submitted by Robert Allen
Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award winning fairy tale classic Into the Woods will be performed this weekend by the Hoosick Falls Central School’s Drama Club. The three performances are Friday and Saturday, March 23 and 24, at 7 pm and Sunday, March 25, at 2 pm. Thanks to the support of the school, we are proud to continue offering free admission to all shows.
Imagine if some of our more famous fairy tales from the Brothers Grimm and Disney were all mixed together – with a blender. Stories such as “Cinderella,” “Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Rapunzel” and even “Snow White” all become brilliantly, and hysterically, woven together as all of their paths get crossed in their trip into the woods to pursue that “happily ever after” ending they are all wishing for.
But the show takes the story one step further. What if the story continues after they get their wish? Was the “happily ever after” ending something they should have been striving for? And are they truly happy? Right and wrong are tested, and the distinctions between good and evil become harder to define as twists and turns force us to rethink some of our long held conventions and beliefs. The show is extremely funny but also very memorable and touching as well.
Director Robert Allen has been very excited to bring this production to his school. “It had a very successful run on Broadway, even winning three Tony Awards, and yet not many people have heard of this show. But of the people who have seen it – they all love it. This is one of my absolute favorite shows,” said Allen.
The show is massive in its complexity on every level. Musically, the score is extremely challenging, which is why many high schools simply avoid doing the production. And the demands of the sets, costumes and lighting are enormous. This is probably the biggest and most massive production we have done at HFCS. The visuals of the show do a tremendous job in supporting the themes and symbolism of the show. Our wonderful production staff and our incredibly dedicated and talented students have come together to bring these stories to life.
The show has two acts, and concessions will be available in the cafeteria during the intermission. There will be a live pit orchestra for the show, made up of local musicians, teachers and even some very talented high school students. And of course – admission is free.
A Note to Parents: Most children will love the show, but please use your own judgment when you consider bringing the younger elementary age student. As with fairy tales, the tone and themes can be quite dark. While there is no bad language in the show, there is some comical violence and some plot events that may be too much for the very young child.