Henry’s Halloween

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The Making of Henry’s Halloween

Conceived as a full-fledged Broadway show, “Henry’s Halloween” A Rock Opera Ballet, started as a local, grassroots performance project and has since grown into a fully realized production with artists and arts non-profits at the forefront. 

The first public performance of “Halloween: Henry, Saddara and the Neighborhood” (then named after the book written in 2012) took place on May 23, 2013 at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Center in Boise, Idaho. It featured the composer/author at the piano, her father narrating and her 11-year-old daughter joining in for a piano duet finale. 

The show and story have since blossomed from piano and narration to their full-blown intended realization as a narrated Rock Opera Ballet. 

“Henry’s Halloween” chronicles Henry, the cat’s, journey on Halloween night with the beauty of multi-genre music from classical to metal to funk as well as multi-genre dance from ballet and ballroom to breakdance, tapdance and stepping. Henry’s Halloween, A Rock Opera Ballet is a living storybook - a modern celebration of dance, music and narration that also romances tradition. There is truly something for everyone in this multi-faceted, yet cohesive arts experience!


The Author / Show Creator

Juli Draney

A celebrated pianist, composer, and longtime piano teacher, Juli Draney brings decades of musical experience to each project and performance. With a background of accompanying professional ballet companies and dance schools, her playing is powerful both expressively and technically. Juli came to composing through years of improvising for professional dance, as well as her lifelong love and study of music. 

Whether performing or composing in the style of contemporary favorites or timeless classics, Juli’s goal is to elevate your spirits and bring deeper connection. 


Special Thanks to Artists from Juli

Sonrisa Garcia Draney

Sonrisa Garcia Draney

Synthesizer and Creative team

Sonrisa, a talented pianist and violinist (and my daughter) has been lending her musical talents and funny ideas to “Henry’s Halloween” since it began. Thank you to for being such a kind, supportive, witty delight and wonderful sidekick! 

John Draney

John Draney

Narration, Butler’s Blues, and the voice of “Jimmy”

Thank you, Dad, for always being there to count on, for always going along with my wild ideas, for hauling props, for singing in the show, and for voicing Jimmy in the audiobook. When you have a dad who sings and performs like mine, you’ve got to write him a tune in your show! 

Nathan Powell

Nathan Powell

The original “Henry”/Ballet Choreography

Nathan, I can’t thank you enough. Without you, we wouldn’t have had a real, live, professional ballet dancer Henry all these years! Thank you for your grace, generosity, beautiful choreography and brilliance onstage. You are an amazing artist and a true friend! 

Cody D. Roberts

Cody D. ROberts

Narrator “Henry” ROB (Rock Opera Ballet) and audiobook

Cousin, I can’t thank you enough. You are the perfect voice of Henry, what a gift. Thank you for traveling for the show away from your family (even in the rained out year). You embody the “rugged, yet sophisticated” character of Henry to perfection and are a sheer delight to work with. 

Natalie Gallegos

La Catrina

Thank you, my friend, for being the perfect, authentic Catrina for all these years! Your beauty, artistry, stage presence and dramatic flair have been a huge highlight of the show.  

Yurek Hansen

Vampire, Jimmy, Werewolf

Thank you for lending your top notch multi-genre dance artistry and exciting stage presence to the show all these years. You are a lion heart! 

Mark GArCia/MAG

Artist, Graphic Designer, Rapper

Thank you for your generosity and immense talents with cover art for all these projects over the years, and for always being there! 

Idaho REgional Ballet

Elizabeth Keller, Artistic Director

Thank you for your stellar and passionate performances as the Witches for all these years! Your program is a great asset to the Treasure Valley dance community! 

Tara Beck

Program and Ad design

You are a miracle worker, Tara! Thank you for your meticulous and seemingly effortless mastery in program design throughout the years! 

Tom JEnSen

Bassist, Composer, Web Developer

To my cousin, for whom I have the utmost respect for your immense musicianship, talent and work ethic! Thank you for your teaching, encouragement, generosity and love. 

Sandon MayHew

Saxophonist, Composer, Teacher

Sandon, THE Sandon! Thank you so much for gracing the show year after year with your awesome artistry! It’s been such a privilege to have you style out the finale! 

Dr. George Halsell

Composer, Horn Player, Professor Emeritus

To Dr. Halsell, whom I endearingly refer to as a “music gnome”, fantastic composer, orchestrator and musician -  thank you for these past years of study in orchestration and composition. Thank you for your immense patience and first-rate instruction! 


Heartfelt Thanks

Not even an island is an island unto itself. I wish to express my profound and heartfelt thanks for the support of my family, friends and colleagues in this years-long endeavor. Special thanks to my mom and stepdad, Mary Jane and Dr. Miles Humphrey, and to my dad and stepmom John and Linda Draney for their massive support over the years. 

Mom, your business skills and firm advice have spurred me on and sustained both me and the show. Thank you to the many friends and supporters over the years, including Kickstarter patrons in 2014 and my talented and generous cousin, bassist, Tom Jensen and Sarah and J.J. Astorquia. The heart of this project is community and every single person who has contributed to it or has enjoyed it owns a piece of it! 

With deepest gratitude,

Juli 


The Show Through the Years

Take a walk down memory lane and explore the journey of Henry’s Halloween, from its early days to the present.


2013 Gallery

Our first performance, a recital - Memorial Day 2013 at the Esther Simplot Performing Arts Academy and home recital program later that fall! 


2014 Gallery

The Village at Meridian and Ballet Idaho NewDance series…


2015 Gallery

Mountain View High School: a turning point: larger venue, bigger cast, growing buzz.


2024 Gallery

Recharged and going forward. Henry’s Halloween takes center stage at the Nampa Civic Center! Special thanks to Cy Gilbert of Syringa Photography!

show poster 2024

Contact

Juli Draney, creator (208) 850-7444
Email julidraneystudio@gmail.com

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© 2025 Henry’s Halloween Powered by Jottful Image credits
Images by Cody D. Roberts, Nathan Powell, Sonrisa Garcia Draney