Out of the Woods
Spring Musical 2026 · Martin Luther School · Joplin, MO
Everyone loves a good story. How about a fractured fairy tale — with a twist of faith?
On May 14 and 15, 2026, Martin Luther School presented Out of the Woods, an original musical created by Sharon & Don Turney. More than 60 students from Kindergarten through 8th grade took the stage to ask a simple question: what would happen if your favorite fairy tale characters all bumped into the truth of the gospel? The answer was funny, moving, and occasionally rhyme-contagious.
“Trust in the LORD with all your heart, and do not lean on your own understanding. In all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make straight your paths.”
Proverbs 3:5–6 (ESV)
What if Cinderella discovered true love in Jesus rather than in a prince after one evening of dancing? What if the Tin Man learned that the heart he got in Oz is empty without Jesus? What if Snow White found out that the world looks on her outward beauty, but God only looks on the inside? What if Red Riding Hood, misled by a cunning Wolf, realized she will never be lost if she keeps her eyes on Jesus?
Well — you get the idea. It’s a never-ending story full of fun and plenty of humor, but there’s a ton of Biblical truth as well.
The Story — Seven Scenes, One Direction
Overture — “Out of the Woods”
The Full Choir and Kindergarten Mice, Bears, and Dwarves opened the show, with soloists Willow Andrew, Austyn Keskinen-Burke, Scarlett Hardrick, and Katheryne Ramstad announcing that something is happening in the woods — and we’d better pay attention.
Scene 1 — “Happy Ever After”
Cinderella discovers that the dress, the prince, and the palace were never the real gift — and that true love was closer than she thought. Soloist: Katheryne Ramstad, featuring Grade 3.
Scene 2 — “God-Shaped Space”
Snow White and the Tin Man discover that nothing fills the hollow place inside like what God intended. Soloist: Scarlett Hardrick, featuring Grades 4–8.
Scene 3 — “Mirror, Mirror”
Snow White learns that her whole job in life isn’t being the fairest of them all — and that God only looks on the inside. Soloists: Christopher Keskinen-Burke, Bryan Ramstad, Stephen Thompson, Katheryne Ramstad.
Scene 4 — “Raise the Roof”
Jack has done a bad thing. All right — a lot of bad things. When his beanstalk raised the roof on his house, Sleeping Beauty showed him a different kind of roof to raise. Soloists: Austyn Keskinen-Burke, Scarlett Hardrick, Katheryne Ramstad.
Scene 5 — “The Sin Blues”
Jack isn’t in trouble after all — but Goldilocks is. With a little help from a Forest Ranger, she learns that you can’t give sin a positive spin. Grades 1–2 and the Full Choir.
Scene 6 — “He Will Make Your Path Straight”
Red Riding Hood, misled by a cunning Wolf, realizes she will never be lost if she keeps her eyes on Jesus. Proverbs 3:6 — lived out in fairy tale form.
Scene 7 — Finale
All the characters come together for the truth the whole show has been building toward: whatever we encounter in this scary wood, God is working through it all to bring about our good. Soloists: Stephen Thompson, Bryan Ramstad, Christopher Keskinen-Burke — with the Full Cast & Choir. Soli Deo Gloria.
Cast
Wolf — Kelly Mikuta | Cinderella — Katheryne Ramstad | Mice — Fox, Shaina | Sleeping Beauty — Austyn Keskinen-Burke | Three Bears — Ryan, Jensen, Shiloh | Goldilocks — Ansolee Blotter | Snow White — Scarlett Hardrick | Red Riding Hood — Willow Andrew | Dwarves — Kadence, Henry | Villagers — Aurora, Felix, Matthias, Andrew, Claire, Eliza, Davien, Graisen, Nate | Storytellers — Christopher Keskinen-Burke, Bryan Ramstad, Stephen Thompson, Miles Ulibarri | Young Cinderella — Elliana Divine | Angel — Cora Dixon | Tin Man — Daniel Lesley | Jack — Coen Williams | Forest Ranger — Auriel Ulibarri | Prince — Bridger Marston-Craig | Techie Extraordinaire — Andrew Lesley
Grades 1–2: Milena, Waverleigh, Micah, Cameron, Paul, Eli, Lucy, Daven, Eden, Braelynn, Vanurielle, Oakley, Grayson. Grade 3: Owen, Candréa, Thea, Oliver, Elam, Debrah, Hannah, Sterling, Viktor, Beau, Teyah, Evelynmae.
The Team Behind the Curtain
Mrs. Lyla Glaskey directed and choreographed the production. Mrs. Mollie Ramstad — who, in addition to serving as MLS Principal, apparently also directs musicals — served as Music Director. The combination of creativity, faith, and genuine investment in the arts is one of the things that makes Martin Luther School what it is.
Set Design: Jason Glaskey, Kayla Garoutte, Emily Andrew, Jennifer Lutz, Amanda Kessler | Lights & Sound: Samuel Glaskey, Andrew Lesley | Costumes: Emily Andrew, Tandra Powell, Kelli Lesley, Phyllis Craig, Jessica Hinderliter, Chris Johnson, Jeff Blotter, Teresa Divine, Amanda Kessler | Makeup: Jennifer Jankowski | Videography: Gary Leach | Office Management: Cindy Miller
Out of the Woods was created by Sharon & Don Turney, published by KidsWorks Music, and performed May 14, 2026 (school performance, 10 am) and May 15, 2026 (public performance, 7 pm).
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Out of the Woods?
Out of the Woods is an original children’s musical by Sharon & Don Turney, published by KidsWorks Music. It uses fractured fairy tales — Cinderella, Snow White, the Tin Man, Red Riding Hood, Jack, and Goldilocks — to explore Biblical truths about identity, sin, and finding true love and purpose in Jesus Christ.
Do students need to be Lutheran to attend Martin Luther School?
Not at all. Martin Luther School welcomes families of all faith backgrounds. We are a Christ-centered school that kindles character, sparks joy, and ignites curiosity through the light of Christ — and we believe every child deserves to grow up knowing they are known, loved, and created for a purpose. Schedule a tour to see what life at MLS looks like.
Does MLS have a performing arts program every year?
Yes. The annual spring musical is one of the highlights of the MLS school year, involving students from Kindergarten through 8th grade. Our performing arts program gives students of all ages the opportunity to develop confidence, creativity, and a voice — all in a Christ-centered environment. Last year’s production was Order in the Court.
How can I enroll at Martin Luther School?
Enrollment for the 2026–2027 school year is open. Visit our Admissions page to learn about tuition, financial assistance, and next steps, or schedule a tour to come see the school in person. We would love to meet your family.
Enroll at Martin Luther School
2026–2027 enrollment is open. Come see what makes MLS different.
Martin Luther School is affiliated with the Lutheran Church—Missouri Synod (LCMS) and accredited through National Lutheran School Accreditation. 2616 S Connecticut Ave, Joplin, MO 64804.