5 Questions for Stepsister Grace
Taking the stage - one "step" at a time
We’re thrilled to welcome Lorol back to the VOS Theatre stage for her second appearance with the company (the first last year in Mary Poppins)—and her second time stepping into the fabulously over‑the‑top world of Cinderella’s delightfully wicked step‑siblings. With her signature comedic flair and a knack for bringing bold characters to life, Lorol is once again ready to charm (and torment!) audiences in the most entertaining way.
Read on as we chat with Lorol about returning to this hilarious role, what it’s like to reunite with the story, and the joy of performing with the VOS Theatre family.
1. Why did you want to play one of the stepsisters?
Honestly? “Stepsisters’ Lament.”
This is actually my second time playing one of Cinderella’s stepsisters, and it’s a role I hold very close to my heart. I previously played Lucinda in Into the Woods with Northumberland Players in 2023, which was my first community theatre experience. I had the pleasure of working alongside my partner-in-crime, Ashley Quinlan (Florinda), and I learned so much about physical and duo comedy from working with her.
The one thing I love most about the stepsisters is that they’re gloriously delusional. In their minds, they are the moment, the romantic lead, the ingenue, and the obvious choice for the prince. Cinderella is simply supporting cast. It’s such a gift to play characters with that level of confidence and absolutely zero self-awareness.
Every production offers a different flavour of stepsister, sometimes glamorous, sometimes chaotic, sometimes completely unhinged, and it’s been such an honour to explore another take. Working with Monique Soleil (Joy) has been a blast. We are so excited to bring the boldness, the rivalry, and the perfectly misplaced confidence we’ve been building in rehearsal to the stage.
2. What is your dream role yet to come?
I’m really drawn to misunderstood, emotionally complex characters. Sally Bowles in Cabaret immediately comes to mind as a dream role — she’s layered, flawed, magnetic, and heartbreakingly human.
On the other hand, I’ve never played a true heroine before, and that’s definitely something I’d love to explore. There’s something thrilling yet vulnerable about stepping into strength and sincerity in that way.
3. What kind of training have you done or are still doing (ie vocal lessons, dance, workouts etc)
I love taking weekly local adult dance classes. Most recently, I’ve been dancing with Comeback Dance Collective (with Holly Laflamme) and High Pointes Dance Academy. They’re such welcoming spaces and a wonderful starting point for anyone interested in local theatre — or simply dancing for the joy of it.
Outside of rehearsals, I take vocal lessons when I can. Most recently, I had the pleasure of working with Marie Anderson while preparing for my Cinderella auditions. I also enjoy attending the Friends of SONG drop-in choir for adults program whenever my schedule allows — it’s such a fun and fulfilling way to keep singing.
4. You obviously love performing — when did you realize that?
I think I’ve always known. As a child, I dreamed of being an actor. Drama class was always my favourite subject, and I was constantly involved in lip-sync contests with friends, talent shows, and musical theatre classes. Even outside of school, I was always finding ways to perform. I grew up around bodybuilding — both my parents are bodybuilding coaches — and my mom choreographed routines, so I was surrounded by people turning strength and movement into art. That experience inspired me to think creatively about performance, and in 2018, I even competed and placed in a show that combined movement and stage presence, which was an unforgettable experience.
I’m so grateful that I’ve been able to create space in my adult life for what truly will continue to be a lifelong passion.
5. Who are your influences from the entertainment world — on stage, in movies, music, TV?
My biggest influences come from seeing live theatre, especially local productions. One of my earliest theatre memories is when my dad took me to see The Wizard of Oz in 2003, also by VOS Theatre. I still remember how magical it felt, the way the story and performances transported me to another world and how badly I wanted to be on that stage too.
Later, seeing Chicago in 2019 with Northumberland Players was a turning point for me. It inspired me to finally take the leap and join local theatre as an adult, and it showed me what’s possible when talented people come together with passion and dedication.
I’m constantly blown away by the performers in this area. What makes it even more special is getting to know them as people and members of our community with full lives who carve out time to create something extraordinary together. I’ve always found it beautiful that people from all different paths and walks of life can come together to make magic on stage.
There are honestly too many influences to name, but if I’ve worked with you or seen you perform on stage, you’ve definitely had an influence on me. Beyond theatre, I’m inspired by music that feels big, emotional, and storytelling-driven, like Florence + The Machine. Her songs have a theatricality and raw energy that remind me why I love performing, the power of connecting with an audience through emotion, movement and voice.
