Benny's Comeback Christmas: An MSIP Holiday Production

Montana Shakespeare in the Parks takes audiences back to the 1970s for a hilarious, music-filled Christmas comedy! Former Artistic Director Joel Jahnke returns to direct for the first time in 12 years, bringing to life a holiday spectacular filled with laughter, nostalgia, and unexpected surprises.

The world premier of Benny's Comeback Christmas will debut during the second and third weeks of December at MSU's Black Box Theater.

Thursday – Saturday, December 10-12 & 17-19 at 7:30PM
Sundays, December 13 & 20 at 2:00PM matinee

Tickets are $35 for adults; $15 for students and kids under 16.
Purchase Tickets

Synopsis: Back in the 1960s, Benny Keyes had it all. He and his wife, Maggie Locke, were Locke & Keyes, one of the hottest musical acts in the country. Headlining festivals, sold out concerts and hit records, for a moment it seemed Locke & Keyes were on top of the world. But after Maggie tragically passed away, Benny shut himself off from his friends, his fans and his family.

Now it’s 1975 and Benny is attempting to stage a comeback with his own primetime Christmas special broadcast live coast-to-coast from his hometown of Bozeman, Montana. There’s just one big problem. Benny hasn’t felt the Christmas spirit for a long, long time. With the clock ticking down to the big show, Benny will have to face the ghosts of his past and rally the cast and crew to produce a special he and Maggie could be proud of. Or watch what remains of his career implode on live national television.

Sponsors: Thank you to our sponsors: Yellowstone Center.

The 24th Annual Elise Event - SOLD OUT!

Tickets are now SOLD OUT! Please email Riley O'Toole at riley.otoole@montana.edu to get on our Waitlist.

The Elise Event is a special evening for friends and supporters of Montana Shakespeare in the Parks to come together, celebrate the work of MSIP, and raise support for our Shakespeare in the Schools program.

Join us Sunday, November 8th at 4:00PM in the SUB Ballroom on MSU's Campus for a one-of-a-kind dinner theater experience featuring the 2026 Shakespeare in the Schools production of The Comedy of Errors. This special performance will pair Shakespeare with live music inspired by 1970s era classic-rock in this energetic adaptation of one of his funniest plays.

Your evening will include a full dinner, partially hosted bar, and opportunities to mingle with the cast and director, Kevin Asselin, and members of the MSIP creative team and cast. Following the performance, enjoy a lively Q&A with the cast and creative team and learn more about the impact of Shakespeare in the Schools. 

Celebrating Elise Donohue

Named for late benefactor Elise R. Donohue, The Elise Event is a celebration of Shakespeare in the Schools honoring Elise’s remarkable dedication to the arts in our community. The Elise Event began in 2002, when Elise bid on an auction item for a private performance of a Shakespeare in the Schools’ production. Recognizing the production’s value to the community, Elise gifted the performance back to the public, allowing others to experience the marvelous production. From that initial public performance, the Elise Event was born. Now in its 23rd year, The Elise Event has grown over time to become a treasured annual celebration.

Known and loved to many in the Gallatin Valley, Elise was an ardent advocate for the performing arts and a dedicated supporter of numerous institutions. Her family carries on her generous spirit and passionate advocacy of the arts by providing the community an opportunity to learn about Shakespeare in the Schools and pass on the torch of Shakespeare’s masterpieces to future generations.

This year, The Elise Event will be hosted on Sunday, November 8th Tickets go on sale October 1st. All proceeds benefit the Shakespeare in the Schools program. 

Behind the Scenes

Held each June, summer tour sponsors and Artistic Director’s Circle donors get a sneak preview into the magic behind bringing our summer productions to life! During this reception, we open the costume, prop, and scene shops and treat guests to presentations from each production’s director.

Become an Artistic Director’s Circle donor today!

The Dream Event

During midsummer, The Dream Event is an opportunity for Artistic Director's Circle donors to gather for performance and conversation.

This year's Dream Event will explore Shakespeare through the lens of social justice, featuring scenes and speeches that challenge us to reflect on prejudice, mercy, dignity, and our shared humanity. The event will take place on Saturday, August 1st at 6:00PM. Artistic Director's Circle members, please RSVP by July 20th to Riley O’Toole at riley.otoole@montana.edu