“Into the Woods” is a musical with classic fairytale characters all intertwined into one story. Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel each have a wish, and for that wish to come true, they must go into the woods. Their different stories bring them all together to create this four-hour long show.
This show has multiple lead roles, giving many students the chance to shine. Claire Smith ’15, has been introduced to center stage by being casted as the Baker’s Wife. She will be holding an important position as a freshman.
“I’m incredibly surprised but flattered to be have been given this opportunity,” said Smith.
Smith says she is intimidated to work with such a talented group, but the cast has faith in her.
“I helped assistant direct her when she was in sixth grade,” said Michelle Pauker ’13, who will be playing the Witch. “I knew how much raw talent she had and I am in awe of how well she is doing.”
Pauker, who has also had her fair share of spotlight as an underclassmen, is excited to see Smith take on this big role. “The whole cast and crew have been unbelievable and really great friends,” said Smith.
New faces aren’t only gracing the stage, but behind the scenes as well. Jojo Kahn, Staples Players choreographer for 22 years, retired this fall after the fall main stage “West Side Story.” Now the cast welcomes Liz Milwe to the team.
“It’s hard for her to live up to someone with so much experience and involvement with Players,” said Dance Captain Danielle Frost ’13.
Milwe has been a dancer since she was eight-years-old, and got into choreographing in her 20s. She has worked with major companies for film and commercials, and dancers on Broadway and MTV. This lead her to create her own dance film company, Jumping Fish Productions, which to her series “Hip Hop for Kids/Schoolhouse Hop,” winning the Parent’s Choice Award for Best Children’s Video.
Now Milwe will take on a huge role in the local spotlight. She has worked with Coleytown Middle Schools director of Coleytown Company, Ben Frimmer, ever since she moved toWestportand is excited to work with Staples Players. “All theater is a collaboration,” said Milwe, “and I will be working closely with the director, dance captains, and all the talented actors. “
Dance captains, Frost, Helena Wippick ’12, and Annie Cooperstone ’13 are excited to see what this new choreographer has in store for them.
“I think ‘Into the Woods’ was a hard show to jump into because we are virtually writing in any dance parts in the show,” said Wippick.
“[Milwe] has a lot of creativity and a willingness to incorporate people’s talents into her choreography.”
This show will incorporate dancing that is very different from the fall show, “West Side Story.” “Most of the dance is being performed by fairies and sprites,” said Frost. “The style is both elegant yet animalistic in quality.”
Although this team of dancers is excited to have an experienced new leader, the cast members still miss their old choreographer. They will try and make this show their best in honor of Kahn’s long hard work for Staples Players.
“We’re making the show as great as Jojo would have wanted it to be,” said Cooperstone. “We all miss her and want to make her proud.”
“Into the Woods” will be performed March 16, 17, 18, 23 and 24.
“It is one of the most complex shows we’ve done in a few years, and it’s going to be really impressive as a final product,” said Pauker. “It is hysterically funny and will definitely be an audience pleaser.”
*CORRECTION: Staples’ “Into The Woods” performance is two hours and fifteen minutes long, not four hours as written in the article.
