As an avid science fiction and theater buff, playwright and director John Lucewich wanted to incorporate the two in his original children’s play. 

“Somewhere Beyond the Sky,” debuts May 6, 2017, for one night only, at the Canyon Theatre Guild.

“It would be a unique mix, and would be unique for the children,” the young writer recalled thinking.

Lucewich along with his writing partner, Maia Lynn, who is also the show’s vocal director, wrote and composed their first entirely original musical from the idea.

“It feels like I’ve been setting the bar higher and higher,” Lucewich said. “Despite having a bigger scope, the music itself is entirely original.”

But beyond his writing, the debut director credits his young performers for making the play possible.

“There’s a few challenges,” he said. “It’s a unique show, because anyone who auditions gets in the show.

“(But) when you nurse children and encourage them, (the talent) really comes out by itself.”

Although “Somewhere Beyond the Sky” is a sci-fi comedy, Lucewich explained, he’s incorporated ideas to “make you think,” elaborating how he incorporated dreams, and conflicts for adult audiences into the out-of-this world play.

He explained the opening line for the play is “look to the stars and dream,” Lucewich said, and how the play itself is an opportunity for the child performers to embrace that drive.

“They’re belting out their lines like it’s nobody’s business, and getting themselves comfortable with the play,” he said. “They can really do it.”

All funds from the show go towards developing more youth programs at the Canyon Theatre Guild, he said.