When I first arrived at Gray’s Creek High School in 2009, I had never directed a show. By the time we staged our original production of Into the Woods in 2012, I was directing only my second musical. If I’m being honest, I feel like I knew next to nothing back then. I often wish I could travel back in time—not to change the show, but to be the teacher and director for those students I am today. However, it was the cast and crew of those first shows who truly taught me this craft. They showed me that theater isn't just about hitting a note or finding a light; it’s about the courage to grow together.
To my Original 2012 Cast and Crew: this performance is for you.
Your hard work and heart during those early years were the seeds from which this entire program grew. You didn’t just put on a show; you built a foundation of excellence and a culture of storytelling that has since become an inseparable part of the Gray’s Creek community. The strength and soul of our musical theatre program today exist because of the standard you set and the passion you poured into this stage. Please know that I carry an immense amount of love and respect for each of you. You taught me just as much as I taught you, and I am forever grateful for the magic we started together.
Fourteen years later, we return to these woods. This 2026 production of Into the Woods is a testament to how far we have come as a community.
To my Cast and Crew: You are the heartbeat of this department. Watching you take these iconic characters and make them your own has been the highlight of my year. Your talent is matched only by your work ethic, and I am so incredibly proud of the ensemble you have become.
To my Co-Director, Mr. Dimmick: Thank you for being the steady hand and the creative spark beside me. This journey is a mountain of work, and I couldn't ask for a better partner to climb it with. Your vision has made this forest truly magical. Thanks for keeping me young!
To the Families: Thank you for the late-night pickups, the endless encouragement, and the literal heavy lifting. We are particularly indebted to those who helped bring our vision to life through the incredible set that was designed and built for us this year; it provides the perfect foundation for our storytelling.
A program this strong doesn't exist in a vacuum; it survives because of your unwavering support. Theater has become an integral part of the Gray’s Creek identity. Whether you were here in 2012 or you are joining us for the first time tonight, thank you for being part of our story. We all go into the forest for different reasons—to find ourselves, to find each other, or to find a way home.
Enjoy the show.
~Amy Stovall
