Missoula Children's Theatre presents The Tortoise Versus The Hare

The Greatest Race

Conceived and Written by Jim Caron

Music by Greg Boris

Lyrics by Jim Caron

Somewhere in desert country, the inhabitants of West Sandy Bottoms are preparing for the highlight of their year – the annual race between the Reptiles and the Mammals. A company of strolling actors attempts to tell the tale in classical fashion. The Hare’s weasely managers brag about their racing star as the various reptiles assemble to choose their candidate. Fan clubs are preparing their cheers as the big day draws near. Philoh Ferret reminds the racing fans that his service station is for “mammals only.” As we see the race through the eyes of a TV news team covering the event, we soon discover that there is more than a sporting rivalry between the brown animals and the green animals. Loyalties to their specific colors create a real animosity among these creatures. Sound familiar? As the race proceeds, a tiny bunny is lost in the wilds of Tornado Gulch and, almost miraculously, color is forgotten as the mammals and reptiles join in the search. The wisdom of the old tortoise and the lesson learned by the cocky hare remind us all that “color is just a color – it’s just decorated skin.” In the end, the animals realize the folly of their ways and live happily together in their sandy home.