The road through the woods is never an easy one, but Delaware County Christian School’s production of “Into the Woods” successfully navigated the agony and the whimsical nature of this musical masterpiece.
“Into the Woods,” first performed in 1986, is a Tony Award-winning musical with a book by James Lapine and a score by the legendary Stephen Sondheim. It is the story of a Baker and his wife who go into the woods to break a Witch’s curse. In the process, they become intertwined with some of the most iconic characters from the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, including Cinderella, Jack, and Little Red Riding Hood. In the end, they learn that “be careful what you wish for” is a lesson with great meaning.
Alex Sterious is excellent as the Baker, bringing technical skill and chemistry with his Baker’s wife, played by Maina Kopitas. Their “It Takes Two” is a soulful highlight of the show’s highest moments. Meanwhile, Lily Rose Spicer’s Witch is electrifying, bringing an infectious charm and technically perfect vocals to her “Last Midnight,” an unforgettable final song to her unforgettable performance.
Markus Mehler’s performance as Cinderella’s Prince shines with comedic genius as he utilizes vocality to embody the pompous entitlement of the character. In stark contrast, Ian Kauffman’s Wolf is charming and predatory, with an otherworldly aura that adds to the richness of his performance. Chloe Smith brings a sharp edge to the comedy with her fearless performance as Little Red Riding Hood. Her deadpan humor makes the loss of innocence a poignant moment. As the Mysterious Man, Josiah Johnakin brings a delightful, level of nosiness to the role, serving as a witty catalyst for the Baker’s quest. Lastly, Ruby Connolly brings a level of brilliance to the role of Rapunzel with her voice soaring through the high notes as she longs to see the world outside the tower. These performances bring a vibrant life to the woods.
The DC orchestra and technical crews were also effective in transforming the woods from whimsical to haunting. Behind the curtain, Stage Managers Tyler Rezer and Leah Lee worked with precision to bring the performance to life. With this level of dedication, the entire production became a singular achievement of breathtaking wonder.
From the agony of the path to the glory of the stage, the production stands as a testament to the vision of director Mrs. French. Her steady hand guided this talented ensemble through every intricate turn of Sondheim’s world with grace and wisdom, proving that while the journey is fraught with shadows, the result is nothing short of magic.
