, Jud Fry
                          Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Chef Louis
4. Josh Pentland - Blind Date, Charles
                               Oklahoma!, Cord Elam
                                Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Scuttle
5. Izzy Hunter - The Turn of the Screw, Flora
                           Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Flounder
6. Jenna Singleton - A Christmas Story, Miss Shields
                                   Oklahoma!, Dancer, Ensemble
                                    Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Manatee, Maid, Chef, Frog, Princess
7. Anna Becker - A Christmas Story - Black Bart
                             Oklahoma!, Gertie
                             Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Flotsam
 
BEST BACKGROUND PERFORMER
1. Elianah Grande - A Christmas Story, Oklahoma!
2. Blake Erickson - Oklahoma!
3. Rachel Nicholson - Oklahoma!
4. Kia Carlin - Oklahoma!, Disney’s The Little Mermaid
5. Jenna Singleton - Oklahoma!, Disney’s The Little Mermaid
6. Glory Blue Earth Highley - Disney’s The Little Mermaid
 
 
BEST VILLAIN / VILLAIN DUO
1. Kyler Noel / Mariann Cameron - The Turn of the Screw, Peter Quint & Miss Jessel
2. Louis Savalla / Izzy Savalla - A Christmas Story, Scut Farkus & Grover Dill
3. Kelly Cutler - Oklahoma!, Jud Fry
4. Anna Becker / Jerrika Marjerison - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Flotsam & Jetsam
5. Candice O’Brien - Disney’s The Little Mermaid,  Ursula the Sea Witch
 
BEST LAST-MINUTE SAVE
1. Matthew Cutler - Oklahoma!, sound and light malfunction
2. Sara Mosier - Oklahoma!, emergency trip into town to play trumpet
3. Blake Erickson - Oklahoma!, joined men’s ensemble at the last minute
4. Matt Dunbar - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, King Triton at last minute
5. Anthony Savalla - Disney’s The Little Mermaid,
                                   busted down little girls changing room door
 
BEST SPECIAL EFFECTS / PROPS
1. Matthew Cutler - The Turn of the Screw, haunting sounds and lighting
                                  Oklahoma!, dream sequence, sounds and lighting
                                  Mermaid, when Triton gets angry, sounds and lighting
2. Ken Kimerly - The Turn of the Screw, spooky window that opens
                            A Christmas Story, car that blows a tire
                            Disney’s The Little Mermaid, flying apparatus for Ariel
3. Sally Bridgham - A Christmas Story, turkey
                                Oklahoma!, decorated Jud’s cabin; Peddlerman’s wares, hampers
                                 Disney’s The Little Mermaid, trident, snarfblatt, fish dinner and guts
4. Jenna Singleton - A Christmas Story, fog
                                  Oklahoma!, fog
                                  Disney’s The Little Mermaid, fog
5. Anthony Savalla - A Christmas Story, Santa’s slide
6. Dan Highley - Oklahoma!, blood
 
BEST CHILD ACTOR
1. Izzy Hunter - The Turn of the Screw, Flora
                           Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Flounder
2. Louis Savalla - The Turn of the Screw, Miles
                             A Christmas Story, Scut Farkus
                             Oklahoma!, Ensemble
                             Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Sailor, Jellyfish, Chef, Tree
3. Deker Hogan - A Christmas Story, Ralphie Parker
4. Jonah Tilley - A Christmas Story, Randy Parker
5. Amanda Wheelock - A Christmas Story, Esther Jane Alberry
6. Elianah Grande - A Christmas Story, Bumpus hound, Ensemble
                                            Oklahoma!, Ensemble
7. Kimarie Eastis - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Sea Horse, Sea Gull                                      
 
BEST COMEDIC PERFORMANCE
1. Zane Cozby - A Christmas Story, The Old Man
2. Kelly Cutler - Blind Date, Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Romero; Chef Louis
3. Theresa Cameron - Blind Date, Natasha the ditz
4. Stuart Jewell - Oklahoma!, Will Parker
5. Carin Sullivan - Steel Magnolias, Ouiser Boudreaux
6. Josh Pentland - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Scuttle           
7. Dane Thompson - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Sea Turtle
 
SHOW OF THE YEAR
1. The Turn of the Screw
2. A Christmas Story
3. Blind Date
4. Oklahoma!
5. Steel Magnolias
6. Disney’s The Little Mermaid
 
ROOKIE OF THE YEAR
1. Deker Hogan - A Christmas Story, Ralphie Parker
2. Elianah Grande - A Christmas Story, Oklahoma!, Ensemble; Ensemble
3. Sarah Ward - Oklahoma!, Steel Magnolias, Ensemble, Clairee Belcher
4. Taylor Caprara - Oklahoma!, Steel Magnolias, Laurey Williams; Shelby Eatenton
5. Kimarie Eastis - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Sea Horse; Sea Gull
6. Eden Butler - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, Starfish, Maid, Chef, Bumblebee
7. Amanda Wheelock - A Christmas Story, Esther Jane Alberry
8. Butch Cutler - A Christmas Story, Chinese Waiter
 
 INFAMOUS KLUTZ AWARD
1. Jim Tilley - The Turn of the Screw, smacked JA in the face with the chalkboard
                      during scene change, splitting her lip open
2. Kyler Noel - The Turn of the Screw, came out on stage as a ghost ten pages early
3. Scott Grazier - A Christmas Story, costume malfunction, Santa’s pants dropped to his
ankles while walking past Randy and Ralphie at bottom of the slide
4. Mariann Cameron - Comedy Night 37, Charlotte fell out of her web and crashed onto
       the stage floor
5. Linda Suckow - Blind Date, spilled full beer on the stage while cleaning Greg’s
                                      apartment (Matt left a full one, when they all should’ve been empty cans)
6. Marquis Archuleta - Oklahoma!, misplaced elixir bottle one night, dropped and broke
                                        it the next night
7. Erin Franzen - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, slipped, ran into wall
8. Jeri-anne Cutler - Disney’s The Little Mermaid, pressed rock-drum setting on keyboard

Disney’s “The Little Mermaid” will conclude the Cutler Bros.’ Summer Theatre season in Deer Lodge as the show kicks off Friday, August 3rd and runs through Sunday, August 19th.  “The Little Mermaid, with music by Alan Menken and lyrics by Howard Ashman and Glenn Slater, is based on the Hans Christian Anderson story and the Disney cartoon.  

​The final Cutler Bros.’ show of the summer will see a cast and crew of over 30 individuals.  Marquis Dijon Archuleta, of the University of Montana drama department, will play the serious and solemn sea crab Sebastian, while King Triton will be played by Butte’s very own Matt Dunbar.  Dunbar was last seen on the Motherlode stage as Filthy McNabb the bartender in the original “No Greater Love” last June.  He has also played the role of King Triton once before in the Orphan Girl theatre production of “The Little Mermaid.”

​Kelly Cutler, the show’s director, will play the bit role of Chef Louis, and his younger brother Matthew is the Pilot of the ship.  Both Cutler brothers also perform many tasks behind the scenes such as lights, sound, and Kelly even plays in the orchestra.  The orchestra is live and contains 12 instrumentalists when the entire crew is present.  “This show is very tech heavy, and will be fun for any age range,” stated the Cutler brothers.   
 
“The Little Mermaid” follows the mermaid Ariel (Kamryn Johnson) on her quest to “do anything to become human.”  Her fascination with mankind gets the best of her when she sells her voice to the evil sea witch Ursula (Candice O’Brien) but fails to read the contract in its entirety.  Ariel now has legs, but must get her prince (Marik Chrisman) to fall in love with her within three days’ time.  Johnson, O’Brien, and Chrisman are all familiar faces to the Deer Lodge stage.

​For more information or to make reservations for “The Little Mermaid” call the Cutler Bros. Box Office at (406) 846-4096.  Tickets are $18 for adults and $15 for children 10 and under.  This show is not recommended for children under the age of 4.  Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sunday matinees at 2:00 pm.  All performances will take place at the Cutler Bros. Theatre located at 301 Main Street in Deer Lodge.  Visit cutlerbros.com for additional information.