It’s almost showtime for the musicals now in rehearsal at Canyons District high schools.
If you’re into an entertaining creature who lives in a pineapple under the sea; an imprisoned and bold Belle who tames a beast, frees new friends and finds unexpected love; courageous newsboys from the turn of the century who fight for their rights, flappers, feathers, fedoras and football players from the Roaring 20s; and a love story that’ll have you singing and dancing like Bing Crosby and Fred Astaire, then you’re in luck.
All of that will soon be featured on stages around Canyons high schools in November and December. To borrow a line from one of the musicals, “Answer the call and don’t delay getting your tickets!”
Here’s a sneak peek at the lineup of CSD’s five fall musicals:
ALTA: “SpongeBob SquarePants: The Broadway Musical”
• Alta High School Performing Arts Center
• Shows: Nov. 17-20, 22 (7 p.m.); Nov. 20 (2 p.m. matinee)
• Tickets: On sale beginning Monday, Oct. 25, 8 a.m.
Synopsis: A volcano threatens to destroy Bikini Bottom, which sparks chaos, a mischievous plot, a heroic plan and, of course, musical numbers — written by The Flaming Lips’ lead singer Wayne Coyne — from SpongeBob and the quirky cast of characters from the beloved cartoon. It's bound to be as fun as it sounds.
BRIGHTON: “Beauty and the Beast”
• Brighton High auditorium
• Shows: Dec. 3-4, 6 (7 p.m.); Dec. 4 (2 p.m. matinee)
• Tickets: TBA
Synopsis: As audiences may know from the “Disney” movies, this is a tale as old as time about a determined, bright and brave young woman who manages to capture the heart of a cursed prince while meeting some interesting friends along the way. (Bonjour, Lumiere!)
CORNER CANYON: “Newsies: The Musical”
• Corner Canyon High auditorium
• Shows: Nov. 11-13, 15 (7 p.m.); Nov. 10 (10 a.m.); Nov. 13 (1 p.m.)
• Tickets: On sale beginning Monday, Oct. 25, 7 a.m.
Synopsis: This is the rousing story of Jack Kelly, a charismatic newsboy and leader of a band of teenaged “newsies.” When the big wigs raise prices at the newsboys’ expense, Jack rallies newsies from across New York City to strike and fight for what's right.
HILLCREST: “Holiday Inn”
• Hillcrest High auditorium (or TBD)
• Shows: Dec. 2-4 (7 p.m.); Dec. 4 (1 p.m. matinee)
• Tickets: TBA
Synopsis: Though it’s uncertain whether the Huskies’ new auditorium will be ready in time for the first show, we do know this — the show will go on and the performance will be terrific even if it’s in an alternative venue (stay tuned). Two fun facts: First, this will be the first time the Irving Berlin-influenced musical is performed in Utah. Second, this love story — made popular in the 1942 movie of the same name — is where Bing Crosby’s famous “White Christmas” song was introduced.
JORDAN: “Good News”
• Jordan High auditorium
• Shows: Nov. 4-6, 8 (7 p.m.)
• Tickets: Currently on sale to the public
Synopsis: This story about a football star who falls in love with his astronomy tutor who’s trying to help him be eligible to play in Tait College’s big game was a big Broadway hit a century ago. Audiences are certain to be entertained by the jazzy music, costumes and choreography from the Roarin’ 20s.
