As I reflect on the incredible 48th Season to Belong at StoryBook Theatre, I am filled with immense pride and gratitude. This season has been a testament to the passion, resilience, and boundless creativity of our artists, volunteers, and patrons who continue to breathe life into our productions. More than ever, this season embodied what it means to belong—to be part of something greater, to share in the magic of theatre, and to build a community that uplifts and inspires.

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One of the biggest artistic triumphs of the season was Something Rotten! Despite the financial challenges it faced, the production was a resounding creative success. It marked a historic moment for StoryBook Theatre as we received multiple Betty Mitchell Award nominations, our first-ever inclusion in Calgary’s professional theatre awards. We were especially thrilled to see Melissa Mitchell take home the award for Best Costumes of the 2023/24 Theatre Season—a well-earned recognition of her talent and dedication. It was a moment of belonging, where we saw our artists recognized among the best in the city.

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While we remain committed to responding to our community’s programming requests, not every production finds its audience. HONK!, a show designed for ages 3+, was one of our most requested titles, yet it became the least attended production in the last 10 years. Still, it was a story about embracing differences and finding one’s place—an important message in a season dedicated to belonging.

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On the other hand, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang soared to success, captivating audiences with its magical flying car—a monumental feat of technical and creative design. This production reminded us that the impossible is possible when we come together to dream big and make magic happen.

Our Top Secret Musical presentation of Sweeney Todd was met with critical acclaim and has now cemented itself as the must-see event of the season. The excitement and anticipation surrounding this annual production continue to grow, proving that belonging is also about shared experiences and traditions that bring our community together.

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Another remarkable milestone was the first iteration of One Christmas Carol, starring Natascha Girgis, whose performance wowed both audiences and critics alike. This one-person show highlighted the power of storytelling and the intimacy of theatre, reinforcing that we all have a place in the narratives we share.

A Wrinkle in Time was a beautiful and thoughtful production, one that we are incredibly proud to have shared with our audiences. And as we closed the season with The Music Man, we could not have asked for a more joyous and fitting conclusion to a year centered around the theme of belonging. This production brought people together in song, spirit, and celebration—proving that no matter where we come from, we all have a place in the world of theatre.