Woodland Opera House - The Golden Bay Times

Two enchanting ballet adventures share the stage in a holiday celebration filled with mischievous animals, magical surprises, and the timeless wonder of childhood imagination. The afternoon begins with Peter and the Wolf, inspired by Sergei Prokofiev's beloved symphonic fairy tale. Young Peter lives near a meadow where the neighboring forest holds both fascinating creatures and unexpected dangers. When a hungry wolf appears, Peter finds himself caught up in an adventure involving a quick-witted bird, a nervous duck, a cautious cat, and a grandfather who would prefer everyone remain safely indoors. Through expressive dancing and Prokofiev's distinctive musical themes, each character develops a personality that brings the familiar story wonderfully to life. Following intermission, the magic continues with The Nutcracker "Sweet," a delightful, condensed interpretation of the cherished Christmas ballet. Young Clara receives a mysterious Nutcracker as a holiday present, but what appears to be an ordinary toy soon opens the door to an extraordinary world. With her imagination leading the way, Clara journeys toward a dazzling kingdom where sweets and wonders await around every corner. Performed by dancers from the Woodland Opera House Education Department, this festive double feature offers a charming introduction to ballet for audiences of all ages.

Office politics have never been quite so outrageous as they are in 9 to 5: The Musical, a hilarious Broadway comedy about three working women who have finally had enough of their unbearable boss. Set in the late 1970s, the story introduces Violet Newstead, an experienced office manager whose intelligence and dedication go largely unrecognized; Judy Bernly, a newcomer struggling to rebuild her life; and Doralee Rhodes, a kindhearted secretary constantly underestimated because of her appearance. Their common enemy is Franklin Hart Jr., a thoroughly obnoxious executive whose arrogance, dishonesty, and wandering eyes make every workday an exercise in patience. When the women's frustrations bring them together, an outrageous fantasy about getting even begins taking on a life of its own. Before long, the office becomes a playground of mistaken assumptions, elaborate schemes, and unexpected opportunities to challenge the established order. With music and lyrics by country music legend Dolly Parton, including the unmistakable title song, this lively production mixes workplace satire with infectious melodies and plenty of comic mischief. Beneath its outrageous situations lies a spirited celebration of friendship, determination, and the simple revolutionary idea that everyone deserves respect at work.

When the world suddenly stops, an ordinary town discovers just how extraordinary its people can be. Come From Away is a deeply moving musical inspired by the remarkable true events of September 11, 2001, when American airspace closed and dozens of international flights were unexpectedly diverted to Gander, Newfoundland. Almost overnight, this small Canadian community found itself welcoming thousands of exhausted, frightened, and bewildered travelers from around the world. With little warning and even less time to prepare, local residents opened their schools, homes, churches, and hearts to complete strangers. Among the unexpected visitors are passengers desperate for news, airline crews struggling to maintain calm, and individuals whose vastly different backgrounds suddenly matter far less than their shared uncertainty. Meanwhile, the townspeople tackle an almost impossible logistical challenge with practical ingenuity, generous hospitality, and a wonderfully distinctive sense of humor. Through an energetic, folk-inspired musical score, numerous personal stories unfold, revealing moments of laughter, anxiety, compassion, and unlikely friendship. Rather than concentrating on the tragedy itself, Come From Away celebrates the humanity that emerged in its aftermath. This acclaimed Broadway musical offers a powerful reminder that even during history's darkest hours, ordinary acts of kindness can become something truly extraordinary.

Long before Peter Pan captured the imaginations of generations, one playwright needed a little magic of his own. Finding Neverland is an enchanting musical inspired by the life of Scottish author J. M. Barrie and the remarkable friendship that helped inspire his most famous creation. Struggling with the expectations of London's theatrical establishment, Barrie finds himself searching for a story that feels genuinely alive. His imagination receives an unexpected spark when he meets Sylvia Llewelyn Davies and her four young sons, whose playful adventures and boundless creativity reveal a world far removed from the rigid conventions of Edwardian society. As Barrie becomes increasingly involved in their lives, everyday experiences transform into extraordinary possibilities. Ordinary parks become mysterious landscapes, make-believe battles grow into daring adventures, and childhood games suggest places where the familiar rules of adulthood no longer apply. Yet Barrie's unconventional friendships and artistic ambitions raise eyebrows among those who believe respectable people should behave rather more predictably. With sweeping melodies, imaginative theatrical effects, and a touching blend of humor and emotion, Finding Neverland explores the wonder of storytelling and the courage required to follow an unconventional dream. It is a celebration of imagination, friendship, and the enduring magic of childhood.