This weekend, we closed the fairy tale book on Into The Woods—and what a journey it has been. This production was more than just another show for me; it was the fulfillment of a lifelong dream. Into The Woods has been my most bucket-listed, favorite musical for as long as I can remember, and getting to step into one of my dream roles was nothing short of magical.
But beyond the thrill of playing the Prince and the Wolf, what made this experience truly remarkable was the sheer quality of the production itself. Every detail—from the direction to the costumes, the set, and the musical execution—was handled with such care and dedication that stepping onto that stage felt like stepping into a fully realized world.
Gratitude for the Journey
First and foremost, I want to express my deepest gratitude to Dragonfly Theatre Company and Theatre Muskoka for making this production possible. And an especially huge thank you to our visionary director, Emma Phillips, whose leadership, artistry, and sheer drive brought this production to life in ways I could have only dreamed of. Not only did she direct, but she designed the costumes (among many other things!), ensuring that I looked and felt every bit the part in both of my roles.
Of course, no show is complete without its cast and crew, and I was beyond fortunate to be surrounded by some of the most talented, hardworking, and collaborative artists I’ve had the pleasure of working with. Theatre at its best is a team sport, and the level of professionalism and passion in this group was inspiring. This is my soul’s work, and I am most alive when I get to share the stage with others who feel the same way.
To the Audience, and Those Who Went the Extra Mile
A production like this doesn’t just live on the stage—it lives in the energy and response of the audience. To everyone who came out and supported us, who laughed, gasped, and applauded at just the right moments—thank you. Theatre is about connection, and every night, that connection was tangible.
A special thanks goes out to my family, friends, and team members who made the long journey to see this once upon a time event. My sisters and their families came not once, not twice, but three times—their unwavering support means the world to me. And to Andrew, who not only put up with far less of me than he would have preferred this winter (thank you, rehearsals!), but also rallied his community to come and see me in my element—your support did not go unnoticed. ♥️
What’s Next?
The road to Into The Woods was long, but it was worth every step. Now, as I step back and take a well-earned rest, I can’t help but already feel the stirrings of what’s next. There is always another story to tell, another stage to step onto, another dream to chase.
So while this chapter may have closed, the book is far from finished. Stay tuned—there’s always another adventure on the horizon. 😍
Photos by Larry Carroll