Holladay is a creative place. 

The city is home to 16 vocal studios, each with at least 15 students. Additionally, there are 10 dance studios where over 1,400 dancers are learning techniques such as en pointe and arabesque, all preparing to perform one day. The city also boasts three drama schools for acting. What do all these local artists in Holladay have in common? They knaow that by working together, they can create something greater than themselves.

With this in mind, the Holladay City Council voted unanimously on March 6 to launch its own musical theatre company. Holladay Theatre Company, a Holladay Arts program, will present its inaugural performance of “Newsies” Aug. 7, with shows running through Aug. 11. The Broadway musical and later Disney adaptation of “Newsies” is loosely based on the historic newsboys strike of 1899. This event marked a significant moment in labor history, as newsboys in New York City protested against rising newspaper prices and unfair working conditions. 

Susan DeMill, one of the cofounders and leads of the new musical theater company, is excited about the possibility of bringing Holladay artists and the community together through the venue of community theatre. “We hope to ignite the magical passion that is lying in everybody. When several people come together and are engaged in one project, it’s just phenomenal—a little sprinkle of magic and a whole lot of joy—that’s what theater does.”

City Councilmember Paul Fotheringham is the liaison between Holladay Arts and Holladay City Council and favors providing theatre to the community. “I can report the Arts Council is very supportive of this endeavor. Also, I know from our surveys that our constituents want to have more arts offerings. This is a great opportunity to meet that request.”

Recently, DeMill retired from Granite School District, where she taught theatre arts education at Olympus High School for 28 years. She decided she wasn’t done telling stories yet and she joined forces with theatre educator Robin Edwards, theatre producer and production coordinator Lisa Wood, volunteer theatre educator Amy Jordan and voice coach for Star Search Winners, and “American Idol” finalists Dean Kaelin. This talented artistic team of individuals will help embark on the new musical theatre opportunity for Holladay. “We all bring our own skills to the table and that’s what makes theatre work,” Jordan said. 

The Arts Council has begun exploring possibilities to help fund the theatre company, such as building a group of strong community underwriting sponsors, working to secure grants, and considering possible fundraising activities.

DeMill shared one opportunity for a fundraising event that has been successful in the past at Olympus High School. “A fundraising ‘Princess Party’ has been held at Olympus for the past 12 years. It has been highly successful in offsetting the cost of our theatre production. For a fee, it could easily be moved to Holladay. The event includes girls that are singers who put on princess gowns and become those princesses. Children participate in a princess show, enjoy cupcakes and receive a fun coloring page.”

According to DeMill, the Holladay Theatre Company will present one production each year, with the possibility of adding a Christmas show once the company is established.

After a unanimous council vote in favor of the Holladay Theater Company, Mayor Rob Dahle thanked everyone involved for their effort and hard work and for bringing it forward to the city council to approve a budget. 

“We’re fortunate to have such talented people in our community, as well as talented youth and adults willing to put their time into making Holladay Theatre a success,” Dahle said. “I think it’s a great opportunity for the city.”

“Newsies” performance dates are Aug. 7-11 (except Sunday, Aug. 10). This summer, check the Holladay Arts Council website for tickets: www.holladayarts.org/.

For more information about Holladay Theater Company, email [email protected].λ