Lydia Noll, grade 12, as Cinderella; Molly Munn, grade 11, as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack Giglia, grade 10, as the Baker & Peter Godsey, grade 10, as Jack. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
Cincinnati, OH- Walnut Hills High School is set to debut their first show of the 2018-19 school year with “Into The Woods” on November 1st. The award-winning department is excited to open the year with their Cappies production in the newly-dedicated Rick Steiner Black Box Theatre, where they will stage the show in an environmental setting that will blur the lines between performer and audience.
“Into The Woods” is a famous show, known mostly for its Disney movie adaptation. “We’re doing a popular show in a very unique and original way,” says Michael Sherman, head of the department and director for this production. “I’m excited to do this show in this space because I think it will really help to bring out the intimacy of the show and heighten the connection the audience can make with these characters.”
The set and full immersion of the audience are a big part of the future success of Walnut Hills’ adaptation. “The audience is actually sitting in the woods and all over the place, so it’s really going to be an immersive audience experience,” says Helen A. Raymond-Goers, the Walnut Hills Technical Director and set designer for the show.
“We want it to feel as organic as possible,” says senior Ben Methena, master carpenter, “We thought it would be more natural, and we wanted everything to be different.”
Walnut Hills High School’s production of “Into The Woods” is expected to be a hit with all of the immersion of the audience and the way that they can relate to the familiar and loveable fairy tale characters.
Maya Robinson, grade 12, as the Witch. Photo by Mikki Schaffner.
INTO THE WOODS
Book by James Lapine
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece.
The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.
The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.
Featuring Jack Giglia as The Baker, Lily Adams as The Baker’s Wife, Lydia Noll as Cinderella, Peter Godsey as Jack, Maya Robinson as The Witch, Molly Munn as Little Red Ridinghood, Mei Li Weil as Rapunzel, Oliver Vockell as Cinderella’s Prince, Sam Frank as Rapunzel’s Prince, Louis Martini as The Wolf, Matthew Eggers as The Steward, Milan Parikh as The Narrator, Terts Verhaak as The Mysterious Man, Clare Brennan as Cinderella’s Stepmother, Grace Davis as Lucinda, Colby James as Florinda, Derrick McHale as Cinderella’s Father, Olivia Busche as Jack’s Mother, Perri Wedlock-Dunn as Granny and The Giant, Gracekelly Fulton as Cinderella’s Mother, Kayla McGraw as Milky White, Christina Picklo as Bird Puppeteer / Snow White, and Alex Kirk as Bird Puppeteer / Sleeping Beauty.
Directed by Michael Sherman. Choreography by Maggie Perrino. Music Direction by Anthony Nims.
Show Dates:
- November 1-3, @7p.m.
- November 8-10, @ 7p.m.
- November 3&10 @ 2 p.m.
Tickets: $12 for adults, $10 for Walnut staff and students, https://www.showclix.com/event/WHHStheatre-Into_the_Woods
(please note that online ticket fees apply)
Walnut Hills Theatre Department Website: https://sites.google.com/view/whhstheatredepartment
I am still in search of a male dancer or two male dancers to perform with the Mason Community Players in their production of “Sentimental Journey: A Salute to the USO.” The directors are creating a revue that will be an immersive experience taking audience members back to a canteen during WWII and presenting a typical USO Entertainment of the
SHOW DATE: May 9th, 10th, and 11th 2019 in the newly restored Withrow Auditorium
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