By Joel Applegate
Perhaps our virtual reality has outgrown fairy tales. Instead, I think what has been substituted are mash-ups and deconstructions. Fairy tales still do what they originally did: thrill and chill on the surface and use subliminal archetypes to make us think about ourselves and our wants. All this is behind the brilliance of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods.
Firstly, I believe Into the Woods is a story about want. First lesson: “Be sure what you wish for is what you want.” And Payson Community Theater’s well-paced production makes it fun to follow the needs and hopes of their big cast. The production is visually arresting with lavish costumes by Carisa and Perry Ewell, a detailed set by Richard Lindsey, Craig Zeeman and director, Robinne Booth. Mr Lindsey also contributes a beautiful lighting design. Rapunzel’s tower rotates, Grandma’s house is excellently illuminated, and the dark forest’s deep perspective makes full use of the stage.
Director Robinne Booth takes advantage of Payson High’s wide proscenium, staging many scenes down stage, really engaging with the audience from the opening bars. A great MC as well as a story-teller, our Narrator, Perry Ewell, draws a young girl from the audience to “help” him open the pop-up storybooks that reveal the locales of Into the Woods. I was charmed by this way of creating a sense of anticipation and wonder.
There are big songs in Into the Woods where the scenes by their nature are presentational, but through a combination of great choreography and wise direction, these numbers are gorgeous to watch and more importantly, they work within the story.
There are many standouts in this cast, both musically and in the acting. Kristin Bauer as The Witch was superb. She brought great timing to her Yiddishness as the ugly witch. After her transformation to her young self, it is surprising how she is able to make us empathize with a witch, losing her daughter and her powers. No matter, Ms. Bauer has plenty of power of her own. Her “Children Will Listen” is sung with grace and conviction, and her “Last Midnight” should become a signature for this actor.
Author Joel with Cinderella played by Amber Lee Roberts
The pairing of voices in this production was another wonder. Amber Lee Roberts as Cinderella with her lovely, high soprano, and Richie Trimble as the well-acted Baker were beautifully matched in their duet turned quartet with Red Riding Hood and Jack. “No One is Alone” is one of the best moments – among many – in the show. Mr. Trimble also forms another great blend with Carisa Ewell, in “Take Two”. Ms Ewell goes on to deliver a poignant demise as the Baker’s Wife.
Our Princes, Bob Bauer, as Cinderella’s beau, and Dan Bigler as Rapunzel’s, are perfect gallants – charming and shady. Both have skilled control with great voices blending very well. Their duet “Agony” is one of my favorite numbers in the show.
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Red Riding Hood’s Rachel Aylworth is – what? Petulant, comic, precocious sprightly – bringing tons of attitude to a really good voice. She has a hilarious moment with the Wolf dancing a … ‘wolf-trot’? Jared Gaskill’s Jack (of Beanstalk fame) is effective as a boy on the cusp of manhood and sings earnestly in a clear voice.
Payson’s production was not entirely without flaws. There were some microphone problems at the top of a few songs. Some mics were not cued fast enough. And I thought it mysterious that the costumers built a great Wolf costume, but not one for Milky White, the hapless cow sold for a few beans. The puppet, used as the cow – though cleverly constructed – encumbered scenes with a silent puppet master standing by. It was an odd choice, since the Wolf was so effectively brought to life.
I like this show the more I see it, and this cast – in this production – made me like it all the more. For its dramatic and musical appeal with tunes like “Children Will Listen”, “Agony”, and “No One Is Alone”, Into the Woods is fast becoming one of my favorite musicals.
Though there are only six performances left, you still have plenty of time to book a seat for this very deserving production: Sept 1- 3 at 7:30 pm and Matinees at 3 pm on Sept 3rd and 5th (Labor Day) at Payson High School auditorium, 1050 S. Main, Payson, Utah 84651.
Tickets are just $10. Purchase at the Box Office or online. Discount Codes may still be available online. Use “passalong” or “baker” for $1 off ticket price at www.paysoncommunitytheater.org website.
You may also purchase tickets at NAPA Auto Parts in Payson: 190 East 100 North, phone (801) 465-9268
Payson Community Theater is currently renovating the old Huish Theater in Payson to turn it into their permanent home. A lot of work has already been done on both the outside and inside of the venue. You can contribute to their dream by going to https://gofundme.com/27z6xzr9 . You may also go into any Central Bank location and contribute under the name of Huish PACE, or mail a check to Huish PACE, PO Box 351, Payson, Utah 84651. Huish PACE is a 501(3)(c) corporation, so all donations are tax deductible. Facebook: https:/facebook/huishpace. Website: https://huishpace.com
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