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River Valley Times

Murieta Dance Explores ‘Haunted Mansion’

Jan 09, 2025 05:23PM ● By Gail Bullen River Valley Times Reporter

Five famous characters are drawn together by a mysterious invitation to a haunted mansion as the Murieta Dance Company presents its annual recital at Murieta Plaza on Dec. 14 and 15. Photo by Gail Bullen

Murieta Dance Explores ‘Haunted Mansion’ [14 Images] Click Any Image To Expand
RANCHO MURIETA, CA (MPG) - With a cast of 115 dancers ranging in age from 2 to 17, the Murieta Dance Company transformed an empty supermarket into a spooky haunted mansion on Dec. 14 and 15. 

The performances drew an audience of 450 on Saturday and 420 on Sunday, marking the grand finale of the dance company’s 12th year in operation.

The young dancers showcased their talents in tap, jazz, ballet, hip-hop, contemporary dance, lyrical dance, acrobatics, acting, voice and musical theater during the vibrant production of “Haunted Mansion.”

Artistic Director Doreen Zimmermann crafted the original script, featuring 14 characters and seamlessly blending 40 songs from a wide array of artists, including Andrew Lloyd Webber and Miley Cyrus.

In the storyline, the ghosts of El Rancho Manor have been trapped within its walls for centuries, cursed by a spell cast by the mansion's former master. However, the current owner, Madame Theodora, reveals to Maid Marie that she has discovered a way to break the spell and set everyone free, by uniting the living and the dead in a grand masquerade ball.

Famous characters Enola Holmes, Wednesday Addams, Hermione Granger, Kevin McCallister, and Barbie each receive a mysterious invitation to an eerie old mansion in the woods. Upon arrival, they are greeted by Madame Theodora, who tasks them with uncovering the mansion's hidden secrets and freeing the ghosts trapped within its walls.

They embark on thrilling adventures, piecing together clues to solve the ancient mystery. In a triumphant finale, the friends unite with the spirits at a magnificent Masquerade Ball, breaking the curse and restoring harmony to the haunted manor.

When asked how she developed the plot, Zimmerman explained, “The “Haunted Mansion” was something the kids really wanted to do, and we thought we could have a lot of fun with it, which we did.”

Next came the development of the concept, complete with scenes, music, and characters. All but two of the young actors portrayed iconic personalities from books, movies, and television, such as Hermione from the Harry Potter series, Beetlejuice from the film of the same name, and Kevin McCallister from Home Alone. Zimmermann created the other two characters to serve as a bridge between the living and the dead, adding depth and cohesion to the storyline. 

“I thought it would be interesting to throw all those different personalities into one situation and see what happened,” she said.

As Zimmermann began writing the script, she had no idea which kids would play which roles. Ultimately, the cast members often had to race backstage to change costumes in mere seconds to be ready for their next dance number.

The production featured a dazzling array of costumes. “I always order costumes on sale to save money for the families, but sometimes we don’t get the sizes we need,” Zimmermann explained. “That’s where Pam [Broussard] comes in. She fixes everything.”

The most poignant moment of the production came when the number "Someone's Shoes" was performed on stage for the first time. Zimmermann had written the poem and set it to classical music, inspired by the emotional journey she experienced after her husband, Soeren Zimmermann, narrowly survived a motorcycle accident a year ago.

“Just seeing my daughter dancing with her father’s shoes that stood on the side of the road after his accident was probably the moment that touched me the most,” she said. “We complain so much in life, it is easy to lose track of what is really important.”

The show-stopping number that had the audience hysterically laughing featured eight fathers. Sporting fluorescent orange socks, they cavorted to a medley that included “Another One Bites the Dust" by Queen. 

“The kids love their dads being involved, and the dads learn to respect and appreciate what their kids are doing,” she said.

Zimmermann also honored longtime student Alexis Walters, who performed a solo and received a heartfelt embrace at the end of the show on Sunday. Walters has been with the program since Zimmermann began teaching dance 12 years ago and will be leaving after graduating from high school.

Zimmermann wrote, directed, and choreographed this year's production with the support of choreographers Maddy Carges, Sienna Zimmermann, Dria Hanson, Corinne Salas, and Rylie Hartman, as well as vocal coach Laurel Robbins Goodson.

Zimmermann and her husband collaborated with their friends Dawn and Bryan Holm to create the stunning backdrops for the eerie haunted house. During the show, Wyatt Gaylor, James Doran, Scott Rau, Alex Rau, and Soeren Zimmermann managed lights, sound, and stage props, while Jeremy “JT” Turner served as the energetic emcee.

Zimmermann gave a special shoutout to Scott Rau, who has been her sound and technical expert for five years. “He has every single scene written into a computer program to connect with the microphones,” she explained.

Before the recital and during intermission, attendees could enjoy beer, wine and other refreshments; bid in the silent auction; or purchase flowers and Murieta Dance merchandise. All of this was made possible by the generous support of families, friends, businesses and others who contributed their time and effort.

“We have amazing people in this community who provide a great support system. I am so grateful for everything and everyone,” she said. 

Zimmermann began teaching 12 years ago at the Murieta Health Club with just 18 students. Today, her program has grown to include 123 students. 

She now operates her own studio in Murieta Plaza, where her students participate in competitions throughout the year, earning first-place awards and other prestigious recognitions.
“Seeing my kids pour so much into this show every year makes me so happy and reminds me that what we dance teachers do matters,” she said.

“We give them a sense of belonging outside of home, and for many, we become their home away from home. These kids stand up for one another, support each other, and love each other.” 
For more Murieta Dance Company photos. visit therivervalleytimes.com .