Spring Musical Will Take Actors Deep “Into the Woods”
High Drama: The spring musical “Into the Woods” will feature a wide range of acting and singing talent. Cast members Fiona Liu, Katherine Atkinson and Cole Bickerstaff are deep into rehearsal season to get things ready for the March production.
Even though the show isn’t until March, the drama department is already gearing up for rehearsals for this year’s musical, “Into the Woods.” After making it through two grueling rounds of cuts, the cast is thrilled to start working. Topping last year’s production of “Rent” may seem daunting, but the cast is confident that they are up for the challenge.
“Into the Woods,” written by famous playwright Stephen Sondheim, details the lives the Baker and the Baker’s Wife, as well classic fairytale characters, such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. The Baker and the Baker’s Wife set out on a journey, which causes all of the characters’ paths to intertwine. The plot, though cheerful and optimistic at first, takes some dark turns, forcing the characters to deal with grief, pain and loss.
This Tony award-winning show which first hit Broadway in 1987 is known for its high level of difficulty from a vocal perspective. Junior Katherine Atkinson, who is taking on the role of the Baker’s Wife, is excited for the challenge. Her involvement with drama program extends all the way back to her days at Sutton Middle School. This show is not one of Atkinson’s go-to musicals, so she is looking forward to expanding her comfort zone. “It’s such a good creative outlet and I know that the show will be a hit this year,” said Atkinson.
Sophomores Cole Bickerstaff and Fiona Liu are also looking forward to taking the stage. They play the Steward-Mysterious Man and Red Riding Hood’s Granny, respectively. Even after only a handful of rehearsals, they suspect that this musical will be the best one yet. “I know we have a lot of work ahead, but I think that the end result will be spectacular,” said Bickerstaff.
Whether you’re a theater fanatic or not, “Into the Woods” is going to be a show that shouldn’t be missed. With an award-winning show and the stellar cast, the show’s director Carlos Hooper — head of the school’s theater department — feels confident that this will be one of the best musicals yet. “It’s going to be fun. I have a really good feeling about this one,” he said.
