Into the Woods Jnr

We first meet the Baker, played by Elijah Meler, and his Wife, played by Lucy Madams, who desperately long for a child but soon discover their home is under a curse. Meler and Madams work well together, creating a warm and believable partnership. Madams in particular steps forward with confidence, guiding the pair through their troubles with a gentle strength that suits the role well.

Little Red Riding Hood, played by India Ryan, encounters the Wolf, played by Cameron Clark, while on her way to visit her sick grandmother, portrayed by Olivia Braz. Ryan brings a charming childlike quality to her performance, capturing Little Red’s innocence and curiosity. Clark proves to be a standout, leaning into the Wolf’s mischievous menace with a delightfully unsettling grin, strong physicality, and some impressive dance moves.

Completing the fairy-tale ensemble are Cinderella, played by Stacey Swinkels, who dreams of escaping her wicked stepmother and stepsisters, and Rapunzel, played by Harper Grace, longing to break free from her tower. Swinkels delivers a sweet vocal performance and captures the sense of yearning that lies at the heart of Cinderella’s story, while Grace brings a gentle presence to Rapunzel’s brief but memorable moments.

Overseeing the unfolding chaos is the Witch, played by Olivia Mustapic, whose quest for four magical items sends the characters deep into the woods. From this point, the production thrives on the interplay between the fairy-tale figures as their stories cross and collide.

Providing much of the show’s comedic relief are the two Princes, played by Sebastian Buntic and Joel Morris. The pair bring humour and lively energy to their scenes, leaning into the exaggerated bravado of their characters while playfully paying homage to classic comedic styles reminiscent of Monty Python. Supported by an ensemble that brings warmth and care to each character’s story, this is a tight-knit cast that clearly works together and supports one another to shine.

Interweaving the journeys of these fairy-tale characters are two narrators who help bridge the world of imagination with the moments when play gives way to reality. Joshua Prazan and Ellyssa Taouk guide the audience through the unfolding story, helping to frame the characters’ adventures and the lessons learned as each must face the consequences of their wishes.

The creative team, led by Director Sophie Szecsodi, Musical Director Lauren Dennis and Choreographer Jasmine Argyropoulos, have done a stellar job guiding and nurturing these young performers to create a production that was warmly received by the enthusiastic audience on opening night. Their leadership is evident in the confidence and commitment shown across the cast.

The set design looked sensational and was used skilfully throughout to create the fairy-tale world and its whimsical surroundings. Painted with care and layered thoughtfully, the sets helped establish the sense of enchantment that sits at the heart of the story. Costuming further supported the creation of this magical world, with each character recognisably aligned with their familiar fairy-tale archetype while still allowing room for individual interpretation.

For Miranda Musical Theatre Company’s first junior musical, the result is an evening that captures both the magic and the mischief of the woods. It is a production filled with heart, humour and promise, and a wonderful showcase of the next generation of performers. With its spirited cast and supportive creative team, Into the Woods Jr. delivers a night of theatre that is both funny and sweet — and leaves audiences excited to see what this talented young ensemble will do next.

Sarah Webster

Images: Grant Leslie Photography