Step back in history as Montana Tales takes the stage

Experience Montana history as if you were there. Learn the sometimes funny, sometimes tragic, sometimes irreverent and always intriguing history of our great state from those who know it best.

Montana Tales, a benefit for A Carousel for Missoula, is presented by The Dennis and Phyllis Washington Foundation and the Washington Companies; Boone Karlberg, PC; and Southgate Mall.

On four evenings in January and February, legendary Montanans will gather on stage at the University Theatre with UM President George Dennison. They will look through the window of the past as they share stories about our state’s fascinating history.

Montana Tales covers state history from Montana’s first people, through frontiersmen, pioneers and settlers, to the glory days of Butte and the establishment of Missoula.

The program schedule is:

• Friday, Jan. 9: “Butte: The Heyday of a Metropolis,” featuring storytellers Michael Punke, Kitte Robins, Pat Robins and Pat Williams.

• Thursday, Jan. 22: “State Making: From Territory to Statehood,” featuring storytellers Bob Brown, David Emmons, Harry Fritz and William Marcus.

• Wednesday, Feb. 4: “First People and How the Landscape Shaped the Human Experience,” featuring storytellers Louis Adams, Carmel Garnett, Rick Graetz and Hal Stearns.

• Wednesday, Feb.18: “Missoula: The Development of Home,” featuring storytellers Robert Brown, Jael Prezeau, Ty Robinson and Tomme Lu Worden.

Each program begins at 7:30 p.m. Prior to each performance, a reception will be held backstage beginning at 6:15 p.m. Those with reception-level tickets are invited to enjoy appetizers and beverages and to meet with the evening’s storytellers.

For more information, visit http://www.montanatales.com. Tickets are available online at http://www.griztix.com or by calling 406-243-4051 or 888-MONTANA.