Weathervane Playhouse opens their production of “Into the Woods” this holiday weekend, delivering a Broadway worthy performance. In Act I, the audience is simultaneously re-introduced to the classic, yet somewhat altered fairy tales of Cinderella (Kirstin Flaglor), Jack (Raymond Havey) and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood (Logan Baker), Rapunzel (Samantha Mastrian), and a Baker and His Wife (Jonathan Bragg, Katherine DeBoer), all of whom are wishing for their own personal desires. In Act II, the stories continue on past the usual “Happily Ever After” conclusion, climaxing to slightly chaotic hilarity and lessons well learned.
Though this production boasts a cast of 20 talented performers, each adding to the magic of the story, several characters are sure to steal audience members’ hearts. Morgan McCann certainly grabs your attention as the creepy villainous Wolf, singing “Hello, Little Girl” as he drools over the naive and sweet Little Red Ridinghood, played by the adorable young Baker. Juxtaposed to the vile Wolf, McCann’s version of Cinderella’s Prince may leave several female audience members, this reviewer included, swooning in the aisles with handsome looks and rich tone. Paired with Jesse Adam Koza, his brother and Rapunzel’s Prince, the two receive peals of laughter with their rendition of “Agony.”
Another performer to stand out in the cast is Sara Michalski as the witch behind most of the magic and mischief throughout the story. In Act I she is introduced as an old hag, practically repugnant in appearance. Yet, her touching performances in “Stay with Me” and “Children Will Listen” will reach hearts and draw emotion from the audience.
One would be remiss in not mentioning the performances of Brag and DeBoer. Vocal performances by these two are outstanding. Their chemistry as the husband and wife characters is believable as, together, they attempt the feats that lie before them in their efforts to have a child.
One wonderful characteristic about “Into the Woods” is the reality that is inserted within all the fantasy, almost making the stories all the more believable, and Weathervane’s production certainly holds true to this with the action and emotion, along with the set and lighting, thanks to Scenic Designer Adam Liston. Looking onto the stage, audience members will forget where they are as the set is crafted with trees, branches, and the occasion gust of smoke are positioned about the stage to indeed look like a forest. Whether or not the moment is touching or scary is complemented well with the lighting, designed by Jennifer Sansfacon. Costuming also plays a big part in making the stories believable, and Tory Depew certainly made sure the costume for this show were no exception. Each character’s costume perfectly suited their situation, whether rich poor, young or old. Costumes also gave a fairy tale feel without be too “costume-y.” Bravo! Director Matthew Trombetta certainly must be proud of such an overall successful production.
“Into the Woods” continues this weekend, July 3rd and 4th* and next weekend, July 8th, 9th, 10th, and 11th. All eveing performances begin at 8:00 pm. This production is rated G**. For ticket information and reservations, call (740) 366-4616 or visit www.weathervaneplayhouse.org. Box Office hours are Noon to intermission on Show Days and Noon to 6:00 pm on Non-Show Days. Box Office is closed on Sundays and Mondays.
*July 4th performance begins at 7:00 pm.
**Though rated G, keep in mind that younger children may be slightly frightened by spontaneous and loud sound effects, surprising entrances, and some pyrotechnics.
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