More Than Just Your Average Fairy Tale

By Andrea Parker

In keeping with its pledge to provide live theater of the best possible quality, Interact Theatre Company delivers magic and enchantment with a production of Steven Sondheim and James Lapine's "Into the Woods." Directed by John Rubinstein, "Into the Woods" is a whirlwind tour of childhood fairy tales that is both entertaining and thought-provoking. The musical follows the struggle of the Baker and his Wife as they must collect various articles, such as a golden slipper and a blood-red cape, from other well-known fairy tale characters in order to reverse a spell that has prevented them from having a child.

Their quest is not only challenging physically, but mentally and emotionally as well, as they must learn to work together. Along the way, the Baker and his Wife meet the other whimsical characters who have come to the woods for a moment of reality, discovering that everyone is partially discontent. The characters come to realize that the world of make-believe is only perfect on the page and that there is something missing in their lives.

Act I ends as the characters' fairy tale wishes finally come true and everyone is about to live happily ever after, until...

Act II arrives to test the mettle of these classic heroes and heroines by forcing them to depend upon one another.

The audience finds itself strapped to this roller coaster of lyrics, humor and emotion, transported through both the physical and emotional changes in the characters. The audience is shown that in this fairy-tale world, happiness can be just as illusory and fleeting as it is in 1997. Yet the audience also learns that happiness may be just within reach if we are willing to enter the woods and slay our own personal dragons of fear and insecurity.

The musical contains several numbers that directly hit the heart. The Witch's ballad, "Children Will Listen," poignantly reminds the characters and the audience of the power of words and how easily a child's mind is swayed by an admired adult. Also moving was Cinderella's "No One is Alone," which reminds the disheartened characters that the love they share will keep them going, and "It Takes Two," a pledge between the Baker and his Wife to stick together and work as a team in order to bear a child.

Sondheim's musical is a delicious balance between heart and mind. Comedic numbers, packed with lyrical gymnastics, have their shining moments as well. The two princes are clearly in "Agony" as they lament the perils of not only being rich, royal and handsome, but the stressful job of being married to princesses as well.

Red Riding Hood escapes from the Wolf in the nick of time and puts herself back on the right path with "I Know Things Now." The Baker's Wife learns that "A Moment in the Woods" is all that is needed to remind her of the love she has for her husband and the passion for life that keeps her going.

It is the energy and cleverness of the ensemble that makes this show work. Ambitiously concentrated in a small space, the cast refuses to cheat the audience out of any of the intelligence and heart of the characters. Packed with wit and commitment, the production is by far one of the best currently available to the public. This production has run since Dec. 6, 1996, and it is to the credit of this hard-working cast that the show is as fresh and exciting as if it were opening night.

John Rubinstein directs this superb cast without pretension. The relationships are well-established and the characters move about the space in logical and creative ways, unwilling to be limited by the physical space. The show flows with grace and ease, which in turn allows more to be communicated to the audience. Rubinstein allows his actors to get close to the audience, accentuating interaction between character and crowd. The minimalist set and solo piano accompaniment allow the artistry of the performers to shine through. While functional and appropriate for the playing space, the set (designed by Bradley Kaye) does not try to steal the show, as it does in so many big-budget musicals. Instead, the set provides a platform upon which the performers can tell their stories and interact with one another.

Rubinstein doubles as the Baker who must face his fears in order to gain his heart's desire, a child of his own. Rubinstein's Baker is deep and thoughtful and shares with the audience the heart of this passionate man. Leslie Hicks as the Baker's Wife is a wonderful balance to Rubinstein. Hicks plays the Wife with delicacy and grace, often providing the hope and inspiration for the two to continue their quest.

Amanda Carlin is fantastic as the Witch. Carlin goes beyond the standard bitterness of the stereotypical witch and allows the audience to see a character who feels just like everyone else. We see a witch who desperately wants love and companionship, yet is trapped in her self-made world of isolation and control.

Both Matthew Ashford and Don Fischer are perfect as the self-absorbed princes. Ashford doubles as the devious Wolf in Act I, complete with wild wolf hair and fangs. Ashford's strong vocals allow him the freedom to create two distinctly different characters.

Zooey Deschanel is delightful as the wide-eyed Little Red Riding Hood, who is just a little too curious for her own good. Michael Weiner is enjoyable as Jack, the young boy who is handsomely repaid for selling his cow.

Although individual characters had their moments, the strength of the cast as a whole allows the complexity and imagination of this production to come to life. Each actor contributes her or his focus and energy to make the play soar.

Clever costumes by Barbara Ayers and lighting design by Emanuel Treeson add finishing touches to this fine production.

Through imagination and energy, "Into the Woods" comes alive to provide laughter and "moments in the woods" that touch the heart and mind with passion and intelligence. A+