Art Around the Square will present the world premiere of WHIMSY!, an original family musical by Midway artist Susette Gertsch, at the Ideal Playhouse in Heber City this October. The production, directed by Laurie Turnblom, follows the journey of a young orphan found by Raspberry Fairies in the Great Gimbal Forest.
A Story of Imagination
The musical follows the story of Wild Child, an orphan discovered in the storm-swept Great Gimbal Forest by the Raspberry Fairies. Raised in an ideal environment, the character matures into a young adult working as an acrobat and light-spinner. The plot follows her journey of discovery as she hears the call of a distant village circus and seeks to share her talents with the world.
Susette Gertsch, a local artist, author, and storyteller, created the musical to celebrate imagination and courage. "WHIMSY! is a story of courage, love, and imagination. It celebrates the creative spark in every heart," Gertsch said. She noted that the production aims to show what happens when individuals dare to dream beyond self-doubt.
Production and Funding Details
The production will be directed by Laurie Turnblom, the retired director of the Wasatch High School Theatre Department. To bring the magical setting to life, the production will utilize the Ideal Playhouse's large LED screen and imaginative staging.
Funding for the project is provided in part by the Heber City TAP Tax, the Wasatch County TAP Tax, Art Around the Square, and various community sponsors and donors. Art Around the Square is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization focused on enriching the Wasatch County and Heber Valley communities through performing and visual arts.
Audition and Casting Timeline
Audition submissions are due by 9:00 p.m. on Wednesday, August 19, 2026. Prospective performers must submit a video featuring a 32-bar song selection from a popular family musical along with a monologue. Per audition instructions, a cappella auditions are not accepted, and performers must provide an accompaniment track.
Following the submission deadline, a call back list will be posted on the official website by Thursday, August 20. In-person callbacks are scheduled for Saturday, August 22, from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. The final cast list is expected to be released on Monday, August 24.
Performance Schedule
WHIMSY! will hold performances at the Ideal Playhouse, located at 113 N. Main St. in Heber City. The scheduled run includes evening performances on October 15–17 and October 22–24 at 7:00 p.m., with Saturday matinees at 2:00 p.m.
All cast members will receive compensation via stipends that vary based on the specific role. The production is also seeking paid production team members, volunteers, and community partners.
Rehearsal Schedule Notes
The production has several scheduled breaks for upcoming holidays and community events. There will be no rehearsals on September 4, September 5, or September 7 due to Swiss Days and Labor Day, nor on September 12 for the National 9/11 Day of Service in Heber, or on October 3.
