Into the Woods Review

"Into the Woods"

The Summer Place Theatre 

Naperville Central Auditorium

(630) 355-7969

July 27- August 12, 2001

Into The Woods, worth the journey...

by Dean Silvers

Let me start by saying that I was ready to like this production.  In this reviewer’s opinion, there are two of Stephen Sondheim’s works that are not to be missed; Into the Woods and Sweeney Todd.  Both are written with beautiful harmony and with lyrics that are so clever that often they must be heard several times to fully appreciate the puns and witticisms.

I was not disappointed.  This show, directed by Kevin Long and with music direction by Ted Waltmire, had it all.  Impressive set (Ken Frykholm and Amy Jessup), beautiful lighting (William Tilford), and an ensemble cast that lived up to my high expectations

For the uninitiated, this story weaves several fairy tales into a single plot involving, but not limited to, the Baker’s Wife, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Little Red Riding Hood.  Oh yes, of course there’s the Witch.  In the first act, the story explores dreams-come-true.  In the second, the characters experience what happens after happily-ever-after.   A line in the finale aptly captures the dilemma facing them all:  “wishes come true, not free.”  Sondheim and partner James Lapine layer ethical question upon ethical question in the beautifully crafted work.

Standout performances among this talented cast begin with Kim Mason.  Her portrayal of the Baker’s Wife was superb.  Mason displayed wonderful vocal variety and her characterization was rooted in emotional reality.   I particularly liked her rendition of “Moments in the Woods” in act two. 

Paul Mullen’s Baker would do any production proud.  As the character that must change the most in order to survive, Mullen fleshed out the Baker so that the audience felt his pain, joy and sorrow right along with him.  “No More” was Mullen’s best number.  It was beautifully sung with heartfelt emotion.  Together, Mullen and Mason teamed up to provide a musical high point with “It Takes Two.”

Cinderella came to life through Gretchen Wood Schuttler.  She began sweetly naďve and became sweetly realistic.  Schuttler showed her range by executing comic pratfalls as skillfully as well crafted songs such as “On the Steps of the Palace.” 

And what would a fairy tale be without a Witch?  This Witch (Nancy Kolton) was the universal witch that shows up in most every fairy tale.  In act one, she is the bane of everyone’s existence.  In act two, she becomes everyone’s moral guide.  Kolton portrays the hag turned beauty queen with energy and vitality.  I especially liked her rendition of “Children Will Listen.” 

Cinderella’s Prince was well portrayed by Will Reynolds.  The Prince, a philandering, narcissistic, puff of air, oozed smarm.  Reynolds hit it right on the mark. Teaming up with Reynolds to sing the witty “Agony” was Rapunzel’s Prince (Zachary Miller.)  Here, the two princes compared notes on their madness pursuit of women.  Both this song and its reprise in act two were razor sharp. 

Tying all of the characters and stories together is the Narrator given life by Roger Place.   Place moved the stories along both as an outside observer and by meddling internally as The Mysterious Man.  His stage presence while narrating was ideal, adding to the strength of the show.

The balance of the cast was wonderful.  There was not a weak link in the chain.  Jack (Ben Gray), Jack’s mother (Chris Weiss), Rapunzel (Laura Ward) and Little Red Riding Hood (KT Lindsay) were all nicely done.  Some much needed comic relief was provided by Cinderella’s Stepmother (Sharon Place), stepsisters (Jennifer Manderscheid and Susan Bowen) and Father (Steve Zeidler.)  All have some funny moments.  Cynthia Lauren-Grant played a myriad of characters while Matt Whalen as the Steward discovered ‘the greater the good, the harder the blow.’

The first act is highly appropriate for younger children, and in fact, is often performed as a complete work for young audiences.  Some of the themes explored in act two, however, may be a bit intense for the young audience member.

If you can only choose one show to see this summer, this is the one.  And remember:  Witches can be right.  Giants can be good. 

I give this production:  4 Silvers’ Stars

1 Silvers’ Star = skip it

2 Silver’s Stars = go if there’s nothing good on TV

3 Silvers’ Stars = Recommended

4 Silvers’ Stars = Don’t Miss