Into the Woods

By James Lapin

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

Directed by Natalie Burkhart

Assistant Directed by Sascha Connor

Music Directed by Noel Clark

Photos by Dalaney Rain Photography

Produced by Upright Theatre Co.

Review by Natalie Shaw

I've always enjoyed my time at Upright Theatre Company in Euless. They've always put their best foot forward with every production they've done. But, I must honestly admit that they are operating on a totally new level! They continue to improve and impress! The theater space provides an intimate space with lounge seating and a smaller platform stage, perhaps suggesting that plays with a small cast will be all you can expect to see. So, when they decide to do a production with a larger ensemble, you wonder how they will pull this off. But, if I learned anything about Director Natalie Burkhart, after seeing Sweeney Todd last Fall, it's that she's a genius when it comes to choreographing and staging a large ensemble in a smaller space. Under her direction, alongside her assistant director Sascha Connor, actors are performing all around the audience-- singing, dancing, and moving throughout the scenes. Choreography by Jennifer Leyva notably exceptional, as well! It's tremendously exciting in which to be apart!

I have been waiting (for what feels like an eternity) for a theatre in our area to perform Into the Woods. Upright Theatre Co. was up to the challenge and they do not disappoint! Into the Woods tells the story of several fairy tale characters with whom we are are familiar, but adds even more twists and turns than you could expect to find. The Baker (Devon Watkins) and His Wife (Rebecca Miller) want a child very badly, but The Witch (Brandy Raper) has cast a spell upon their lineage that they must break-- together. Cinderella (Megan Guerra) wants to go to the ball, but she gets more than she bargained for when her wish is granted. Little Red Riding Hood (Josephine Williams) is on her way to Granny's (Noel Clark) house, but gets detoured by The Wolf (Jonah Hardt.) Jack (Nathanael Clark) wants to keep his Milky White cow, but must sell her for some beans. The princes marry the princesses they want, but discover that love is much more complicated than they thought, and they'll have to sacrifice their bachelor lifestyles for their marriages. By Act Two, when the characters are home again and out of the woods, everything they thought would make them happy, doesn't. The realities and consequences of life and their choices finally settles in; certain giants begin to rear their ugly heads. Will they survive or will they turn on one another?

This cast and production team is stellar, with new and familiar performers from our area! Some of our previously accomplished artists include Dallas Theatre Journal's Access Artists: Brandy Raper as The Witch, Devon Watkins as The Baker, Branson White as Lighting Designer, and Dallas Theatre Journal's Pro-Focus Artist: Noel Clark as Cinderella's Mother/Granny, who is also this production's Music Director. You can read more about their artistic accomplishments here! Raper's Witch is cunning and conniving, with a blood curdling chuckle that will make the hairs on the back of your neck stand up. Her compassion toward Rapunzel (Jacy Schoening), who is the only character whom she truly cares about, is irrational, but sensible, causing us to question just how evil she may really be. Watkins portrays a caring, but conflicting husband figure toward Baker's Wife, Rebecca Miller, putting her security and well-being above his own, while wrestling with some complex emotions. He uses a gentle, but firm tone with her, demonstrating his character's true affection for her, while also suggesting a longing for the respect he needs in their marriage. White's lighting design cleverly pulls our focus in appropriate directions throughout the theater space, aiding us in the transitions of new scenes, and there are many in this script! And Clark gives us an angelic matriarch in Cinderella's Mother, and a feisty Granny, while simultaneously leading an exceptional team of soloists and ensemble of actors/singers. She is, indeed, the hardest working Music Director I've yet to meet!

(*whispering in your ear) I will tell you, honestly, who the true show-stopper is on this stage. One in which, without a doubt, the entire cast and production team will surely agree with me, so I won't fear any jealousy or indignation. You ready? It's Megan Guerra as Cinderella! Yes!! Guerra's Cinderella is full of spunk, while keeping the dove-like spirit that we all know and love. Her physical humor and comedic timing hit the mark in every scene, and her angelic voice is pitch-perfect in every song. (cue: Isn't She Lovely) I sincerely adored watching her perform!

You cannot enjoy Into the Woods without thinking of the "Agony" number with Cinderella's Prince and Rapunzel's Prince. Among the many notable songs in this musical script, there is none so ironically clever as this one! We, the audience, shake our heads in disbelief over these pathetic princes of "charm," as they elevate their love pangs over that of all other human suffers. We are free to laugh at them and laugh, we must! This number is not successful, however, if you don't have two actors who recognize the ridiculous-ness that exists within their characters and within in the song. Jonah Hardt (Cinderella's Prince) and Thomas Powderly (Rapunzel's Prince) seize the satirical spirit of the song and of their characters, as well as playfully indulge us with their characters' immaturity and ignorance of the real world. We chuckle as the two naïve knuckleheads gallop off the stage, whether they're riding a horse or not. In addition to his fantastic performance as Cinderella's Prince, Hardt plays an expertly villainous Wolf, as well as acting as the set designer for the production. Hardt's set design includes beautiful, very life-like trees for our "woods" setting and cleverly includes a fisherman's net that is used as the canopy for the trees. Very resourceful and creative!

Into the Woods at Upright Theatre Co. takes us back in time to our childhood fantasies with familiar fairytales, but with jovial twists that validate our adult experiences when it comes to love and family relationships. Tickets are selling fast and space is limited, so reserve your seat now! Don't miss out on your journey into the woods! Tickets are available here and at uprighttheatre.org. Into the Woods continues through March 17.

Audience Rating: PG for minor sexual references

Running Time: 2.5 hours with a 15- 20 minute intermission

Accessible Seating: Available

Hearing Devices: Not Available

Sensory Friendly Showing: Not Available

ASL Showing: Not Available

Volume Level: Comfortable, may be low at times

Noises and Visuals to Prepare For: flashing lights, loud "Giant" stomping feet, fog, screaming

Y'all Enjoy!

Natalie Shaw