Release No. COC-02-058 / November 6, 2001
INFORMATION: Sue Bozman or John McElwain, (661) 362-3415 or 3494

Diverse Cast Share Common Theme for 'Holiday Voices'

The cast fits perfectly with the theme for the College of the Canyons Theatre Department’s third annual production of “Holiday Voices.”

After all, the cast members are as diverse in their ages and backgrounds as the holiday customs that will be explored during the two-hour presentation at the Santa Clarita Repertory Theater.

Show times are at 8 p.m. Thursday, Dec. 20 through Saturday, Dec. 22, and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. on Sunday, Dec. 23. The theater is located at 24266 San Fernando Road in Newhall.

The student cast of 10 performers ranges in age from 17-year-old Aaron Levine to 65-year-old Ann Fry. “It’s a wonderful ensemble,” says director Susan Hinshaw, chair of the Theater Department. “It’s a very diverse group.”

That goes hand-in-hand with the diverse holiday customs that will be explored through music, dances and storytelling. The wide array of subjects that will be touched upon include “Angels,” “A Celtic Christmas,” “A Latino Christmas,” and “Hanukkah.” There will also be a segment that honors the heroes who emerged from the terrorist attack of September 11. “It’s a very uplifting show,” Hinshaw said. “We try to look at many different holiday customs.”

Above all, Hinshaw said, the show will focus on the common experiences that we all share. “We are all the same and we all share a commonality,” she says.

From the writing, to the performers and the production quality, Hinshaw said the elements are in place for an entertaining show.

As a director, Hinshaw said she benefited from writing and launching her own one-woman show, “Nirvana,” that debuted last July in Los Angeles and will perform in Albuquerque and New Orleans next summer. “Through the process, I learned how to work with the actors and get their stories on paper,” she said. “It’s an opportunity for our students to write about their life and see their work performed on the stage.”

The production should also benefit from a partnership with a design team from UC Santa Barbara. The group includes Vicki Scott, a professional lighting designer and faculty member of UCSB’s Theater Department, along with set designer Kristie Griffith and technical director Lee Keenan. They have combined with the College of the Canyons production team that includes production coordinator Tami Toon, choreographer Ken Roht and musical director Nancy Horak.

The show played to sold-out audiences last year and seating is limited at the theater. The cost is $8 for general admission and $5 for students and children. For information and reservations call (661) 362-3070.