SUU’s “Toyland” auditions open to area youth

On Saturday, Sept. 19, in Southern Utah University’s Auditorium Theatre from 10 a.m.-1 p.m. and 2 p.m.-5 p.m., children ages 5 to 13 may audition for “Toyland, The Holiday Family Musical Treat,” created and directed by SUU’s Peter Sham.

Conceived and written by Peter and Kirsten Sham with lyrics and additional music by Peter Sham and vocal arrangements and orchestrations by Brandon Scott Grayson, “Toyland” tells the story of three squabbling sisters on the night before Christmas who take a magical journey encountering nearly every myth of childhood, including nasty bedbugs, things that go “bump” in the night, and a dance-happy Boogie Man. The three sisters are abducted to Toyland and soon find out that it’s not such a nice place. Toyland, they quickly discover, is the place where toys that are lost or mistreated go and where bad children are taken to be the “toys” of the evil Toy Master, a mad jack-in-the-box. “Toyland” shows how knowledge, friendship and compassion are the keys to growing up.

The roles being cast on Saturday include Raggedy Ann, the three sisters—with various ages ranging from 6 to 13—and ensemble members, with children playing multiple roles, including Toys, Bedbugs and Bad Children. All roles are open, and all children will be required to sing and dance at the audition and are asked to prepare either a Broadway standard or a popular holiday song. Those auditioning should wear clothing in which they can move freely, such as dancewear or loosely fitting clothes and dance shoes or sneakers. Accompaniment will be provided. There is no fee to participate.

Performances of “Toyland” are scheduled for Dec. 3-5, Dec. 7, and Dec. 10-12 at 7:30 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinee performances on December 5 and 12. “Toyland” will be performed at the Randall L. Jones Theatre. Rehearsals will begin in October.

SUU’s Auditorium Theatre is located at 351 W Center St. in Cedar City. For additional information, please call (435) 865-8676.