INTO THE WOODS --"GREAT SPIRIT AND CONSIDERABLE CHARM"

June 13 2013 - PLEASE SCROLL DOWN FOR MORE POSTS

(left to right): Allison Meneley, Kyle Stoner, David Naughton and Courtney Merrell. 

THIS INTO THE WOODS IS UNFAILINGLY ENTERTAINING 

Sondheim and Lapine bring us in the Woods where we first hear the narrator. He also is 'The Mysterious Man' (Derek Travis Collard). The mysterious guy tells a Baker and his Wife to journey into the woods. It's in the vast woods that we get to meet 'Little Red Riding Hood (Allison Meneley, Cinderella (Courtney Merrell), Jack of the Beanstalk (Kyle Stoner, Rapunzel (Melissa Reinertson, plus two Princes (Ted Zoldon and David Naughton). They are a blast. Hey, that's only the beginning of the huge talented cast. 

In this play you will also meet a Baker (Austin Ferris), and wife (Nikki Arias). They are having trouble having a child. A Witch (Michele Jasso) puts a curse on the Baker and his wife. 

Of course there is the delightful 'Cinderella' - whose slipper as pure as gold - and Jacks cow is as white as milk. Red Riding Hood has a cape as red as blood - and Rapunzel has hair as yellow as corn. And Sondheim is running to the bank! ...Just kidding, he already has tons of money. 

Love the music - especially the sad "No One is Alone." But lets skip along into the woods as The Widow of the "Jack the Giant' seeks revenge. Austin Ferris is a charming Baker. He's a happy surprise. And his wife Nikki Arias (wife) shows us what real singing and acting is. Take my word for it....ALL the wonderful Actors are poignant, searing and memorable.

MUSIC IS BY STEPHEN SONDHEIM AND BOOK BY JAMES LAPINE. The show premiered on Broadway in 1987. Bernadette Peters played the Witch. 

'I Loved this Version of 'Into the Woods' - The show has a comedic touch and ironic edge that you won't forget. Also I can't forget the terrific band on the stage. "I have a sense of watching Genuine Magic!" 

NOW PLAYING AT "RAY OF LIGHT" (at the Eureka Theater)

Director - Eliza Leoni (fabulous!!) Artistic Director - Jason Hoover (equally Fabulous!)  www.rayoflightheatre.com. 

RATING: FOUR GLASSES OF CHAMPAGNE!!!! -(highest rating) -trademarked-

(((Lee Hartgrave has contributed many articles to the San Francisco Chronicle Sunday Datebook and he produced a long-running Arts Segment on PBS-KQED)))