The Historic Roxy Theatre in downtown Russellville is preparing for “The Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular” with auditions Aug. 11 and a makeup audition day Aug. 12.

Auditions will take place at the Roxy beginning at 1:30 p.m. for children ages 6-12, 3:30 p.m. for females 13 and older and 5:30 p.m. for males 13 and older. Approximately 50 adults and 35 children will be cast. 

“I love Christmas,” said “Christmas Spectacular” director Hillary Hall. “It’s my favorite time of year, and this is really an opportunity to give back to the community of Russellville and the citizens of Franklin County.”

This will be the Historic Roxy Theatre’s dazzling holiday show for 2019. As described by the show’s Facebook page, the story follows the escapades of a mischievous Christmas elf.

“When Fred the Elf accidentally boards on the North Pole Express, he heads for North America, where he travels from city to city before finding his way back to the North Pole just in time to celebrate Christmas,” the description reads.

Hall said the show will feature two male speaking parts – an elf and a conductor – to audition for, in addition to the numerous non-speaking roles. Hall said she does not want boys to shy away from auditioning for these speaking parts because the roles have short lines that do not require much memorization.

Those auditioning will fill out a short application prior to auditioning. Children must have a parent with them to audition.

Doors will open 30 minutes prior to the audition. During the audition, applicants will learn a short dance and perform it. Boys auditioning for speaking parts will recite short lines.

Makeup auditions will be Aug. 12 at 5:30 p.m. for those who cannot attend Aug. 11. Hall said those auditioning do not have to register for the makeup audition.

“We want to see as many people in the community and county involved as we can,” Hall said.

The Roxy will announce by Aug. 31 who will play each part. Rehearsals will start by Sept. 1.

This is the first year of “The Roxy’s Christmas Spectacular,” and Hall said she is excited to start rehearsals.

“Having something at Christmas is something everybody enjoys because it’s an opportunity to take an hour and 15 minutes of their life and see something spectacular for just a little while,” Hall said.“We have a lot of ideas that we are trying to incorporate, and we’re really just looking for ways to make it spectacular, just as the name says.”

The show will be staged Dec. 5-8, with four shows for schools and six public shows. All seats will be reserved this year – $15 for the orchestra section, $10 for the mezzanine and $6 for general admission in the balcony – and tickets are on sale now.

The balcony will not be open for school shows. 

Hall said Franklin County and Russellville City Schools will allow excused absences for students participating in the play Dec. 5-6.

“The city and the county schools are both wonderful about things that go on in the community, and they’re very supportive of the arts,” Hall said.

The Roxy is still accepting sponsorships for the production through Sept. 1. Sponsorship levels include green, red, silver, gold and platinum. Sponsors will be invited to a special screening with a meet-and-greet to follow at First Baptist Church.