The Surry Arts Council will soon kick off its 2026-2027 performance season, and organizers there promise “something for everyone” with a wide variety of productions on the schedule.
Performances begin Oct. 22-24 with Spookley The Square Pumpkin: The Musical.
“Based on the wildly popular books and animated special, Spookley The Square Pumpkin: The Musical combines the spectacle and joy of Halloween with delightful songs that people of all ages will love,” arts council officials said.
“Airing every year on Disney, the animated television special, adapted from the bestselling Spookley book series, has been a long-time Halloween tradition for families all across the country. Spookley is a square pumpkin living in a round pumpkin patch on Holiday Hill Farm. Shunned by the other pumpkins, Spookley is befriended by Edgar, Allan, and Poe — three hilarious spiders who convince him that, square or not, he has a right to be the Pick of the Patch,” they said. “Encouraged by kindly Jack Scarecrow, Spookley tries his best but he isn’t sure he has what it takes until a mighty storm threatens Holiday Hill Farm. Spookley realizes it is up to him and his square shape to save the day. As a result, all the pumpkins in the patch learn that the things that make you different make you special.”
Auditions for Spookley The Square Pumpkin: The Musical are Tuesday, August 18 at 6 p.m. at the Andy Griffith Playhouse, and are open to ages 8 — adult.
The second show of the season will be Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas.
For decades, the story of the mean, green Mister Grinch discovering the joy of Christmas has delighted audiences. Based on the iconic animated film and beloved children’s book, Dr. Seuss’s How The Grinch Stole Christmas! features a book and lyrics by Timothy Mason and music by Mel Marvin.
“This duo expands on the timeless story, adding new songs that will have everyone tapping their feet,” organizers said. “With a heart ‘two sizes too small,’ the Grinch despises the annual Christmas festivities of Who-ville from a solitary distance. Fed up, he carries out a plan to stop them once and for all, only to learn a lesson about opening his heart to the real meaning of Christmas.”
Auditions will be open to ages 6 — adult and will be held on Oct. 5 and Oct. 6 at 6 p.m. at The Andy Griffith Playhouse.
The third production will another holiday show, Madeline’s Christmas, which will be performed Dec. 17 — 19.
“In an old house in Paris that was covered with vines lived 12 little girls in two straight lines.”
“So begins this delightful story of Madeline’s Christmas!” organizers said. “The day begins like any other day. Miss Clavel takes the 12 little girls on their morning walk. They go to the zoo and then back to school for their French history lesson. Suddenly disaster strikes when everyone gets the flu! Everyone that is, except for the ever-resilient Madeline. Saddened that they may not be able to go home for Christmas, the girls and Miss Clavel take to their beds. But on Christmas Eve, the adventure begins when there is a knock at the front door.
“Expecting to see Santa, Madeline meets the rug merchant who has brought 12 very special rugs. He reminds Madeline that Christmas is the time of miracles, and that these are not ordinary rugs! Soon everyone wakes up feeling healthy. The rug merchant shows them that they each have a magic carpet and that they can fly home to be with their families for Christmas.”
Auditions will be held Oct. 26 for ages 9 — adult.
In February Disney Channel’s smash hit movie musical comes to stage as The Surry Arts Council presents High School Musical!
The students of East High must deal with issues of first love, friends, and family while balancing their classes and extracurricular activities.
“It’s the first day after winter break at East High. The jocks, brainiacs, thespians, and skater dudes find their cliques, recount their vacations, and look forward to the new year,” the arts council said of the show. “Basketball team captain and resident jock, Troy, discovers that the brainy Gabriella, a girl he met singing karaoke on his ski trip, has just enrolled at East High. They cause an upheaval when they decide to audition for the high school musical that is being led by Ms. Darbus. Although many students resent the threat posed to the status quo, Troy and Gabriella’s alliance might just open the door for others to shine as well.
“Featuring all the songs and characters from the film, this show will have everyone singing and dancing in their seats. Auditions are Jan. 4 and Jan. 5 with production dates Feb. 18 — 20.
In April, Disney’s Finding Nemo JR., a 60-minute musical adaptation of the 2003 Pixar movie Finding Nemo, with new music by award-winning songwriting team Kristen Anderson-Lopez and Robert Lopez will be performed by the Surry Arts Players.
“Marlin, an anxious and over-protective clownfish, lives in the Great Barrier Reef with his kid Nemo, who longs to explore the world beyond their anemone home. But when Nemo is captured and taken to Sydney, Marlin faces his fears and sets off on an epic adventure across the ocean. With the help of lovable characters such as optimistic Dory, laid-back sea turtle Crush, and the supportive Tank Gang, Marlin and Nemo both overcome challenges on their journey to find each other and themselves.
“Featuring memorable songs such as ‘Just Keep Swimming,’ ‘Fish Are Friends Not Food,’ and ‘Go With the Flow,’ Finding Nemo JR. brings a vibrant underwater world to life on stage in a story full of family, friendship, and adventure.”
Auditions are open to ages 6 — 18, and will be held on March 8 and March 9 at the Andy Griffith Playhouse.
The 2027 summer show will bring the rock classics of Queen to life on stage in the production of We Will Rock You, a high-octane, adrenaline-fueled musical featuring more than 20 iconic Queen hits, including “Bohemian Rhapsody,” “We Are the Champions,” “Somebody to Love,” “Don’t Stop Me Now,” and of course, “We Will Rock You.”
Set in a post-apocalyptic future where individuality has been outlawed and music is controlled by algorithms, the story follows two young revolutionaries who dare to defy the system to save rock ‘n’ roll.
“This fist-pumping, foot-stomping anthem to freedom and self-expression is a musical for our time—unapologetically bold and filled with the timeless power of Queen’s legendary music. With over seven million fans rocked in its original 12-year West End run, We Will Rock You made history as the longest-running show at London’s Dominion Theatre. This explosive, rock spectacle is a celebration of the power of music and individuality that will leave audiences cheering for more,” local show organizers said.
Auditions will be open to ages 12 — adult and will be held May 24 and May 25 with performances July 23 — 25.
No experience is necessary to audition or to be involved with theatrical productions at the Surry Arts Council. Tickets will be on sale soon. For more information on auditions,or to be added to the Surry Arts Council mailing list, email melanie@surryarts.org.