Looking back on Into the Woods Jr.

Our community crowded into the Greenwood Theatre last month to catch our Junior Musical, Into the Woods Jr. The funny and musically catchy show follows a baker and his wife as they set out to break a witch’s curse, meeting familiar fairy tale friends along the way.

 

Ms. Adelaide Leo and Ms. Sam King, co-directors of the show, reflect on the highlights, their pride and a personal connection to the show.

 

 

Ms Leo: One of the highlights of co-directing the junior musical this year was seeing connections grow between the cast. It was really wonderful to see students bond over their love and enthusiasm for musical theatre. Cast members would join rehearsals for scenes they weren’t even in just to hang out with their pals. 

 

Ms. King: A highlight for me was getting to work with such a talented group of young students. Having a dedicated Grade 7-9 show means our younger students really have a chance to shine on stage in leading roles and grow their craft in the arts!

 

Ms. Leo: Another interesting highlight for me was getting to revisit a show I performed when I was in middle school. It was shocking to realize how many of Kate’s (the Baker’s Wife) lines and songs I still had memorized and to see students enjoy the material just as much as I had 15 years ago. 

 

 

Ms. Leo: The junior musical brings together so many students and teachers, from sound and lighting, to backstage, to props, to costume, to hair and makeup. On behalf of myself and Ms. King, I can say after weeks of working almost exclusively with the cast on songs and scenes, it was truly magical to see the whole vision come together with sound, lights, sets, props, costume, makeup and everything else that immerses the audience into the story. We are so proud of all the staff and students that brought Into the Woods Jr. to life! 

 

 

Ms. King: Getting to work with our wonderful backstage and booth crew to put on this amazing production! They are the backbone of any theatre and I learned so much from all of our Grade 7-12 students involved! I also loved our Saturday rehearsal where we were able to see the show come together for the first time and bond as a cast.

 

Ms. Leo: During the Saturday matinee, I had the opportunity to be backstage for the show. Instead of watching the cast on stage I was able to see them in the wings – cheering each other on, anticipating their next big moment, and rushing around to touch up their makeup. Seeing all the behind-the-scenes and cast and crew supporting each other and working together was my favourite part. 

 

Thank you Ms. Leo and Ms. King for your dedication to the arts and for leading this production!