Sondheim musical comes to university stage
WAYNESBURG — Stephen Sondheim is probably contemporary American theater’s best known songwriter and composer, famous for everything from “West Side Story,” “Sweeney Todd” and “A Little Night Music” to “Company” and “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum.”
In the mid-1980s, when Sondheim teamed up with librettist James Lapine, the duo decided they wanted to create an adult fairy tale style musical and took characters from the Brothers Grimm like Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood and, to anchor them into a cohesive story, combined them with invented characters of their own.
“One thing Sondheim and Lapine noticed is that all the Grimm characters had to go through a forest to get to where they were going,” said Edward Powers, associate professor of theater at Waynesburg University and director of theater activities. “They thought it might make an interesting musical if they all lived near the same woods and that their stories all happened on the same day.”
According to Powers, the creators of what turned out to be titled “Into the Woods” kept a good portion of the Grimm Brother tales but added characters like the Baker and his wife. Additionally, they teach a lesson in their musical that’s more appropriate to adults than it is to children by introducing themes like parenting, responsibility and living up to one’s responsibilities.
“One may think that, because the plot has characters like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood, that ‘Into the Woods’ is a children’s musical,” said Powers, who’ll direct the play at Waynesburg University’s Goodwin Performing Arts Center for a four-day run starting March 28. “It’s not. It’s an adult musical that’s not appropriate for those under the age of six because it’s a lengthy two and a half hour show that gets a little dark and serious in places. I don’t think small children would be able to keep up with it.”
Described as wonderful and having some beautiful melodies, “Into the Woods” does get the audience to do some deep thinking about who they are and how they relate to others. Two of the more beautiful songs, “No One Is Alone” and “Children Who Listen,” carry messages in their titles. “Children Who Listen,” for instance, reminds us to be careful about what we say to one another because children often hear what adults are talking about.
“The song advises us to be careful about what we say to one another and to choose our words carefully,” said Powers.
As the musical’s director, Powers said he picked the show because it has a more serious content than the comic musicals the university has been staging in recent years. While the show does have considerable humor, he said he wouldn’t call it a musical comedy, but rather, a “musical play.”
“‘Into the Woods’ has been around since 1986, and it’s something I’ve wanted to do for a long time,” he said.
The production’s cast of 23 characters will be accompanied by a live combo made up of two keyboards, percussion and bass. Most of the roles will be performed by juniors and seniors, some of which will be making their last stage appearance prior to graduation.
Emily Dubberke, a junior psychology major from West Virginia, will tackle the role of Little Red Riding Hood and serve as the musical’s choreographer. Shawn Wharrey, a junior biology and psychology major, will play Jack of “Jack and the Bean Stock” fame.
Tiffany Franck, a sophomore education major, will portray Cinderella, while Nick Wozniak, a senior sports broadcasting major from Ambridge, will play the role of the Baker. Sable Griedel, a senior elementary major from Clarksville, ii cast as the Baker’s Wife, while Reba Parry, a senior education major, will play the part of the Witch.
For the production, the university is building some of the scenery but renting a backdrop, and some of the costumes will be drawn from the theater department’s own inventory, while others will be rented or purchased.
“The students are very excited and fired up about the production,” said Powers. “The scoring of the music and the harmonies have proven to be a bit difficult for some, but they’re working very hard at it. The actors are putting in hours and hours of work trying to make the musical come alive, and we’re pleased with the progress they’re making.”
“Into the Woods” is at Waynesburg University’s Goodwin Performing Arts Center March 28 – 31, beginning at 7:30 p.m. each evening. Tickets are free of charge but reservations are advised. For more information, call 724-852-3226.
On Saturday, March 31, a dinner will be offered before the play starting at 5:30 p.m. in the Benedum Dining Hall, located near the theater. Diners will have a choice of entree that consists of prime rib of beef, chicken Marsala or cheese manicotti. All entrees will come with a salad and side dishes as well as a dessert of bananas foster napoleon with caramel sauce and a choice of beverage. Cost of the dinner is $25, which includes a ticket for the musical.
To reserve a place at dinner, call 724-852-3256 before March 27.