Into the Woods Review
Into the Woods Review

Into the Woods Review

My review of “Into the Woods” is layered with good news and bad news. Would you like to know the bad news first? The bad news is there were only four performances (June 25-27) by the Graham Regional Theatre (GRT) actors. The good news is that the cast did a fantastic job from the opening act to the finale.

I would be remiss not to comment on the euphoric audience thrilled to gather to enjoy the musical comedy based on James Lapine’s book. There is nothing more spectacular than live entertainment, especially with talented actors who expressed authentic portrayals of the seasoned characters in a modern and fresh way. GRT’s Executive Director Christian Sanders shared his gratitude for the talent and the opportunity to stand on the stage again. Sanders was emotional when discussing the loss of family and board members who would have rejoiced in the return of production. Nevertheless, he powered through and pulled us in with a humorous introduction of the play that put us on the edge of our seats.

Evan Faris narrated the play in the dark, but he emerged into the light as he became a part of the play when the characters tried to offer him as a sacrifice to the giant’s wife. Wrong, yet funny. One highlight was the swag of the Wolf, played by Nik Braswell. Although his role was limited, his performance was broad with his over-the-top gestures and animated singing. Olney’s Summer Branum did an excellent job as the granny with her quiet precision. Kudos to the directors for casting Benjamin Apgar as Rapunzel’s Prince and Josh Kidd as Cinderella’s Prince—both the perfect mix of handsome and egocentric personalities we expect from our fairy tale prince. There is not enough room to comment on the stellar performances of every cast member listed at the end of this article. However, I must mention performances by the witch played by Faris Sanders and Little Red Riding Hood played by Cassidy Freeman. For me, these ladies stole a good portion of the show. I was impressed with the rapping witch and even more impressed with her transformation near the end. Although transformed on the outside, the witch remained the same on the inside, serving as an excellent example of human nature. The comically, endearing, and overly dramatic performance of Little Red kept the audience wondering what she would do or say next. The cast worked together effectively to demonstrate the sometimes dire consequences that are often tethered to our desires for more of the things we believe will make us happy.

Bravo to the cast dedicated to the craft of acting, to the directors who make it possible for us to engage in quality entertainment in our small communities, and to the crew that makes it all come together with the interesting props and fabulous costumes. Is there any chance of getting my hands on Little Red Riding Hood’s “wolf cape”?

The GRT Cast and Crew: Evan Faris (Narrator/Mysterious Man), Rachel Criswell (Cinderella), Jack Page (Jack), Kay Berru (Jack’s Mother), Andrew Jonas (Baker), Morgan Dayley (Baker’s Wife), Katie Huitt (Cinderella’s Stepmother), Hannah Bell (Florinda), Jessica Braswell (Lucinda), Pat Dohoney (Cinderella’s Father), Cassidy Freeman (Little Red Riding Hood), Faris Sanders (Witch), Meghan Clark (Cinderella’s Mother), Nik Braswell (Wolf), Summer Branum (Granny), Sarah Huitt (Rapunzel), Benjamin Apgar (Rapunzel’s Prince), Josh Kidd (Cinderella’s Prince), Scott Kirkland (Steward), Amanda Brake (Giant), Judy Crawford (Snow White) and Arielle Page (Sleeping Beauty). The creative and stage team includes Director and Technical Director Christian Sanders, Assistant Director Jessica Burgess, Stage Manager Kem Forbus, Musical Director Stephanie Sanders, Conductor Dax Freeman, House Manager Judy Crawford, Projection Operator Jackson Kidd, Crew Managers Julie Bell, Deedra Page and James Page. Costumes by Elizabeth Hart Kirkland and Susan Hart. Be sure the visit GRT’s website frequently for information on upcoming shows: http://grahamregionaltheatre.com/coming-soon.