An eighth-grade English class introduced Leah Wernisch to “Into the Woods.” Years later, she’s helping bring that same musical to life on the stage of the Lake Benton Opera House.
For the 23-year-old Balaton native, this summer’s production is more than just another community theater performance — it’s the fulfillment of a dream that began with a teacher and a YouTube recording.
“That is the show that got me into theater,” Wernisch said. “Our English teacher showed us the recording in class, and that kind of got me into theater. I got into music and all this other good stuff from there.”
When she learned the Lake Benton Opera House would be producing “Into the Woods,” she knew she had to audition.
“I have to audition for my dream show in a place that I love to be,” she said.
Wernisch, who graduated from RTR High School, now works in activities at Boulder Creek Assisted Living in Marshall, where creativity is part of her daily job. Outside of work, she enjoys spending time outdoors, walking her German shepherd, and continuing her love of theater.
Her own theater journey began during her senior year of high school with RTR’s production of Virgil Wins the Lottery. After performing in college, she found a home on the Lake Benton Opera House stage, where she has appeared in several productions.
This summer, Wernisch takes on two very different roles, playing both Granny and Cinderella’s mother.
“They are polar opposites,” she said. “Granny is this super energetic, crazy old lady, and Cinderella’s mother is a much lighter presence. It’s helping me go from one range to the other in just a couple of minutes.”
Although rehearsals can be demanding, Wernisch said the cast’s friendships make every late night worthwhile.
“This is the only time we’ll do this show at this time with this cast,” she said. “It’s still so worth it in the end because we’re all together.”
She credits the welcoming atmosphere at the Lake Benton Opera House for making every production special.
“The actors, Jenna and Tom, they’re always amazing to be around,” she said. “The audiences are always great too. We all feel supported here by our co-stars and by the audience.”
Representing her hometown is something she doesn’t take lightly.
“It means a lot to be able to represent Balaton,” Wernisch said. “I hope I’ll do a good job, and I think we have a really good show here that a lot of people are really going to enjoy.”
Looking back, Wernisch credits one person for setting her on this path.
Her eighth-grade teacher, Mrs. Smith, introduced her to “Into the Woods” and unknowingly sparked a passion that continues today.
“I think that’s what ignited the passion,” Wernisch said. “She was a great teacher to me.”
Now, years after first discovering the musical in a classroom, Wernisch is preparing to perform it for audiences of her own.
She hopes theatergoers leave with more than just memories of familiar fairy tales.
“I think the message is that there’s hope of getting through the journey,” she said. “Stuff gets rough. Bad things happen. Things don’t always go as expected, but in the end we all make it out. Learning that you’ll get through it is something worth sharing.”
“Into the Woods” will be performed July 22-26 and July 29-Aug. 2 at the Lake Benton Opera House.
