Choreographing Christmas

“The Roxy’s Legend of Toyland” has brought early holiday excitement for the reprise of the beloved festive show. Although the multi-run performance is still months away, the time is now to begin rehearsing to bring the dazzling scenes to life. Of course, a key first step is selecting the cast – a process that is now underway. Central to selecting those performers is their ability to internalize basic choreography – and that’s where Kaylee Brannon, Melissa Godsey and Susan Crittenden come in.

Godsey and Crittenden will play a big part in bringing the production to the stage, writing choreography and directing the cast to learn their steps and bring Christmas spirit and nostalgia to the Roxy. For each of them, the show holds a special place in their hearts – and choreography commands a place of passion in their lives.

“Choreography brings the story that (creator Lanny McAlister) has written to life,” explained Crittenden, who performed in the show herself for two years and then helped choreograph the show for 15 years in its heyday. “Adding the movements and the facial expressions and exaggeration of all the moves just brings what he has written on paper to life.”

Godsey, who also herself performed in ‘Toyland’ while at Northwest-Shoals Community College and went on to assist Crittenden with show choreography in following years, agreed that synchronized choreography can be key to a polished scene.

“If someone is standing out, it takes away from the story,” she said. “When you’re watching ‘Toyland,’ you’re just in that world.”

Godsey and Crittenden, who both have extensive choreography, dance and performance backgrounds, emphasized bringing energy and enthusiasm to the performance.

With both these women having prior experience performing as well as choreographing the show, McAlister said he knew they were the perfect choice to be involved in the reboot. “I was tickled when I called them and everything fell into place,” said McAlister.

“I was about to cry,” Godsey said. “Even if I didn’t get to be involved, just that it was back was so exciting.”

Brannon helped with choreography for the auditions Saturday, bringing her cheer experience to the table to lead auditioners through learning a short routine. She, too, performed in ‘Toyland’ at NW-SCC and shares Godsey and Crittenden’s fond memories of involvement. “It becomes such a family,” she said. “It’s just a completely different world, and you have such utmost respect for everyone involved.

Auditions will be open one final time Sunday from 2-4 p.m. Anyone from age 16 and older, men and women, who are interested in auditioning should wear casual clothes an tennis shoes or dance shoes.

For more information, visit the show’s page on Facebook.