“No one is alone, truly/No one is alone,” is one of the heartfelt life lessons “Into the Woods” has to offer among the difficult moments.
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s “Into the Woods” is certainly no easy task in the theatre world. It’s full of complex overlapping storylines about the characters and archetypes we all know and love. This writer was fortunate enough to climb down her busy beanstalk of a schedule and attend the dress rehearsal run as they prepare for opening night.
John Terista (Baker), Taylor Wichterman (Cinderella), Kelly Nide (Little Red Riding Hood), Andrew Shuberda (Jack), and Antonia Bongiorno (Baker’s Wife) are our rag-tag group of “wishers” who set out into the woods to fulfill their individual desires. The Baker and his wife cross paths with all of them in search of a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold to break an ancient spell.
This group had perfect chemistry and flow with one another. The opening of “Prologue: Into the Woods” featuring the entire company was so full of energy it had me on the edge of my seat. And towards the end of the production, “Your Fault” had me singing along to the fan favorite.
The solo numbers were just as cohesive as the group ones. Bongiorno’s “Moments in the Woods” was one of my favorites of the night. She was poised and passionate yet so witty in her delivery of the lyrics. Wichterman’s “On the Steps of the Palace” was just as memorable, giving the audience some insight into why she lost her famous golden shoe. Her tone and presence will linger with you on the car ride home. Stepping into the minds of these women is exactly like reading a storybook. It’s deliciously intrusive and audiences are going to love living with these two.
Our two younger characters, Jack and Little Red, played by Shuberda and Nide, are oh so naive, thinking that cows and harps can be friends, and that wolves don’t see you as a meal. Shuberda’s “Giants in the Sky” was vocally excellent, including the money note at the end. However, my hope is that he truly commits to the wonder of playing Jack and that feeling that anything is possible. Nide’s “I Know Things Now” was exactly how I imagined. The wordiness of the lyrics and the tempo changes were smooth and careful. As well as her vocal performance of completely giving into the higher-pitched tone of a child.
Now there’s one character I have yet to introduce, but that is because she needs no introduction. Remember that ancient spell? The Witch played by Julianna Chesla, cast it on the Baker’s family line. Draped in Bernadette Peters’ original cloak from when she played the role, Chesla truly embodied this wickedly misunderstood character. From the moment she appears on stage you know two things, every time she is involved you need to pay attention and don’t ever never ever mess around with her greens, especially the beans.
Her performances of “Stay With Me” and “Last Midnight” gave me chills and almost brought tears to my eyes. Her complicated story of wanting to protect her “child,” Rapunzel played by Julia Gale is so heartbreaking. Chesla gave it her all and you could feel her pain and drive during “Last Midnight.” Parents in the audience will be able to resonate with wanting to protect and shelter their children. That’s what makes this musical so relatable from all angles.
Another great moment to watch was Terista and Bongiorno’s “It Takes Two.” The vocal chemistry between them is great and is a testament to their teamwork. You will be rooting for these two up until the very end and their story is one you won’t want to miss. “No More” was another great unexpected duo moment as Terista gets an unusual pep-talk from Xavier Santangelo (Mysterious Man). He learns never to give up no matter the questions or tests thrown his way. Don’t worry, the identity of the Mysterious Man is revealed at the end, but act one will have you shouting, “Who the hell is this guy?”
As fabulous as our main characters are, there were a few side characters who stole the show. Amanda Giunta (Cinderella’s Stepmother), Emma Fitzgerald (Florinda), and Allie Fontana (Lucinda) were absolutely hilarious. From taunting Cinderella to looking ever so chic in their sunglasses after an accident, these ladies brought some much needed humor. When they enter on stage know that you’re in for a funny mannerism or comment.
Charlie Ferrera as Cinderella’s Prince also known as “Charming” was also one of my favorites. His performance of “Agony” with Francisco Marques (Rapunzel’s Prince) was audibly laughable, in the best way. I held my laughter in (sometimes) for the sake of being professional, but I digress. Both men are excellent singers and actors, but if they both let it rip with over-the-top dramatics, this number will be worth waiting for.
Sami Khatri (The Wolf) and Alexis Finkelstein (The Narrator) were also characters I looked forward to seeing. Khatri’s “Hello, Little Girl” was clever and well suited in a higher key. This updated twist made the song seductive and chilling. Finkelstein did a great job guiding us through the tale and being clear and concise. Without her, the audience would be even more confused due to the rapid pacing.
It’s important for me to give credit where it’s due to the artistic staff and production team. Director, Sheri Anderson and Musical Director, Mike Glich no doubt took time and care to prepare this cast for these taxing roles. Their hard work and dedication truly shows. The production team, from the mysterious lighting and giant footsteps to the magical storybook scene with vines and a tree, were great visual aspects. Without these individuals the story wouldn’t be fully brought to life. I would also be a fool if I didn’t mention the Chesla as costume designer and the amazing good luck omen of this cast having some of the Broadway production’s costumes.
Overall, this show is fun, heartfelt, and fast paced. My major critique would be for all the cast members to clearly enunciate each sentence. Those bits of information can get lost in translation at times and we wouldn’t want the audience to leave feeling incomplete. This minor detail doesn’t take away from the production as a whole. As the Witch would say, “Well that’s another story/Nevermind/Anyway.” If you’re ready to set out on the ultimate musical adventure of humor, growth, and companionship, then see this show.
All performances are held at Woods Theatre and opening night is this Thursday, Nov. 13 at 7 p.m. Don’t lose your glass slipper if you miss the first journey into the woods! There are more shows on Saturday, Nov. 15 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.. The show will close out the run with a matinee and evening performance on Sunday, Nov. 16 at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m..
As the company sings, “Into the woods/Into the woods/Then out of the woods/And home before dark!”
