Laughter, suspense, and courtroom drama filled the Carlson Family Theater on May 15 and 16 as Viewpoint’s Seventh and Eighth Grade students brought The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf to life.

The Middle School production invited audiences into a playful retelling of familiar fairy tale events, putting the Big Bad Wolf on trial as characters from classic stories took the witness stand. Featuring jurors such as Cinderella, Miss Muffet, and Humpty Dumpty, the production blended humor, mystery, and unexpected twists while encouraging audiences to consider questions of justice, perspective, and truth.

This year’s production also held added significance as students took the stage during the 20th anniversary year of the Carlson Family Theater.

“I enjoyed working on this piece of theatre with this exuberant cast. As we celebrate 20 years of performances in our Carlson Family Theater, I am filled with gratitude for all the truly exceptional theatrical productions we have put on our stage,” said Director Lisa Roskowinski. “I want to thank everyone who has graced this stage, worked behind the scenes or sat in our audience to support our programs and live theatre over the years.”

“It’s been an amazing journey to watch students grow, mature, and perform in the Carlson Family Theater over the past 20 years,” said Lara Conklin, Director of Operational Services. “Whether students are involved in music, theater, or dance, it’s been a gift to see them find their voice on our stage. Behind the scenes, we get to see students before they take the stage, perhaps a little timid or experiencing stage fright. It’s wonderful to watch them learn to believe in themselves throughout the rehearsal and performance process. It’s a blessing to see them so joyful and proud after a great performance.”

As the cast of The Trial of the Big Bad Wolf took their final bows, the performance served as both a celebration of the students’ hard work and another memorable chapter in the Carlson Family Theater’s ongoing legacy.