Editor Narrates Into the Woods at Hornsby
In Hornsby Musical Society’s (NSW) production of the James Lapine / Stephen Sondheim musical Into The Woods at Hornsby RSL from August 24 to September 1, Stage Whispers Editor Neil Litchfield’s plays The Narrator and Mysterious Man.
“I was going to say a little about how I exit the show, but I’ve been told that would be a ‘spoiler’ for the uninitiated,” says Neil (pictured above amidst the cast holding the bread). “So I guess the most I can say is that like the rest of the characters, even though I tell the story I don’t exactly get a fairy tale ending, even though I get a couple of bites at the cherry.”
The fractured fairy tale plot features the well-known characters Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack (and the Beanstalk), and Little Red Ridinghood, interwoven with the story of the Baker and his Wife who desperately want a child. As each of the characters ventures into the woods searching for their happy ever after they encounter Princes, runaway brides, wolves, and witches along the way … but will they find their happy ever after?
Here’s what some of the cast members have to say:
Sue Rowe – Jack’s mum, says, “I’m just a typical mother, with a typical teenage son, who won’t do what he’s told – an look what happens – beanstalks giants, harps and Sondheim lyrics.”
Elizabeth Chambers, playing the Witch, states, “If there´s one thing this show has taught me, it’s be careful what you wish for... you may just get it.”
Julianne Horne, Cinderella’s Stepmother, says, “I have been doing this for more years than I care to remember and I just can't believe the talent of the cast in this show. It has been fun developing the "evil" stepmother. It’s not often you can get to be bigger than life! Sondheim has woven a spell that is not only entertaining but provides much food for moral thought!”
Chloe Horne, playing Lucinda, admits ‘The evil step-mother is my real mother and I can promise you, she's not really evil.... Most of the time!’
Jacquie Nolan, playing the other step sister, Florinda, says “Being my first show with Hornsby, I am very excited and thrilled to be a part of such an amazing group of people who are all very supportive of each other. Being a smaller cast we have all become close, almost like a big family. My other step sister and step mother and I are almost like family now and we hang out in and out of rehearsals.
Kate Campbell Westerway, who plays Rapunzel, says, "These fairy tales are all beautiful and happily ever after, but they in no way prepare you for the real world."
Amy Perry – the Baker’s Wife, says, “I love this role and the musical. No matter how many times I hear the songs or the script it seems fresh and exciting.”
Laura Sheldon, Little Red Riding Hood, says “(Director/ Musical Director) Steven Kreamer is a brilliant person to work with and we've got a really friendly and talented cast which makes being involved that much more enjoyable.”
In between climbing beanstalks, Brendan Paul, playing Jack, confesses, “I am very excited! I’ve always loved Sondheim’s musicals and Into the Woods is a personal favourite. I’ve wanted to play Jack since I first started acting, so to get this opportunity is simply a dream come true.”
INTO THE WOODS
Hornsby RSL
August 24 – September 1, 2012.
Bookings through Hornsby RSL on 9477 7777 or http://iwannaticket.com.au
Photographer: Grant Leslie.
More Community Theatre -www.stagewhispers.com.au/community-theatre
Subscribe to our E-Newsletter, buy our latest print edition or find a Performing Arts book at Book Nook.
