Magical times

Although Granbury Opera House sits dark with its stage empty and rehearsal spaces quiet, we can reflect on another time when the darkness felt like it was too much to bear.

Granbury Theatre Company’s “Into the Woods” took the stage Aug. 17 through Sept. 9, 2018.

We were able take a look inside the deep, dark woods, with its uncertainties and troubles around every corner, and be transported to a place where magic is real and enchanted beans are worth more than gold.

Director Jay Lewis and assistant director Bentleigh Nesbit formed a cast and production team with incredible talents that all went above and beyond to make this show, well, magical.

The story follows a Baker (Matt Beutner) and his wife (Meredith Browning/Mikki Lewis), who wish to have a child; Cinderella (Jeannie Miller) who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; Jack (Austin Bender), who wishes his cow would give milk; and Little Red Ridinghood (Berri Harris) who is off to visit her grandmother.

When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s (Emily Warwick) curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse into the woods, where they encounter the others on their missions.

This show received numerous nominations for the Column Awards. Jay Lewis for Best Director, Ashley Green for Best Music Director, Austin Bender as Jack for Best Actor, Emily Warwick as the Witch for Best Actress, Riley Henderson as Cinderella’s Prince for Best Supporting Actor, Sam Bullington as Rapunzel’s Prince for Best Supporting Actor, Cheyenne Throckmorton as Rapuzel for Best Featured Actress, Drenda Lewis for Best Original Costume Design, Hank Baldree for Best Lighting Design, Kyle Hoffman for Best Original Sound Design, and Whitney Shearon for Best Stage Manager.

Every cast and production team member’s hard work paid off when they heard their name being called out for Best Musical Non-Equity.

As the cast and crew piled onto the stage, Director Jay Lewis gave his acceptance speech.

“When you surround yourself with the absolute best artists in the Metroplex, whether they work backstage, offstage, through the costumes or the set, you come out with an incredible, beautiful show,” Lewis said to the audience.

Then he turned to his cast and crew to say, “And I think each and every one of you here are great.”

Another award was given that evening to Cheyenne Throckmorton for Best Featured Actress for her beautiful portrayal of Rapunzel. It was a truly magical night.

sam@hcnews.com | 817- 573-7066, ext. 260