Rave Reviews

Excerpts from Governor’s Arts Award letters of support:

“Cancer has no physical, age, or economic boundaries.  As a result, CFN’s free programs attract a wide variety of individuals across Montana.  Everyone always thoroughly enjoys the Vigilante family-based theatre productions.  The Vigilantes have even kindly kept their performance price at our original booking price three years back in support of CFN and those we serve.  Most CFN participants would not otherwise have funds needed to go ‘out on the town’ and enjoy a  live theatre performance, as most of their resources are directed towards paying bills and treatments.”

Bobbi Geise, Cancer Family Network

“I have been an actor all of my life and know the trials and tribulations of touring the state of Montana.  The Vigilantes must overcome the various weather and often ackward stages or platforms they encounter during their tours.  This tradition goes back to the early days of Montana theatre and requires a tough body and dedicated mind to bring creative, entertaining theatre to the people of Montana.”

Ben Tone, MSU Professor and Virginia City Players Co-Founder

“For a theatre company of any kind to exist for almost 30 years is amazing.  A theatre company that is dedicated to touring ans playing in underserved rural communities is extremely rare.  A company that does both of the above while supporting original work from local writers on local themes is unheard of. But that is the ongoing legacy of the Vigilante Theatre Company.  The cultural life of our state has grown and been enriched thanks to their vision and commitment.  And there’s simply no one else like them anywhere…except here.”

Greg Owens, Play Wright

“I would not be the person I am today if not for Rhonda Smith and John Hosking.  They have impacted my life in the most positive ways.  Ever since I was five years old I have wanted to make people laugh.  They made this dream a reality.  I was given the opportunity to tour, act, and be paid for it.  These two heroes remain close to me and I hope they always will.”

Taylor Jensen, Actress

“It was never difficult to choose the Vigilantes. There isn’t another touring group in the state that can rival your professional talents. Without you, we’d be just another small community theater scratching around for an audience….we are dazzled and inspired, and eagerly await the next show.”

        Michael Hurlbut, President (fmr)

Belt Theater Company – Belt, MT

“Just a note to thank you for your part in making our Dinner/Theatre project a success. It was a pleasure both working with you and participating with the actors themselves. Your organization have a fantastic group of talented and accommodating people. You have provided our area with an opportunity to realize the joy the arts can provide in enhancing our lives.”

        Christina Kowrach

“The entire staff has been a pleasure to work with from our first email.  Performers were wonderful!  Professional and personable at the same time!”

                Karen Ward

              Sweet Grass County Chamber-Big Timber, MT

“People who attended this show said things like, ‘I haven’t laughed so hard in such a long time!’, ‘The interaction between the crowd and the performers was done very well!’, ‘The show was fabulous! I wasn’t sure what to expect..’,  I appreciate the outreach of the Vigilantes to small towns like ours. [Without the Vigilante Theatre Company] many people wouldn’t get to experience live theatre.  Thank you so much!”

                Diane Kelly-Riley,

              Friends of the Potlatch Library, Potlatch, ID

“Saturday evening at the Cottonwood Motel in Glasgow, we had the privilege of watching Radio Montana.  Wow…to say this is a class act is an understatement.  I will do nothing but recommend the Vigilante Theatre Company and look forward to seeing them again.  We have been here for 15 years and the previous 25 were in Bozeman and believe me we were able to relate.  The show was just too much fun!!  Keep up the great work.”

                Sheila Malone, Glasgow, MT

“This was the weekend that we sponsor our annual Donor Progressive Dinner and this year our project chairman suggested adding a production to the evening schedule.  We doubled the size of our attendance over last year!  We would love to have you again!”

                Vicky Brison

                Hamilton Players Executive Director (fmr), Hamilton , MT

“We really enjoyed the History Mystery Train.  The performers were really great.  Our group had all positive comments and feedback.”

                Renee Kapp

                Great Falls Ad Club, Great Falls, MT

“The Vigilantes will perform again next month, which will be our third Vigilante Sponsorship this year.  We’ve hosted them several times a year for the past 16 years.”

                Jean Morrison

                Sanders County Arts Council, Plains, MT

“The Spring Buying Show banquet is a very eclectic group of people and your performance is enjoyed by all of them.  Every year the Vigilantes get rave reviews on our post-function evaluation forms.  Out-of-towners are often awed when they discover that [the Vigilante Theatre Company] is based in little old Bozeman.  A job well done is often taken for granted and I just wanted you to know that your job well done was not.  We appreciate your consistency!  Thank you for sharing your talent with us!

                Christine Meland

                Empire Building Materials, Bozeman, MT