Into the Woods

Sending your babies out into the world – or even as far as “the Woods” – is something every parent must do -eventually. Co-directors Leiz Moore and Allan Jeffrey chose Into the Woods as the graduating project for the Musical Theatre Crew Senior Ensemble. There are 25 kids in the senior group – twelve graduating students who have been with MTC for up to 6 years.

The sophistication and (musical) complexity of Stephen Sondheim’s popular show is a big ask for such young performers. As usual, they carried it off with aplomb, panache and great enthusiasm.  Audiences loved it – a close-to-a-sell-out season! The fairytales story theme is also a sort of morality play– be careful what you wish for!

Musical Theatre Crew productions are training vehicles. Alternating roles means that most performers learn several sets of roles, dialogue and music. It’s teamwork training and theatre craft –performers thrive on the discipline and rehearsal experience, resulting in a high level of competence in each production. As well as giving the performers the chance to learn so much, it must give them the chance to learn about entertainment industry hierarchy – star in one show, then a smaller role in the next.

Slick, fast-paced and visually stunning, with pretty costumes and sparkling, bubbly young performers, the clever plot rolled along quickly with precision and vivacity. Excellent sets, and clever props – Milky White the Cow was a scrawny looking beast, and the birds who advised Cinderella were well handled. Emilia Hawkey and Emily Orange alternated as bird wranglers, Rapunzel and Snow White, but I don’t know which of these clever actors’ was on duty when I saw the show. Cassie Ogle was Cinderella the night I went. Her competence was obvious, and her confidence with the double meanings and silliness of the role was hilarious. Jack Norris was Cinderella’s Prince, and the wolf – he played both roles with irony and over-the-top silliness. Martine Holliday played Red Riding Hood with mischief and charm, and Jaime Mollineaux-Herbert was a skilfully scary witch.

The entire cast, crew and musical team deserve a big fat round of applause for presenting such a fun, enjoyable entertainment. Well done!

Merlene Abbott