Dixon High School Drama Club will premiere its musical production “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals” at the Dixon Performing Arts Center, 555 College Way, marking the group’s first show of 2026. Photo courtesy of Tami Callen/Dixon High Drama Club 

DIXON, CA (MPG) - Dixon High School Drama Club will premiere its musical production “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals” at the Dixon Performing Arts Center, 555 College Way, marking the group’s first show of 2026.

Performances are scheduled for Jan. 16, 17 and 18. Friday and Saturday’s shows will begin at 6:30 p.m., while Sunday’s performance will start at 2 p.m. Tickets cost $10 for adults, $8 for students and $7 for seniors and military members. The box office will open 30 minutes before showtime.

Written by Matt and Nick Lang, “The Guy Who Didn’t Like Musicals” is a pre-existing musical licensed by the Dixon High School Drama Club for performance. Drama adviser Tami Callen said the selection process focused on choosing a school-appropriate musical that matched student interest.

“We pick a musical that’s school-friendly, then we get the licensing rights,” said Callen. “It’s a pre-existing musical. The cast really wanted to do more of a musical, not just a play; more singing.”

The Dixon High School Drama Club has existed for many years but was restarted following the COVID-19 pandemic. This school year marks Callen’s first year advising the group.

“For quite some time, it’s been around,” said Callen. “It restarted after COVID, and this is my first year advising it.”

Callen also serves as Dixon High School’s head coach for flag football. She said this production includes about 15 students, encompassing cast members, backstage crew and technical roles such as sound and lighting.

“From sound and lights, to backstage, to the performers, it’s about 15 total,” said Callen.

Rehearsals began early in the school year, with the musical selected around September.

“We started up when school started, and we picked the musical around the beginning of September,” said Callen.

The show’s storyline centers on an ordinary man who dislikes musicals, set against a backdrop of unexpected musical chaos.

“Paul, who hates musicals, is in this town being invaded by aliens that force everyone to sing and dance in musical numbers,” said Callen. “Turning it into a musical apocalypse that he and his friends must stop.”

The cast includes students ranging from freshmen to seniors. According to Callen, many participants have dedicated years to the program while balancing schoolwork and other commitments.

“It’s not a dedicated class,” said Callen. “They’re offering hours of their free time for something they love.”

The show’s storyline centers on an ordinary man who dislikes musicals, set against a backdrop of unexpected musical chaos. Callen is excited for the community to see how hard these students have worked. Photo courtesy of Tami Callen/Dixon High Drama Club

The production includes light profanity, a detail Callen said was important to communicate in advance.

“There’s light profanity throughout the play,” said Callen. “We say that so parents can be aware going into the show. It’s very light profanity, but we still thought it best to disclaim it.”

Callen credited community support for helping bring the production together, including assistance from Dixon Community Theater.

“Shout out to Kelly Pidgeon James and Gary Erwin, and just all of Dixon Community Theater here in town,” said Callen. “All the support, when it comes from sound, direction and specialized vocalists, they’ve provided a lot of talent and skill for our production.”

Looking ahead, Callen encourages students interested in drama to consider participating in future productions.

“I would tell them they should absolutely follow where their passion leads,” said Callen. “A lot won’t come out due to shyness, but they should try out.”

As opening night approaches, Callen said she is proud of the students’ dedication.

“I’m just super proud of the hard work and dedication that these students have put in,” said Callen. “A lot of these kids are seniors, and they’ve been here since they were freshmen. I hope good things will come for their future in the arts.”

For more information, visit the Dixon High School Facebook page or call 707-693-6330.