The show intertwines several Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales, but pushes the envelope by exploring the consequences of the character's choices.  A narrator, played here by the capable Alex Buchman, introduces the characters.  When a Baker and his Wife learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for special objects required to break the spell.  Swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel and Jack (as in "and the beanstalk"…) all are part of the plot. Everyone's wish is granted at the end of Act One, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results. What begins a lively irreverent fantasy becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children.

As the first number started the show in commanding fashion, I suspected NYT Director Kimberly Jongejan must have had a heart for this show.  After glancing through the show program, it turned out to be exactly the case for her with "Woods".  Many directors have a particular love for a story, and we see a show absolutely blossom because of it.  Most NYT shows are very good, creative and solid, but this one went above and beyond.  You can see Ms. Jongejan's passion for the show.  The sets, by glenn g. grassi, are fun and inventive, including a curtain of woodsy material in the house and some staging set in the pit.  Debbie Faber's costumes are wonderful, as always, with 2 terrific cows, darling birds and a hen to build on the wonderful pieces for the main characters.

There is some very big talent at NYT, which all worked together to make "Into the Woods" gel.  Cinderella was played by the lovely Haley DeVirigilio, Jack's Mother by the expressive Brandi Hadfield, and the Witch by a playful Sydney Hollingsworth.  Brandon Lopez and Aaron Butts were the 2 Princes- wonderful in "Agony".  The Mysterious Man was played by Jon McMinn and Little Red Riding Hood was Lauren Johnston.  Truly enjoyable was Kyle Steeno, who it would have been great to have more singing to do as Jack.  He was a delight to watch, with a fun lanky body type that works for him and unique voice.  Absolutely beautiful was the Baker's Wife, Terra Salazar, who one would love to listen to sing all day.  She was wonderfully in character, taking us on a ride from the devoted wife to the "slightly lacking in virtue" companion to Cinderella's naughty Prince.  And then, there was the memorable was Michael Ochoa as the Baker.  He has a gorgeous singing voice, was always in character and made the audience completely believe in his character, sympathizing with his plight throughout.  Michael is destined for a career in theatre if that is what he chooses.

Sondheim is tough material for anyone, let alone youth who are often beginners studying theatre.  His use of syncopated  speech is difficult to control and use effectively, yet this production manages to carry it off.  The songs contain thought narratives, where characters converse or think aloud- it is arguably Sondheim's best work.  Kudos to Musical Director Glen Dennis for making it work so well.  The beautiful "Children Will Listen" is a musical theatre standard, but numbers such as "Moments in the Woods" and the all-too-brief "It Takes Two" are standouts as well. 

Performs March 12 - 14, 2009

Rob Hopper
National Youth Theatre