Olivet High School will be presenting Into the Woods for their fall musical this year, directed by Malia Koger and vocal instructor, Alexis Stark. This story, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine, and orchestrated by Jonathan Tunick follows the dark twists of the classic fairytales Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and many other favorite childhood fairytale characters.
Into The Woods covers a variety of realistic topics that speak to many people. It starts off with the main characters, Cinderella (Morgan Miklusicak), Jack (Elena Stolberg), the Baker (Marcus Pennington), the Baker’s Wife (Marlee Masters) and Little Red Riding Hood (Hannah Barnard) wishing for things that they desire. The story describes that these characters can acquire their wishes, but not without many consequences. The show follows them on their journey into the woods to obtain the items needed to break the curse that the witch (Sydney Marshall) placed on them. The journey to acquire these articles causes giants in the sky to become angry and revengeful against the townspeople. In order to survive, they must come together to save the kingdom, but not before tragedy occurs.
This musical is extraordinarily difficult and after talking to the cast, many agreed that memorization and tempo are greatest challenges they’ve faced so far. Taking this in stride, the cast has rehearsed hours on end to bring this production to the stage. Zach Salyers has never been onstage before this production but was first introduced to the theatre world working backstage.
He expressed, “I am enjoying having to exercise my brain to memorize and being around everyone.”
This goes to show how this cast has really come together to bring this amazing story to life.
As said by senior Rebecca Peck, “This show is unique because it pulls together people with varying schedules and a large variety of interests.”
Come support the hardworking and talented Olivet High School theatre students in this one weekend only production. Performances will take place in the Olivet High School Auditorium on Nov. 16 and 17 at 7 p.m. and Nov. 18 at 3 p.m. Non-reserved seating ticket purchases only and can be purchased at the door before the show.
Article submitted by Olivet Community Schools.
