Step into the magical world of fairy tales, as Monmouth University’s Theatre Department prepares for their performances of James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.”
“Into the Woods” written by Lapine with music from Sondheim is about those classic Brothers Grimm stories you know and love. You might know some of the songs from the show such as, “Prologue: Into the Woods,” “It Takes Two,” and “No One Is Alone.” The show is witty, heartfelt, and full of twists which allow the audience not only to be captivated, but invested in exploring this world.
Senior Specialist Professor in MU’s Department of Music and Theatre Arts, Sheri Anderson is the director of this production alongside musical director, Michael Gilch. Anderson explained that she chooses rotations of shows to showcase different vocal and dance styles. It seems all the pieces aligned in choosing “Into the Woods,” and it’s certainly a contrast from the last musical performed at Woods Theatre, “Singin’ in the Rain.”
Auditions had over 40 students perform to be a part of this show, ultimately being narrowed down to the 23 members of this talented cast. The cast includes: Alexis Finkelstein as The Narrator, Julianna Chesla as The Witch, John Terista as The Baker, Antonia Bongiorno as The Baker’s Wife, Taylor Wichterman as Cinderella, Andrew Shuberda as Jack, Kelly Nide as Little Red, Charlie Ferrera as Cinderella’s Prince, Francisco Marques as Rapunzel’s Prince, Kira Fisher as Jack’s Mother, Xavier Santangelo as Mysterious Man, Julia Gale as Rapunzel, Sami Khatri as The Wolf, to name a few. No doubt, these students are full of passion for performing and storytelling.
Anderson also explained how this year is the first time the department has a full student design team. The design team includes Production Stage Manager and Scenic Designer, Olivia McGlone; Lighting Designer, Max Ghaffar; Assistant Director and Costume Designer; Chesla, who also plays The Witch; And finally Khatri as Choreographer, who also plays The Wolf. “It’s wonderful. The Musical Theatre program just started during lockdown, so to have grown to this level in a few short years is a dream come true,” Anderson said in response to having a student design team.
I had the opportunity to reach out to some of the cast members as they prepare to dive into this world and become your favorite fairy tale characters.
Finkelstein, who plays The Narrator, will have to channel telling the story as it unfolds. Her character exists to provide the audience with information about the characters almost as a side commentator.
She describes her character as “comforting” because she’ll guide the audience through the fairy tales in a way they’ve never seen, all while removing herself from the scene. She said, “I’m excited to play the switch from observing the story to suddenly being a part of it.”
One of those stories Finkelstein will have to tell is that of The Baker who will be played by Terista. His character is devoted to his wife and their adventure through the woods for a child.
It’s a journey of fatherhood and family, which Terista is up for the challenge. He said, “I’m most excited to explore the Baker’s journey of becoming a father and the challenges that come with stepping into that role for the first time…Whenever I have the chance to play a father figure on stage, it unlocks something deeper in me as an actor, and I’m eager to bring that to the Baker.”
Another performer who is eager to take to the stage with her role is Chelsa as The Witch. While Chelsa’s character is one of the antagonists in this play, she would describe her as “flawed” with many complex layers. Who doesn’t love a good villain and a possible redemption arc? The Witch brings up moral conflicts about “good” and “bad” as these characters meet up in the woods.
However, I believe Chelsa’s connection to this show is going to be where her performance shines through.
She saw “Into the Woods” in 2022 with her mother who told her she was “made to play The Witch.” She said, “Although she’s not physically here to see it through, I know how excited she is to see me venture into this role. Of any show I have ever been in, this will be me at my most emotionally vulnerable moments. To be reminded every night that even in the worst of griefs, you are never alone, is something that I can put my entire heart and soul into.”
While this story has a lot of individual exploration and growth, these two actors will be together from start to finish (sort of). Nide as Little Red Riding Hood (Red) and Khatri as The Wolf will have to tackle the relationship between predator and prey. Nide explained that at Red’s core she’s a “naive yet layered character” and finding her inner feisty child should be exciting to witness.
Khatri, who is also the choreographer of this production said that she’s excited to put her spin on the normally male role of The Wolf. She said, “As a woman, I’m excited to bring a new twist to the iconic song “Hello, Little Girl”! It has been so fun choreographing this song, and I can’t wait for people to see it!”
There’s one more iconic fairy tale character heading into the woods that you’ve heard of. Cinderella will be played by Wichterman, who has stepped into the glass slippers once before in a smaller production.
However, this time she’s ready to apply her new growth as an actress, singer, and overall person. She describes Cinderella as having a “caring nature and patience when working with others.” She said, “This really shines through during the number ‘No One Is Alone.’ After hearing about hurtful truths that pertain to her own life, she puts her own feelings and emotions aside to help Little Red with her troubles, showing she is truly selfless.” For Wichterman playing this character means playing into quirks, inner conflicts, and dreams.
The basis of this show is finding yourself in places that might seem dark and mysterious. We’ve all had times where we “wish” for something or someone. “Into the Woods” captures that essence in an unexpected way.
Don’t just wish you were seeing this show, it’s not worth the agony and misery of missing out. Grab your friends and family to laugh, cry, and explore the woods within Woods Theatre.
