Southern Utah University’s Department of Theatre Arts and Dance presents “Toyland, The Holiday Family Musical Treat,” directed and created by Peter and Kirsten Sham. The show is scheduled for performances on Dec. 3, 4, 5, 7, 10, 11, and 12 at 7:30 p.m. with Saturday matinees on Dec. 5 and 12 at 2 p.m. The show will be performed at SUU’s Randall L. Jones Theater. As a special bonus to this year’s performance, the Festival of Trees will also be featured and available for viewing on select nights in the theater.
This production marks the second time “Toyland” has been seen in Cedar City, having made its western premiere at Cedar City’s Heritage Center Theater in 2004. With vocal arrangements and orchestrations by SUU student Brandon Scott Grayson, the score features a variety of popular holiday songs including music by Ernst Anschütz, Frederic Austin, William Chatterton Dix, Benjamin Hanby, John Henry Hopkins Jr., Mykola Leontovych, James Lord Pierpont, Mendelssohn, Bizet, Tchaikovsky, and Richard Storrs Willis.
“Toyland” features choreography by Kirsten Sham with additional numbers choreographed by Megan Brunsvold, Patricia Meredith and Denise Purvis with music direction by Brandon Scott Grayson. The musical features scenic design by Brian Jude Beacom, costume design by Wendy A. Sanders, and lighting and sound design by J.D. Sargent.
The third annual Festival of Trees will be held concurrently in the lobby of the Randall L. Jones Theater from Dec. 3 through 5 with viewing from 3 to 8 p.m. on Dec. 3 and 4 and 9 a.m. to 8 p.m. on Dec. 5.
The Festival of Trees is not only a community event to celebrate the season but also a way to raise food supplies for Iron County Care and Share. All trees on display have been decorated and provided by local businesses and individuals and will be sold through silent auction with all proceeds donated to Iron County Care and Share.
“Toyland” tickets are $15 for adults, $12 for alumni, and $7 for youth. SUU faculty, staff, and students are admitted free with a valid ID. Faculty and staff are entitled to bring one guest. The CPVA Flex Pass can be used for a single entrance to a production or can be used to admit six people to one show. The pass can be used in any multiples for CPVA ticketed events. The cost of the Flex Pass is $40 per pass (a $65 value). For tickets or the Flex Pass, call the SUU Ticket Office at (435) 586-7872 Mondays through Fridays between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., or purchase in person at the Centrum Arena box office. Single tickets may be purchased online at suu.edu/pva/arts. There is a $1 discount with the donation of a canned good.
