BSP Owners

Brach Thomson

Producer/Music Director

Brach Thomson is back at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse (2025), ready to rock the stage and tickle the ivories as he compiles and directs THE HITS OF THE 50S, 60S, 70S AND 80S. Not only does he lead the Playhouse Music Ensemble, but he also plays keyboards in every show— because who needs sleep when you have show tunes?

Wearing more hats than a Broadway costume closet, Brach has been the Playhouse’s go-to guy for over two decades. His roles include general operations, casting, and, of course, being the maestro behind the music. His keyboard has accompanied a parade of productions, from CATS to GREASE, SEUSSICAL to THE FULL MONTY, and THE LITTLE MERMAID to JERSEY BOYS. If it’s a musical, chances are Brach has played it-probably with one hand while directing with the other.

Armed with a Bachelor’s Degree in Music from the University of Nevada, Reno, Brach once ran the Yamaha Music School and founded the Keybanger Music School in Reno. He’s also music-directed for Nevada Rep, Reno Hilton, TMCC, Reno Little Theatre, and The Actory. His performance credits include sharing the stage with legends like Toni Tennille, Ann-Margret, Juliet Prowse, Charo, George Chakiris, and Juice Newton.

As the Artistic Director and Producer of the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre (BPCT), Brach is the Pied Piper of Bigfork, Leading over 5,000 young performers annually through productions, workshops, and educational programs.

With nearly 90 productions under his belt, his favorites include THE LADY PIRATES OF CAPTAIN BREE, WIZARD OF OL, GODSPELL, CLUE: THE MUSICAL, WHITE CHRISTMAS, MARY POPPINS, FROZEN, ANNIE, ELF THE MUSICAL, BEAUTY AND THE BEAST, GUYS AND DOLLS, and JOSEPH AND THE AMAZING TECHNICOLOR DREAMCOAT.

When he’s not orchestrating musical magic, Brach is probably dreaming up new ways to make theater even more fun—or at least trying to spend time with his wife Lisa.

Don Thomson

Producer

Don Thomson is spending his 62nd season (2025) at the Bigfork Summer Playhouse. He joined the theatre company in 1964 to design and build scenery and he also appeared on stage. Originally from Harlowton, MT, he graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, lowa with a BFA in Theatre. He received his MA at the University of Montana and went on to teach Theatre Arts for five years at Kearney State College in Nebraska.

From there he moved to Great Falls to teach at C.M. Russell High School for six years. Each of those summers he returned to Bigfork with his family, to continue with the Playhouse. In 1976 he moved his family to Bigfork year-round in order to devote more time to operating the theatre and work towards building the new theatre, which was ready for the 1988 season.

Don helped to establish the Bigfork Community Players, assisting with sets, props and directing in the beginning years. He served on the Governor’s New Cultural and Aesthetic Projects Advisory Committee. Don also lends his expertise to the Bigfork Playhouse Children’s Theatre, helping with sets and props. Don has made “cameo” appearances as Santa Claus for the Bigfork Chamber of Commerce in the past Christmas season.

Jude Thomson

Producer

Jude (“Judy”) Thomson returns for her 61st season (2025) at the Playhouse to oversee the box office and “front of house”. Originally from Kalispell, she attended the University of Montana where she studied Music Theory and Composition. While there, several of her original works were performed in the Hindemith Memorial Concert. Jude is a major force in the selection and auditioning of the company and was rehearsal accompanist and directed orchestra for the musicals since

1965. This is the tenth season she will not be playing the keyboards for the shows but can boast that in the fifty years up to now, she never missed a rehearsal or performance. Jude and husband Don were recognized in the 2007 ODYSSEY OF THE STARS at the University of Montanna, celebrating Alums that have gone on to careers in the Arts. The Thomsons were honored to receive the Governor’s Award to Excellence in 1997.

Don and Jude have two sons, Brach and Gavin and five grandchildren – Paige, Jenica, Brooke, Tristan, Kyle and his wife, Isabella.