“WE WILL ROCK YOU, young@part” is a delightful musical featuring more than 20 songs by the legendary rock band Queen. You know the music, you can sing along, and you might know some of the kids in the show, so this is one you won’t want to miss.

Channel your inner Freddie Mercury and come sing along: If you don’t remember all the words it’s OK, the lyrics will be projected on the side stage for you! So put the DAC’s holiday musical on your list of winter traditions with your loved ones – it’s a great way to get your visiting family off the sofa and make memories you will reflect fondly on for a lifetime.

Here’s the story: In the future, the Globalsoft Corporation has taken over the world ... and they’re the bad guys. No creativity is left. A group of bohemians set out to champion for independent thought, for freedom and for the love of rock. Imagine, if you will, if the stories of Orwell’s “1984” and “Footloose” had a love child, and it was born to rock. The culture change is led by two rebels who risk everything to save the music – the rest is rock ’n’ roll history.

When you take a magnificent person like Freddy Mercury, who has long since left us, and you hear his timeless ballads magnified by more than 50 young voices, you experience the music you already loved in an even more powerful way. These songs were meant to create a legacy. And they have.

I checked in with the DAC theater team to learn more about what makes this musical so special, seeing as how the music of Queen has stood the test of time. Do the kids these days even know who Mercury was? Indeed they do. This musical is directed by the DAC’s Theater Artistic Director Jason Lythgoe, who shared with me the most inspiring part of this production: “Seeing a new generation learn this music and become Queen fans in the process has been exciting. The fact that these songs are now preserved in this special way is awesome.”

“The idea of kids singing Queen music is wonderful. Freddy Mercury had a great range. These songs are difficult. This has presented a wonderful challenge for our students,” saidTess Wisher, theater managing director.

Sixty local kids between fourth and 12th grade are in this show, and the DAC is here to showcase their passion and their craft. New youth theater classes begin in January and registration is open. A hint on the upcoming spring show: It’s popular and takes place in a high school.

If you know a kid who is ready to get onstage and share their talent, encourage them to audition for the Snowdown Kid’s Follies, the best variety show of the year. Details below.

Coming up next at the Durango Arts Center:

Questions? Email info@durangoarts.org.

Donate, become a member for discounts and to be a patron of the arts, register for classes, buy tickets, and keep in touch at DurangoArts.org.

Brenda Macon has been executive director of Durango Arts Center since 2018. Her background includes executive leadership training, business and art instruction. She celebrates the inspiration, joy and meaningful engagement that the arts bring to our town.