Category: Musical

Get ready to channel your inner Elle Woods- Legally Blonde: The Musical is coming to the Nancy Byng Community Theater, and we’re looking for performers to bring this high-energy, feel-good story to life! Auditions will be held December 15 or 16 from 6-8:30 p.m. at the theater, with show dates running February 26-March 8. This production is rated PG-13, and auditions are open to performers ages 15 and older.  Whether you’ve been performing for years or have always dreamed of stepping into the spotlight, this show is the perfect opportunity to shine. Legally Blonde bursts with humor, heart, and a whole lot of pink, proving that being yourself never goes out of style.

Based on the hit 2001 movie starring Reese Witherspoon, Legally Blonde: The Musical took Broadway by storm when it debuted in 2007. The show earned seven Tony Award nominations and was praised for its upbeat energy, clever lyrics, and empowering message. With music and lyrics by Laurence O’Keefe and Nell Benjamin, and a book by Heather Hach, the musical became a fan favorite for its sparkling blend of comedy, catchy tunes, and unstoppable optimism. From Elle’s Harvard admission to her show-stopping courtroom victory, the stage version brings all the movie’s charm to life- and adds even more singing, dancing, and pink power along the way.

But being in a show like Legally Blonde is about so much more than the performance itself- it’s about community, creativity, and connection. Live theater brings people together in a way few experiences can. You’ll find yourself surrounded by supportive, enthusiastic people who share a love for storytelling and expression. Every rehearsal becomes a memory, every laugh backstage a bond, and every curtain call a moment of pride. Even if you’ve never auditioned before, this is your chance to check something off your bucket list, try something new, and be part of something truly special.

So what are you waiting for? Grab your pink outfit, warm up those vocals, and sign up today to audition for Legally Blonde: The Musical! Visit our website to reserve your audition slot, and get ready to bring this fabulous, feel-good Broadway hit to life right here at the Nancy Byng Community Theater. Elle Woods would totally approve- and so do we!

ASPI is thrilled to announce our 2026 season lineup, featuring three unforgettable shows that promise laughter, inspiration, and a touch of holiday magic. We’re excited to share what’s coming to the stage next year-and invite you to join us for a full season of live community theater right here in Abrams!

Kicking off the year in style is Legally Blonde the Musical (February 26–March 8, 2026). This high-energy, pink-powered musical follows Elle Woods as she heads to Harvard Law to prove she’s more than just a pretty face. Filled with catchy songs, humor, and heart, this PG-13 show is the perfect way to start the season with a burst of fun and empowerment.

In the spring, we’ll take a powerful turn with 1776 the Musical (May 7–17, 2026). This Tony Award-winning classic brings history to life with music, wit, and emotion as our founding fathers struggle to draft the Declaration of Independence. With its blend of humor and humanity, 1776 reminds us how much courage and compromise went into the birth of a nation.

Finally, we’ll wrap up the year with a dose of holiday nostalgia in Miracle on 34th Street: A Live Musical Radio Play (December 3–13, 2026). Presented in the charming style of a 1940s radio broadcast-complete with live sound effects and music-this adaptation brings a classic Christmas story to life in a whole new way. It’s a heartwarming celebration of belief, kindness, and the magic of the season.

Season Tickets for 2026 are on sale now, offering the best seats, convenience, and 10% savings compared to individual ticket prices. Don’t miss a moment of this incredible season-secure your seats today and experience the joy of live theater all year long!

“And let us consider how we may spur one another on toward love and good deeds, not giving up meeting together, as some are in the habit of doing, but encouraging one another—and all the more as you see the Day approaching.” – Hebrews 10:24-25 (NIV) 

“The theater is a communal event, like church. The playwright constructs a mass to be performed for a lot of people. She writes a prayer, which is really just the longings of one heart.” – Marsha Norman, playwright 

“What is community?” “What does it mean to be a part of a community?” “How does tragedy affect a community?” These are some of the questions Godspell asks. In tandem, I ask “What does it mean to do theater?” “What is necessary to put on a show?” Although I had a deceptively religious upbringing – a grade school so Lutheran that it broke away from the synod because the synod wasn’t Lutheran enough, a devoutly Catholic grandma with whom I was very close – the place I found the feelings of a religious community was theater. We didn’t attend church on Sundays, but we did have Sunday matinee tickets to the Weidner center. We usually prayed before meals, but my family was most connected when watching old musicals or movies. And, strangely, at my very Lutheran grade school, we put on full scale secular musicals every year. These musicals were the main times I felt like I fit in or could contribute something to that community.

So for this production, I took Stephen Schwartz’s note about Godspell not being a literal playing out of the book of Matthew but as a formation of a community, and set it in my/our/your community – Abrams Spotlight Productions, now, mid-rehearsal process for an upcoming show. You will not find finished sets, costumes, disco balls, confetti cannons, or magical flying cars (which is totally sacrilege for me), but you will find the essence of performing: actors trying to get their message to the audience and holding the mirror up to nature (paraphrasing Hamlet). The answers to those questions above and what is that message? Just as we interpret the bible, that is for you, the audience, to come to individually. Now more than ever, community is important. Wanting to spread one’s messages, one’s “gospel,” not isolate ourselves from those who do not agree, is vital. “Do justice, love mercy, and walk humbly with your God” – Micah 6:6 (NIV)

“Whatever we accomplish belongs to our entire group, a tribute to our combined effort” – Walt Disney – and I would be remiss if I did not say that Godspell, despite the note above, where I talk about me, is surely the effort of every single person you see here today, and many you don’t see, and many who have influenced and taught me. 

Thank you for being a part of our community, even if only for this performance, and enjoy the show! 

-Elizabeth Jolly- Haslitt, Director of Godspell

Godspell is a timeless tale of friendship and love based on the Gospel of Matthew. In this new age production, Jesus’ message of kindness, tolerance, and love plays out onstage using a blend of parables, songs, games, and dare we say tomfoolery!

Liz Jolly-Haslitt offers insight into the upcoming production as only the director can! Liz shares that an incredibly unique element of Godspell’s script is that it is pretty open-ended, which means it is up to the theater putting on the production to determine the setting of the show. So the setting that will be seen on stage will be none other than our very own community!

The production setting will be set in our very own theater, as a kind of rehearsal for a production. This unique spin will create a one of a kind theater experience for the audiences! Firstly, the costumes will be pieces pulled from ASPI’s stock from past shows. Secondly, the theater will be utilizing their seating in a unique way! Not only will actors be playing in the house at times, there will also be some audience seating on the stage. 

In addition to the significant creativity from the openness of the script, the production is also extremely lucky to have such a talented cast! They are really working well as an ensemble and meeting the challenge of the advanced listening to each other required of this show.

Purchase your tickets NOW! Showtimes are March 13, 14, 15, 19, 20, 21, and 22 at 7pm and March 16 and 23 at 1pm. For more information please visit https://abramsspotlightproductions.com/ and call the Box Office with any questions, 920-826-5852.

Oklahoma! is a musical that is not only one of my all time favorites, it is near and dear to my heart.  Back in 2002, I was a 22 year old college student, coming home to visit my parents.  My mother was Directing a production of Oklahoma! at the Community Theater in my hometown.  Now I had been to many rehearsals to watch my mother at her craft… but this production just felt different.  I knew a lot of the main actors, but my older sister played “Dream Laurey”.  My sister, being an amazing ballet dancer, captivated me- and I was hooked.  This would be the last show my mother would Direct- she died of cancer in August of 2002.

Moving on, I never forgot about this show.  Although my life took many different directions, there never was a good time or a good venue to start my own Oklahoma! directing journey.  It wasn’t until 2020 that I really started pursuing Directing this landmark show at ASPI.  Well COVID hit, and then it would be multiple years of applying for rights before that Spring 2023 day when Debra Jolly called me to ask if I was sitting down- we had gotten the rights!  I cried with JOY!  

My vision for this show is very intentional.  Minimalism meets artistic visuals, dance meets song.  Less is more with me, and having the space to truly bring the iconic choreography of Agnes DeMille to life was very important to me.  With this being said- I could not have brought this vision to life without my amazing production crew.  My Assistant Director, Heather, who kept me grounded.  My Music Director Leah who was always so positive and the biggest cheerleader with the entire cast, my Scenic Designer Paula who amazed me with her talents every time I came to visit her every Thursday at the theater, and to my Tech Director Bill who understood that less is always more.  My AMAZING Stage Manager Alaina- who I absolutely loved seeing her growth every single rehearsal. But most important a BIG shoutout to my 2 amazing choreographers Lisa and Debra for bringing the DeMille essence to all the dance numbers. (we made it Lisa and Debra!)  My heart swells with gratitude.

I hope the audiences of ASPI are hooked, just like I was over 22 years ago, and I hope they leave the theater with a smile on their faces, joy in their hearts, humming and remembering all the iconic numbers in Oklahoma!

This one is for Mom.

Ali Carlson

Director

“The truest expression of a people is in its dances and its music.

Bodies never lie.” 

– Agnes de Mille

Oklahoma! was choreographed by American dancer and choreographer Agnes de Mille. Born in 1905 New York, she graduated with an English degree from UCLA in 1933. It wasn’t until after college that de Mille considered that dancing could be a career. 

Oklahoma! the musical was innovative not only because it brought together the minds of Rodgers and Hammerstein. The musical also introduced the “dream ballet” sequence. 

Choreographer Agnes de Mille created a fifteen-minute dream ballet where leading lady Laurey struggles with her feelings for her two suitors, Curly and Jud. In a dream ballet there is no dialogue, only movement, and can feature advanced dancing techniques! Dream ballet sequences take place outside of the continuum of the production with the intention of providing clarification, foreshadowing, or symbolism. 

De Mille believed that the ballet was essential to the audience’s understanding of the characters because it conveyed emotions that words could not. Oklahoma! was de Mille’s first time choreographing a Broadway musical, and she made history! De Mille went on to choreograph musicals like Carousel and Brigadoon!

ASPI’s production of Oklahoma! will feature some original choreography from Agnes de Mille herself. 

Tickets are selling FAST! Showtimes are March 14-17 and 21-24. 

Tickets can be purchased at https://abramsspotlightproductions.com/ and please call the box office with any questions (920)826-5852!