The Creative Cocoon is set to raise the curtain on its latest youth production, Into the Woods Jr., bringing fairytales and fresh talent to the Arborg Bifrost Community Hall on Sept. 20.
The musical features 13 students from Riverton, Gimli, Arborg and surrounding areas, aged 10 to 13. Lisa Klym, co-chair of The Creative Cocoon, said the show is a chance to showcase their skills and enthusiasm on stage.
“The Creative Cocoon is thrilled to announce our upcoming community production,” Klym said. “We’re excited to showcase their skills and enthusiasm on stage.”
For cast member Meadows Naylor, the production is a second time performing with the group after playing the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz.
“I had so much fun, and I wanted to do another performance,” she said.
This time she takes on the role of the Baker, a character she described as “a loving and caring husband, but also bossy and insecure.” Naylor said performing duets and dance scenes with her stage wife, Isabel Klym, has been a highlight of rehearsals.
She added that improv exercises have been her favourite part of preparation.
“It can be really funny to see what people come up with,” she said.
Naylor said she is especially excited for audiences to see the opening scene, which took weeks to perfect.
Directors Amy Platt and Emilie Cardinal said the young cast has grown immensely since rehearsals began. Platt, who grew up performing in the Arborg community hall, said choosing Into the Woods Jr. was personal.
“As a long-time theatre lover, Into the Woods has always been a show I hold close to my heart,” she said. “We knew the kids would love it, and the locals who come to see our production would find comfort in seeing recognizable characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack.”
Platt said the focus has not been perfection but exploration and confidence.
“We’ve really seen these kids come out of their shells,” she said. “It’s never been our main concern to make these kids perfect. What we’re focused on is helping them explore the arts, let loose, have fun and grow from the experience.”
Cardinal said the production has been shaped by community input and support. Local artists contributed to set design, and parents have gone out of their way to support rehearsals.
“The support has been incredible,” she said. “Parents have gone out of their way to bring their children to rehearsals, and the community has rallied behind us with sponsorships and advertising. Their generosity has made this production possible.”
Platt credited volunteer Brenda Gulay for helping students master the show’s intricate music.
“She made the rehearsal process so much smoother, and we couldn’t have done it without her,” she said.
The directors also see the production as the beginning of something larger.
“This is just the beginning,” Platt said. “It’s so important to have programs like this in small towns. It makes art more accessible for everyone, and it keeps the community alive.”
Cardinal agreed, adding they hope to build a tradition.
“Our hope is to establish this as a yearly tradition here in Arborg,” she said. “One that continues to nurture young talent and bring the community together through the arts.”
Naylor, for her part, said the experience has taught her lasting lessons.
“I think the musical shows us to do the hard things in life, and good things will come,” she said. “We need to not always take the easy road, and it will be worth it in the end.”
Into the Woods Jr. runs Saturday, Sept. 20 at the Arborg Bifrost Community Hall. Doors open at 6 p.m. with the performance beginning at 7 p.m. Tickets are available by emailing info@thecreativecocoon.ca
