Review of “Into the Woods” at Florence Little Theatre

This past weekend and over the next week the Florence Little Theatre is  transformed as the cast takes a journey “Into the Woods”.  Sondheim’s musical “Into the Woods” tells us that while fairytales may end happily ever after, that is only because the reader usually is not allowed to see what Act II may hold.  The reality is that we must all leave our comfortable confines to learn and grow, we can not stay safe and sheltered forever… nor can we lock our children up or keep them in a tower to protect them from the cold, hard world.  Or in this case… the woods.

Act I opens as a glorious fairytale complete with a repulsive witch, a rag clad Cinderella, a childless Baker and his wife, and Jack of the beanstalk fame.  Julia Saverance is an absolute hoot as the Granny.  The actors make a difficult plot sequence easy for the audience to follow.  We first know that we are in for a treat when the witch (Candy Carter) appears to the Baker and his wife (Courtney Dease and Camille Lindquist).   The audience sits spell bound, disbelief suspended as they wait to see what is next.  I heard the whisper of a small child nearby:  “Mommy look, there is a real witch in the play.”  The witch’s spine-tingling cackle reverberates throughout the theater.  I assure you that if she looked out and gave me an order, I would jump to meet her demand.  Though Sondheim uses the narrator to tell the story, it is the witch that is the true bearer of the story—through rap, spells, smoke, lights, and song.  I have never had the luxury of seeing Mrs. Carter on stage before, but she is truly phenomenal in this role.

The audience can literally feel the fear emanating from the Baker as the witch “zaps” him with a spell.  It may be that we are all concerned his pants would catch on fire from the magic that came shooting out of the witches hand.  The Baker and his wife are both believable and bring solidity to the cast as the representation of two people searching for the American dream—and what they are willing to do to achieve it.   Ms. Lindquist’ vocals are impeccable and she shows early on that although she is new to the Florence Little Theatre, she will not disappoint. Mr. Dease is strong as her devoted husband.

We are transported to Rapunzel’s (Kristin Owen) tower, and see that the witch has hidden her daughter high to protect her from the outside world.  Ms. Owen’s Rapunzel is absolutely beautiful in both song and character.  Every time she would sing from offstage, I would sit slightly spellbound to enjoy the range of her voice.  Jack (Joey Webster) plays what appears to be a slightly doofy, but affable character.  However, Mr. Webster brings a strength and depth in his solo “Giants in the Sky” that gave me chill bumps.

Little Red Riding Hood (Nikki Frabott) is innocence personified as she wanders through the woods.  One of my favorite scenes is her encounter with the big, bad wolf (Frankie Sullivan).  Mr. Sullivan brings the wolf to life as he lacisviously gyrates across the stage.  It is difficult for me to say if I would be terrified of him or if I would ask him to dance with me.  He seems to evoke both emotions in the female soul, both as the wolf and Cinderella’s haughty prince.

Act I flows nicely in both song and acting. Glen Gourley is masterful as the narrator.  He engages the audience in the story he is telling about the magical journey they are observing.  He is witty, funny, and thought provoking all at once.  It is fascinating to see him as both an outside observer looking in, and compare it with his role as the mysterious man.  The mysterious man also appears at opportune times to cause everyone to stop and think.  As Act 1 comes closer to an end, the witch’s transformation is handled beautifully.  It is astounding to think that one person plays both roles.

As Act II begins, we see that everyone has exactly what they have always wanted… or do they?  The cast faces great moral dilemmas.  What lengths are they willing to go to in order to get the things they want?  What will they do in the face of tragedy?  How will they react to temptation?  Some of the greatest lyrics of the play appear in Act II with “Children Will Listen”, and “Your Fault.”

There is comic relief in the evil stepsisters as they wander about the stage blindly after they had met with some particularly vile birds that peck their eyes out.  Shauna Lair never breaks character for a second and I could not help but continuously laugh at her antics.

Chrissy Fennel is breathtaking as Cinderella.  Listening to Ms. Fennel, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, and the Baker sing “No One is alone” will truly make you feel as if you will step out into Times Square when you leave the theater.  (Joe Allen’s after the show, anyone?)

There is no doubt that “Into the Woods” is a more complex show than the usual musical.  It is this very complexity makes it well worth your time to make sure you see this show.  There are performances in this show that should truly not be missed, and you will be thinking about them for years to come.  I also want to specially recognize the musical director and the musicians in the orchestra pit.  The music is absolutely beautiful.

(Tickets are on sale at the Florence Little Theatre for Tues-Sat nights.  If you comment on this post, you will automatically be entered to win two tickets to either Friday night or Saturday night.  Contest ends Thursday at noon.   Please include which night you are entering for to be entered.  Tweet this post or put it on facebook and then leave an additional comment telling me you did so for another chance to win.)