By MICK HOLIEN
Well it’s almost here and tomorrow is the day for Tim Ryan Rouillier’s unique presentation of Play Me Montana.
Accompanied by the Missoula Symphony Orchestra more than 125 performers will take the stage at one time at the George and Jane Dennison Theater, you know the University Theater next to the music building, at 7 p.m. Saturday in what’s billed to be a most unique and highly enjoyable arrangement.
Long a dream of the St Ignatius native, who played on the 82 UM Big Sky Conference championship football team, he completed all but his student teaching short of a UM degree.
The approximate 90-minute extravaganza features about every medium possible to tell the story of life and music on the Flathead Indian Reservation.
His photography utilizes video backing enhancing a 13-song score co-written by Hall of Famer Charlie Black and Alex Harvey with lyrics telling the story of a young paperboy’s relationship with his hard-nosed fiddle playing Indian father Vic Cordier and Rouillier’s ascension to song writing and recording fame in Nashville.
A staple fronting the band Sugarfoot, Rouillier uses the family middle name of Ryan reached a pinnacle writing several number ones recorded by top artist like Phil Vasser has never forgotten his roots.
For years he returned to host a writer’s night after a scholarship golf tournament in Ronan and holds his Missoula and Mission Valley friendships near.
Rouillier’s great grandmother traipsed over the mountains after Chief Charlo was forced to leave the Bitterroot by the Indian soldiers at Fort Missoula eventually landing in what then was called Mission.
This production will bring native dancers, an Indian choir and several Nashville stars like Lari White to the campus stage and ahs offered several internships in order for students to be included in the presentation.
UM’s famed Entertainment Management Program also has been utilized along with help from the UM Jazz Band and Show Tyme Academy dancers.
The score was arranged by Nashville’s Charlie Judge. With close to sell-out crowds providing great esthetics the entire presentation is being filmed with the hope of attracting a PBS showing and in the long run maybe a road show.
Limited tix available at 243 4051
