Reviews & Interviews

Haley Jane Forsyth and her fiancé Ryder Kole Emerson were recently featured in Ashland Living Magazine’s February 2024 issue, including a full interview with Kristin Clark about their love of theatre and each other, and photoshoot with Anita Bicskei.

“It was theatre, of course, that brought Haley and Ryder together. They met during Camelot Theatre’s production of The Hunchback of Notre Dame. Haley was choreographer and Ryder was *performing in the cast. They gradually got to know one another as friends. ‘And through that, it was like I truly saw her,’ Ryder says. ‘Then I got to see her perform and it was amazing. Not only is she a great choreographer and she’s going to be my director for Peter Pan, she’s a phenomenal actress and performer. And I wanted to get to know her better.’

Haley says she fell for Ryder over time as they became good friends. ‘We got to hang out more, and I couldn’t help but be captivated by Ryder’s kindness, his sense of humor, and his unique way of looking at the world. It also didn’t hurt that I got to watch him flex his performing skills as the title character in Peter Pan. I know I was in a bit of trouble because I wanted to be professional as his director, while also not ignoring the obvious affection that was growing. I think we made it work in the end!

‘I don’t know how it could not have happened,’ Ryder says. ‘It felt like an unstoppable force.’"

“As a queer couple, the two are especially sensitive to the theatre’s need for diversity of all kinds. ‘We have a lot of talented people who would be amazing performers in roles that they may not be a conventional fit for,’ Haley says. ‘I see progress but there’s still a lot of traditional casting. A lot of male-female couples and not a lot of same-sex couples (in writing). Or if there are same-sex couples, them being a couple is really downplayed…

It’s important to have a lot more people of color in roles that have been traditionally played by white actors, especially in more classical pieces… (and) it’s something we can do without sacrificing the integrity of the art.’”

-Haley Jane Forsyth and Ryder Kole Emerson, Interview with Kristin Clark
Ashland Living Magazine, February 2024

“Forsyth says she is passionate about sharing work that explores human behavior and psychology, ‘like a good mystery’, as well as pieces that celebrate humanity, ‘like queer stories’.

“But, of course there’s also space for laughter and frivolity,” she acknowledged. “There are not many things better than getting to spread joy through theater — which we can all use nowadays.

…You don’t have to live in a big city anymore to have opportunities for great theater,” she said. “Living in Ashland allows me to enjoy the beauties of the forest and mountains and make professional theater. It’s honestly a dream.”

-Haley Jane Forsyth, Interview with Jim Flint
The Rogue Valley Times

https://www.rv-times.com/go_rogue/haley-jane-forsyth-lives-her-dream-life-making-great-theater-in-the-mountains/article_2d8c1426-a5bc-11ee-a5c0-6b23475a8110.html

“Haley Forsyth is the lovely Marian and is no maid, rather a strong woman and skilled archer who speaks her mind and makes her own choices. Forsyth plays this role with grace and intelligence and as Marian is not afraid to enter conflict and contests, beating even the best the realm has to offer. Forsyth’s command of the role is personal and superb.”

-Maureen Flanagan Battistella for “Sherwood: The Adventures of Robin Hood”
Medford Mail Tribune

https://mailtribune.com/news/top-stories/ctps-sherwood-is-wacky-and-wonderful

"The cast was a well-blended mix of actors who doubled for various parts but were flawless in their execution of the different roles. Throughout the show, there were a few musically sung scenes that allowed for a smooth set transition to occur. There was even a little romance that left the audience in laughter and surprise, since it is a murder mystery. In the end, after following loophole after loophole, like falling down the rabbit hole and getting turned around a few times too many, you’re left with the murderer of the night… but, since I don’t want to give too much away, you’d have to decide for yourself if they truly catch the “right” murderer!"

-Meckenzie Brock for “Poirot: Murder on the Links”
The Siskiyou

https://siskiyou.sou.edu/2021/10/13/oregon-cabarets-poirot-murder-on-the-links-theatre-review/

"Having worked on the Broadway revival of Anything Goes the year prior, I was asked to direct and choreograph a production of that show for their in-house company, Nevada Repertory Company, as a part of my residency. Through the structured audition process, Haley rose to the top and was cast as Reno Sweeney. I hoped the actress cast would be able to sing and dance extensively as well as have the ability to explore a somewhat complex character. Haley dove in. She came into rehearsal memorized and prepared to work. She reviewed her material and returned the next day having taken the character further. Her performances were consistent and enjoyable. She certainly met, if not exceeded, my expectations. This speaks a lot to the work ethic Haley exhibits as well as attention to detail and a willingness to bite off a large responsibility. Haley is trustworthy, kind, and someone I would consider hiring for professional work. I hope you will find her spark and talent through your audition process the way I did. She is worth the investment."                

- Adam Cates: Director/Choreographer in Interview for "Anything Goes"
www.adamcates.com