Favorite teachers take stage for 'Odyssey'

Richly talented in their art as well as in the art of teaching, University of Montana alumnae Esther England ’66, M.A.’74, and Margaret Johnson, M.A.’71, first appeared together on the UM stage 41 years ago in a production of “Night of the Iguana.” They will appear together again on Saturday, April 14, when they are the honorees of UM’s School of Fine Arts seventh annual “Odyssey of the Stars—A Celebration of Artistic Journeys.”

An event that benefits the School of Fine Arts scholarship fund, “Odyssey of the Stars” showcases performing and visual arts alumni who have gone on to successful careers in the arts, in concert with current UM students. Former students of the two teachers will gather on the University Theatre stage to perform and celebrate their careers.

England, a mezzo soprano, Fulbright Scholar, UM professor emerita of music and former associate dean of the School of Fine Arts, taught voice at UM for 36 years. Before her teaching career she spent several years studying and performing solo roles in opera and oratorio in Germany and France. England founded and for 13 years directed the Western Montana Community Opera Workshop. In addition to her work with the Department of Music, she has served as musical director for both the UM Department of Drama/Dance and Missoula Children’s Theatre musical productions. A number of her voice students have gone on to major careers in musical theatre and opera, both in the United States and in Europe. 

Johnson, an educator and actress, spent 37 years teaching drama and English at Missoula’s Sentinel High School. During her teaching career she directed more than 190 productions. Johnson served as the state director of the International Thespian Society from 1970 to 1993. Performing since she was 14 years old, her favorite roles have included Betty in “The Foreigner” and Mother Superior in “Nunsense.”

Johnson was last seen on stage in the Missoula Children’s Theatre production of “My Fair Lady.” When she retired from teaching in 2001, Sentinel High School honored her years of service and dedication to teaching by naming the school’s theater the Margaret Johnson Theater.