Entertainment
2 June, 2023
Superb voices make the show
Musical has strong direction and choreography
THE musical Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine is an Atherton Performing Arts production that is currently being performed at the Atherton Performing Arts Theatre in Atherton.
The musical is a lavish, big cast show performed against the backdrop of a dense, almost impenetrable wood.
The storyline follows that of several well-known fairy tales then mixes them up to create new and unexpected directions.
But what ends well in act one changes dramatically in act two.
Fortunately there is a narrator (Neil Bryde) to steer the audience through the various contradictions and machinations of the characters.
The central characters are the Baker and his wife who are desperate for a baby.
The Witch will grant them a child if they can obtain certain articles, among which are a red cloak and a golden slipper.
Characters from various fairy tales cross paths until all is well at the end of act one, just like in a fairy tale. However, in act two, things become darker as the fairy tale world takes a journey into the unknown.
Venturing into the woods can be a very dangerous thing to do. A large part of the production is composed of songs with very little dialogue.
In this regard the production is enhanced by the excellent voices of Cathy Knight (Cinderella), Damien Cavanagh (the Baker), Emily Kitchener (the Baker’s wife), Louise AndersonClemence (Cinderella’s mother), Timothy Wright (Cinderella’s prince), Chelsea Webb (Little Red Riding Hood) and Jean Thomas (the Witch).
Strong performances from Damien Cavanagh, Emily Kitchener, Cathy Knight, Jean Thomas, Lara Madin, Satoko (Koko) Namiki and Timothy Wright made the unfolding events highly watchable.
On-stage puppeteer Tameem Corea also did an excellent job in making Milky White, the puppet cow, come to life, as did Laura Romijn in leading the enthusiastic Forest Spirits.
The strong direction and choreography by Sarah Riber kept the action moving at a fast pace against the backdrop that was well constructed by local artists Rob Mian and Antonia Chew.
Into the Woods is at the Atherton Performing Arts Theatre in Atherton from May 27 to June 11.
Tickets can be bought at Tableland Books Atherton or online at www.athertonperformingarts.com.au
