By John Lyle Belden
The show “Into the Woods” could be considered the quintessential Stephen Sondheim musical (with book by James Lapine). Even in a world of fantasy and magic there is a sense of realism, real stakes and real consequences. It is also one of his works you are likely familiar with, thanks to numerous community and professional theatre stagings, as well as a popular movie (and, of course, its runs on Broadway).
Therefore, when Buck Creek Players took it on this year, under the direction of Ben Jones and music director Jill Stewart, they decided to make the production stand out while still true to its story and audience expectations. The result is an “Into the Woods” that is outstanding by practically every measure.
The experience starts the moment you enter the theater and see the stage. Aside from a large lone tree at the back of the stage – its hollow necessary to a number of scenes – setpieces are adorned with raised branches to suggest the ever-looming Woods where our stories are set. Those rotating pieces themselves look like giant open books, the covers walls of old bookshelves. Other props look like stacks of books (classic and popular titles on the spines) and scattered like random leaves on the floor are pages with burnt edges – we were told Jones had them be copies of pages from commonly banned books. Set design and construction are credited to Matt Gray.
Roles are well-cast. Ellen Vander Missen, notable for leading ladies at Footlite Musicals, makes her BCP debut as Cinderella. Central characters the Baker and his Wife are wonderfully played by Ball State graduate Mason Mast and local favorite Miranda Nehrig. The quirky wit of Thom Turner fits perfectly as the Narrator and Mysterious Man. Cordale Hankins embodies the youthful impulsiveness of Jack (of “Beanstalk” fame) while Georgeanna Teipen returns to BCP as his Mother. Shelia Raghavendran appears to be having fun as brave, energetic Little Red Riding Hood. Emily Gaddy commands her scenes as the Witch.
Others include Claire Slaven as Cinderella’s Stepmother and Jeremy Teipen as her father, with Claire Gray and Jenna MacNulty as the stepsisters; Addison Koehler as Rapunzel; Josh Rooks a striking presence as the Wolf and the Prince’s Steward; Charming Princes played by Liam Boyle (for Cinderella) and Zach Bucher (for Rapunzel); Amelia Tryon as the spirit of Cinderella’s mother as well as the once-eaten Red Riding Hood’s Granny; and Anna Spack as diverse characters including some very expressive flocks of birds.
In a notable addition to the cast, Dominc Kattau brings the cow Milky-White to life, saying a lot with just a “Moo” and making scenes with his double-takes and antics.
The show also features a 16-member backstage orchestra, conducted by Jill Stewart.
For the unfamiliar, Act I has a number of popular fairy tales occurring simultaneously in and around the titular forest; Act II is what happens after the story says “happily ever after.” The songs serve the plot and work in Sondheim’s often complex style. The refrain of “Into the Woods” from the “Opening” sticks with you, and the Princes’ lament “Agony” is a favorite. The show’s “hit” songs come near the end – “You Are Not Alone” and “Children Will Listen.” No matter what your experience is with this musical, though, you are sure to be delighted.
More likely, however, you could be disappointed at missing out. As I finish this, Friday and Sunday’s performances are sold out, leaving two shows this Saturday (June 22), 2:30 and 7:30 p.m., at the Buck Creek Playhouse, 11150 Southeastern Ave., Indianapolis (Acton Road exit off I-74). Call 317-862-2270 or visit buckcreekplayers.com for tickets.
Plays with John & Wendy 