Murray students to present ‘Babes in Toyland’ at Longview

When Longview fifth-grader Jessica Horne takes the stage on Dec. 14, it will be memorable. Not only will it be the opening evening of “Babes in Toyland” for the community, it also will be her birthday.

“I’m super excited to be a part of this, where we’re learning different songs, being on stage dancing and acting,” Jessica said. “I’ll celebrate my birthday with my family afterwards, but meeting people from different schools, memorizing my line and being in costume is a lot of fun.”

Jessica is one of 55 Murray elementary students who are taking part in the Murray City Cultural Arts production, which will have a Dec. 13 daytime performance for Longview Elementary students and two 7 p.m. performances, Dec. 14-15, in the school multi-purpose room, 6240 S. Longview Dr.

The production receives major funding support from the Salt Lake County Zoo, Arts, and Parks grant program, and additional support from the Utah Division of Arts and Museums and the National Endowment for the Arts.

Produced by Bridgette Stowell and directed by Karyn Tucker, “Babes in Toyland” is the first of seven productions that will be performed this school year. Rehearsals began three times after school each week in October and increased to five days in November.

The play takes place in Toyland where 11-year-old Sydney Stowell, who plays Mistress Mary Quite Contrary, wants to marry Alan. At the same time Barnaby, Alan’s uncle, hires two ruffians to try to drown Alan in the sea and try to force her to marry Barnaby instead.

“I was in ‘Annie’ in Murray Arts in the Park, but before I did that, I was really shy in front of people,” Sydney said. “Then I got in front of people and realized it’s okay to make people laugh and clap. It’s really cool, exciting now to be on stage.”

After memorizing her lines, Sydney said that they worked on projecting, blocking, dancing and singing. Students are responsible for their costumes.

Parent Anne Youngs said that way each parent is involved in the production.

“It’s good to have parents supporting students in the production,” Youngs said. “My daughter (second-grader Tate) has been so excited that’s she’s part of the play, and now understands what all is involved in a production and how it’s organized. She’s been quiet and shy, and this has helped her grow confident and try new things.”

Stowell said that she enjoys teaching students at this level.

“In the elementary show, they learn a taste of theater and can decide if it’s something they want to be involved in whether in the community or in junior and senior high school,” Stowell said. “It’s a huge commitment. They learn their parts, blocking, songs, dance and stage presence and put them all together as a puzzle. They meet students in other grades and schools to come together to put on a fun and amazing show.”

The show’s choreographer is Tiffany Thomas; set designers are Jeff Davis and Glenn Bryson; and set construction is done by Curt Stowell and David Tucker.

Murray Cultural Arts Director MaryAnn Kirk said that it is anticipated that more than 500 youth cast members will put on the shows for 6,000 patrons, in addition to 5,000 students who will enjoy daytime performances at each school location.

Upcoming productions at Murray schools include: “Big Bad Musical,” 7 p.m., Feb. 13 and 15, Woodstock, directed by Camille Jensen Clayton and Allison Jensen; “Through the Storybook,” 7 p.m., Feb. 16-17, Viewmont, directed by Wendy Smedshammer; “Through the Storybook” 7 p.m., March 14 and 16, Grant, directed by Smedshammer; “Doo-Wop Wed Widing Hood,” 7 p.m., March 15-16, McMillan, directed by Anthony Buck; “The Shoemaker and the Elves,” 7 p.m., March 21-22, Liberty, directed by Taralynn Horton; “Doo-Wop Wed Widing Hood,” 7 p.m., March 28-29, Twin Peaks, directed by Denae Lambert; “Whatever You Imagine,” 7 p.m., April 12, Horizon, directed by Gary Stoddard; and Parkside’s production is to be announced.