Into The Woods

I can only imagine that myself and the audience were impressed and transfixed from the moment we entered the “Woods Hall” until we left.

Stephen Sondheim’s “Into The Woods ”is, quoting Chrissie Ashworth the Artistic Director, “an extremely challenging production and one we’ve embraced with huge enthusiasm, dedication and a lot of hard work. Musically it’s as difficult as it gets”.

Elen Mair Roberts, the Musical Director, says “the music and lyrics are complex and sophisticated and bring ambiences about various aspects of life”.

The company decided to use the official recordings issued by Musical Theatre International. Quite a challenge for the singers to match the speed of the music. An excellent result under the baton of Elen Mair Roberts. Of course technology does fail at times, which it did just near the end of the first half. It was dealt with quickly and the show continued. 

The story involves numerous fairy tale characters who get their wish in the first Act but suffer the consequences in the second Act. The costumes were from the company and were really good and appropriate. Milky White’s udder started out as a shoulder bag - very innovative. In fact Jan Bellis played a lovely part and the whole outfit was quite innovative..

The show was “Into The Woods” and certainly we knew that on arrival. A beautiful open set spread with a canopy of trees. Different trees were used throughout the story; they incorporated a small hill and also there was a castle for Rapunzel and the Princes.

The Giant’s kingdom was referred to and pointed out by the cast. It was behind the audience and we used our imagination – very clever.

Although the cast work together they are also individuals. The Baker (Robin Crowley) and his wife (Rachel Dobson) worked very well together and were busy throughout. I loved Rachel’s voice. Each character in the story spoke/sang to the audience helping the plot along. Super performances.

The Narrator (Chris Williams) kept his eye on everyone and wasn’t happy in the second Act to be voted for as food for the Giant. Everyone’s diction was very clever, both when speaking and singing. Cinderella (Rose Burgon) was quite young. This was her first theatre performance but you wouldn’t know it. She has a beautiful voice which I am sure we will hear more of in the future. In fact everyone was well cast.

Jack (Ethan Roberts) has developed over the years through The Young Uns. He has such a lovely personality and lots of talent. Excellent performance. Jack’s mother (Sue O’Neill) again well cast. Jack and his mum worked well together. She had just the commanding performance needed. Of course, Jack still did his own thing. There was a lot of love between them, especially when the Giant took her.

Fancy having a Stepmother (Justine Bradey) who lets her daughters Florinda (Naomi Riley) and Lucinda (Hannah Taylor) have their toes removed in order to fit the slipper. This is where the fairy stories become quite evil. They make an evil family and, as much as Stepmother had lots of power over Cinderella’s Dad (Sean Ruane-Brown) he was the traditional beaten down father. Who would dare to argue with his wife and her children?

Little Red Riding Hood (Leri Anwen Roberts) is another performer who has made her move from The Young Uns. She is obviously ready for it, a very strong performance and a lovely voice.

The Witch (Stephanie Williams) was wonderful. As the wicked witch with a prosthetic nose and hunch-back stance, a voice to go with it, no one would cross her. Then, of course, the transformation to the ‘good witch’ and we were able to enjoy her lovely singing voice. Her change of character was formidable. Great on all counts. The failure of the technology there did not seem to faze her. Great performance.

Wolf (Kevin Williams) met his match with Red Riding Hood and Granny (Sue Cheshire). Baddy characters seem to be his forte. Yet I expect he is just as good in his dream of a virtuous character when he gets a chance. Granny has the traditional lines in the story. A small part but well played. The mysterious Man (Bill Cheshire) turned up at various stages of the show. He didn’t share his secret until the end. Quiet. Lonely character played well.

Rapunzel (Jessica Fidler) took a part demanding a beautiful voice and long hair! She dealt well with the Witch and the subsequent Prince. Another character having to show 2 different  aspects. Two Princes in this story, VERY different. Cinderella’s Prince (Graham Bannister-Kelly) enjoyed himself, as did we. I don’t think Cinders was very enamoured though.

Rapunzel’s Prince (Kelsey Thornton) had a hard time with her. He did well however. Poor Steward (Edward Roscoe) waiting until last. He joined in all the singing and lots of movements.

The choreographer (Rob Stevens) appeared to do simple choreography. That is not always so simple, but well rehearsed works well. I really liked the use of freezes while others told the story.

No doubt you have the idea that I was really enamoured with the show. Everyone was well cast, the back-stage crew, costumers and musicians, under the directors and Production Team put their all into the show. It is not the easiest but you all achieved success. Well done.

 

The views in this report are solely of the author.

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