|
Regional Reviews: Florida - West Coast Into the Woods
Into the Woods is musically complex, not as operatic as Sweeney Todd but contrapuntally much harder than other Sondheim works. It is also a large piece, with more than 20 characters. As freeFall is unable to produce such a large cast, they have to make do with 12, which necessitates doubling, some of which works well (the two Princes also portray Cinderella's stepsisters, requiring some split second yet hilarious changes) and one that does not (Rapunzel and the Steward). Both princes also double as the Wolf, as in most productions, and the Narrator also plays the Mysterious Man. Ann Morrison (original Broadway Cast of Sondheim's Merrily We Roll Along), one of our local stars, is sensational as the Witch. She kills "Last Midnight" with pent-up anger and pathos and almost breaks your heart with "Children Will Listen." Knowing that she was taking on this role had me strongly anticipating this production. Other standouts in an extremely strong cast are Katie Berger as a really sassy Little Red Riding Hood; T. Robert Pigott as the Baker, who shows emotional growth as the show progresses; Lee Anne Mathews as his wife, strongly emotionally connected with her husband; Taylor Simmons as Jack, believable that he is an immature 14 or 15; and Kelly Pekar as Cinderella, a whirlwind of competing emotions. Surprise casting is local favorite (he appears everywhere) Matthew McGee as the Narrator and Mysterious Man. Matt is usually involved in wild comic material (he won a Best of Tampa Bay Area award for his performance as Dr. Frank 'n' Furter a few years ago). Here, he tones down the comedy and is quite moving in his key scene with the Baker. There are no weak links in this cast, everyone else is marvelous as well. Eric Davis has directed with his usual strong use of space. The show is played on a center stage with the audience on two sides. He has also designed the sets and costumes, and both are whimsical and inventive, the costumes especially so, giving a strong overall sense of style to the show. Mike Wood is credited with the excellent lighting design. Susan Haldeman who plays Cinderella's Stepmother is credited with wig design, several of which (Cinderella's stepsisters) are laugh out loud funny. Special mention must be made of music director Michael Raabe. There are many excellent music directors working regularly in this area, but I have now seen Mr. Raabe oversee such wildly different works as Burnt Part Boys with its strong Appalachian sound, Spring Awakening with its rock score, and now Into the Woods. Mr. Raabe and percussionist Burt Rushing sit center stage, and it serves as a reminder how much the percussion adds to the overall production. Also part of the band are Mary-Cathryn Zimmer on cello and Diane M. Volpe on violin, adding sweetness. If you can't wait for the movie of Into the Woods to come out, or if like me you have found that movie musicals usually muck it up, rush to freeFall Theatre in St. Petersburg for a great show. freeFall Theatre Company presents Into the Woods through November 9, 2014, at 6099 Central Avenue, St. Petersburg. For ticket and performance information, visit www.freefalltheatre.com. Cast (in alphabetical order): Director: Eric Davis
|
