Choreographer working on another Toyland

By Staff
Nathan Strickland
PHIL CAMPBELL – The “Legend of Toyland” kicked off its 28th annual production Thursday at Northwest-Shoals Community College.
The show’s creator, Lanny McAlister, began the show in Georgia 31 years ago and brought the production to Phil Campbell in 1981. Choreographer and Belgreen physical education/health teacher Susan Crittenden was intrigued when it first began.
Crittenden has been in dance ever since she was in first grade. She has performed in a number of areas including “The Nutcracker” performed by Florence Ballet Company, a member of the RHS majorettes, UNA majorettes, Lionette dance line and was captain of the NW-SCC dance team.
The Russellville native met Lanny McAlister at Looney’s Tavern where she played several roles in a span of four years. In 1991, Crittenden enrolled at NW-SCC where she began getting involved with ‘Toyland.’ After being a part of the show for two years she received a call from McAlister asking her to return to teach routines. “Originally it started off with me teaching only two routines because there was always other choreographers like Denise Crummie and Mike Rickles,” Crittenden said.
Crittenden said her passion for dance and the success of the show keeps bringing her back to help out.
The show has been a huge success every year since it hit NW-SCC and has been cherished by everyone who has been involved year after year.