LEHI — “Once On This Island,” the first stage production presented by the school's new musical theater class, has opened at Willowcreek Middle School.
With music, colorful costumes and choreographed dance routines, “Once On This Island” is a theatrical twist on the Little Mermaid tale, but with a strong anti-bullying message.
Willowcreek has combined the talents of the drama, dance and musical groups into one massive musical theater class. With more than 80 students, the theater program is one of the largest of its kind in Utah.
Kris Jennings, one of the lead instructors and “Once On This Island” director, said the purpose of this is twofold. "It requires far less time after school for the students, and it gives twice the amount of students the opportunity to perform,” she said.
This change has enabled the school, for the first time, to perform double-cast plays.
Each of the students involved is required to audition and maintain good grades in all their classes, promote a friendly and unified atmosphere to the student body and attend all rehearsals.
Tickets to “Once On This Island” are $5 for students/seniors and $7 for general admission. For group rates, contact Kris Jennings at kjennings@alpinedistrict.org or 801-766-5273.
Performances are at 7 p.m. on April 27, 28 and 30 and May 3-4. The musical is choreographed by Melanie Grace with musical direction by Kaelie Stout.