‘Night at the Wax Museum: The Musical’ opens in Spring City

Tennessee Valley Theatre in Spring City, Tenn., will open “Night at the Wax Museum: The Musical,” at 7:30 p.m. on Saturday, May 5, for four performances over two weekends. Additionally, a free performance will be given Monday, May 7, at 6 p.m. during Family Fun Night at the Tennessee Strawberry Festival in Dayton, Tenn.

The story deals with several students who have been detained for summer school. As a summer school project, they have to set up a wax museum. Like in the movie, the wax museum comes to life.

The musical patterns itself after the “Night at the Museum” trilogy of films that started in 2006 and ended in 2014. The movies are based on the children’s book, “The Night at the Museum” by Milan Trenc.

Historical characters in the museum such as Cleopatra and Henry the VIII come to life and interact with students. They cause pandemonium, but they also familiarize children with the past.

“There’s a little bit of history, a little bit of fiction and a lot of fun,” says Karen Hilleary Beck, vice president of the Tennessee Valley Theatre and director of children and youth programming.

About 35 youth, ages 8 to 18, participate in the Youth Theater, she says.

“We have a lot of people who have dedicated many hours to get these shows together for the kids. Kids learn teamwork, self-esteem, the ability to speak in front of an audience and leadership skills,” she describes.

“With all of the technology available, I think kids are glued to their cellphones,” she said. “It’s very important that we come out and support live performances, not just rely on technology and electronics, but see the magic of live theater because every show is different no matter how much practicing you do.”

Crystal Janow is the musical’s director and Katie Warren, who teaches music at the elementary school in Spring City, volunteers as music director. Nobody gets paid at the Tennessee Valley Theatre, yet dozens of volunteers meet regularly to invest in children who come there.

For more information: 423-365-7529