SPENCER — The Missoula Children’s Theatre is returning to the LuCille Tack Center for the Arts (LCTA) with “Blackbeard the Pirate” on Saturday, March 7, with two shows at 3 p.m. and 7 p.m. An LTCA staple since 1998, Missoula’s little red truck will once again bring the opportunity for 50-60 local children to participate in this family friendly musical.

This original musical production features a cast of colorful characters, including mermaids, pirates, beach bums, seaweed creatures, parrots, and crocodiles, who explore the secrets of Blackbeard’s legendary treasure. What starts as a lazy day at the beach turns into mystery and adventure when the search for treasure begins. As events unfold, the show’s characters realize the value of living a healthy and happy life.

Blackbeard, himself, was a colorful character believed to have received his name from the long, thick beard he wore, which was braided into pigtails and sometimes tied with small colored ribbons. The subject of several films, the pirate is said to have also inspired the character of Captain Jack Sparrow in the “Pirates of the Caribbean” movie franchise.

The Missoula Children’s Theatre, the nation’s largest touring children’s theater, has been touring extensively for more than 40 years with the mission of developing life skills in children through participation in the performing arts. Creativity, social skills, goal achievement, communication skills, and self-esteem are all characteristics that are attained through the participation in this unique, educational project.

Tickets for the show are general admission and are $8 for adults and $5 for youth. Tickets can be purchased online at lucilletackcenter.com, by phone at 715-659-4499, or in person at the box office, 300 School St., Spencer. Box office hours are Wednesday and Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.