Into the Woods

Perth’s community theatre year opened with a bang with Playlovers’ well directed, dynamically performed, youth production of Into the Woods Jr. at the Tricycle Theatre, in Mt Lawley Senior High School.

To add value to the 70-minute performance, the production team have added a cabaret style prelude act called Seriously Sondheim. Highlights include “Invocation and Instructions to the Audience” from The Frogs performed by guest artist Callum Fairweather, and the finale – “Side by Side by Side” from Company, where choreographer Connie Wetherilt’s skills are shown as all 27 cast members perform with unity and skill. Eight musical numbers from different Sondheim shows are supplemented with interesting commentary.

After interval Into the Woods Jr begins. Working to the supplied backing, the actors demonstrate some excellent vocals under the tutelage of Musical Director Sue McLennan, as well as showing good grasp of character and working well as an ensemble. 

Anthony Jacobs and Anneke McLennan skilfully create a beautiful and believable relationship as The Baker and His Wife, and we quickly become invested in their quest for a child. Sebastian Robinson-Cook is a sweet, enthusiastic Jack, with Indigo Ellis lovely as his long-suffering mother. Ella Scott brings charm and intelligence to Cinderella, while Bronte McLennan is bright and strong as Little Red Riding Hood.

Avani Zheng makes a very impressive community theatre debut, demanding attention as The Witch. Charles Sherrington and Cosimo Trichina make a dynamic duo as Cinderella and Rapunzel’s Princes, relishing their rendition of Agony. 

Daniel Nievestein’s Wolf, possessing less innuendo than the adult production, is no less menacing, as he struts and dances, assisted by his posse played by Emily Phillips and Alyssa Cruz. Boh Dobson brings dancing eyes (which is about all we can see) and an aura of mischief to the Mysterious Man. Jessica May is delightful as Little Red’s Granny and ethereal as Cinderella’s mother. Ella Jurjevich has lovely fragility as Rapunzel and Ryder Scott serves the production well as the cow, Milky White. Caylan Richards makes a clever cameo.

Great family dynamics and character work from Cinderella’s family - Sofia Rippingale as the Stepmother, Kristen King and Alex Westbrook as sisters Florinda and Lucinda, Leo Brand as her father and William Gorn as the Steward.

The remaining cast all work well throughout.

Set designer Gary Wetherilt has designed a multi-level set, with very effective and visually pleasing decoration - constructed mostly of papier-mache. Lighting, designed by Fiona Reid is emotive and attractive, while the cast look great in the fairy-tale couture designed by Nyree Scott.

A perfect holiday treat for families, Into the Woods Jr is also a great introduction to Sondheim. Great to see Playlovers back on the boards.

Kimberley Shaw