Home 
Features GO Magazine INTO THE WOODS
INTO THE WOODS
 BROTHERS GRIMM FAIRY TALES: "Into the Woods" cast members rehearse Tuesday for their upcoming show. From left are Kyle Troutman (Jack), Carson Goodall (LIttle Red Riding Hood), Sam Pettit (Narrator) and Nicole Crow (Witch). (Observer photos/PHIL BULLOCK). La Grande thespians are going "Into the Woods" March 6-8 at 7:30 p.m. in the La Grande High School auditorium. "Into the Woods," the 1988 Tony Award-winning musical conceived by Stephen Sondheim and James LaPine, is an exploration of what happens after "happily ever after." Using the woods as a metaphor for the world, the authors use fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm to examine both the morality and politics of the world. The darker side of fairy tales are examined as the cast explores the pain of growing up, communal responsibility and the values that we pass on to our children. An intricate, absorbing plot revolves around a baker (Jeff Petrusek) and his wife (Haley Hines), who have been cursed by a vengeful witch (Nicole Crow). As they work to reverse the curse, a narrator (Sam Pettit) leads the audience and cast "into the woods" where they encounter Little Red Riding Hood (Carson Goodall), Jack the giant killer (Kyle Troutman), Jack's mom (Malia Anderson), Cinderella (Beth Ivester), two handsome princes (Scott Baxter and Gaspar McIntosh), the wolf (Chris Bond), Rapunzel (Tiffany Blake) and many more characters. As these characters interact with one another, they must learn to help each other in order to get their wishes. By the end of Act I, everyone's wish has come true, all seems right in the world, and they all live happily ever after. Or do they? Act II explores consequences and repercussions for the actions of the characters and gives the show a chance to explore symbolic themes in fairy tales. The promise of perfect love, the quest for material goods, parent-child relationships and other fairy tale topics are examined and commented on by the characters as they ultimately discover the power of tolerance, community and shared sacrifice. According to Michael Frasier, director of this 27th annual LHS musical, "Into the Woods" is a favorite of singers and dancers everywhere. Its many varied and colorful characters and its challenging musical score make this show both fun and challenging, Frasier said, and are the major reasons why it was chosen for this year's production. "We have a great many talented theater performers at LHS, and I wanted to showcase as many as possible," Frasier said. " Into the Woods' is the perfect vehicle for my students this year." Director Frasier is assisted by accompanist Marilyn Muller, orchestra conductor Jim Howell, choreographer Becki Thompson-Hendrickson and director's assistants Todd Tschida, Tomi Griffin and Deanna Brickman. Jon Hanley is the scenic artist and Kirk Reinbold the master carpenter. Tickets are $5 for adults and $4 for students and seniors and may be purchased at Sunflower Books or the LHS office. All seats are reserved. |
