For the Real Critics Blog
Absurdism was the word of the day at Chino Community Children's Theatre production of "Into the Woods," a classic fairytale mash-up by James Lapine, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. About two decades before Shrek, Lapine and Sondheim created an entertaining world where the larger-than-life characters and the logic-bending, natural law-shattering plot devices of numerous fairytales collide, conflict and eventually coalesce against a common threat.
Aptly directed by Jenn McHugh, the production works best when its young cast (14-22 years old) is fully commited to the ridiculousness of their characters and situations. Whether chasing after Jack's stuffed castor-riding cow, yanking at Rapunzel's lengthy yarn locks, pulling Red Riding Hood cloak and make up intact from the disembowled Wolf, or cutting off plastic phalanges to fit into Cinderella's gold high-heeled slipper, the juvenile players bring the funny with fearless dedication to the text.
There are several standouts among the motley crew of fantastical friends. The smooth dancing Big Bad Wolf and the sassy sprite Red Riding Hood have great exchanges, from their well-choreographed first meeting to her mess-free resurrection from his nightgowned carcass. The smarmy dynamic duo of Princes -- one wild-eyed with an Ace Ventura pompadour, the other face pinched with a stuffy Ivy League drawl -- never fail with their aisle-rushing, maiden-ravaging antics. Then there's the black-clad disgruntled Stage Hand who manages to steal scene after scene with dispassionate prop schlepping, plot-assistng cue cards and brazen stuffed animal abuse -- all without saying a word. Then there's the Baker's Wife, who certainly deserves a name of her own. Her well-trained voice, expert comedic timing and subtle poignancy are award-worthy.
Aptly directed by Jenn McHugh, the production works best when its young cast (14-22 years old) is fully commited to the ridiculousness of their characters and situations. Whether chasing after Jack's stuffed castor-riding cow, yanking at Rapunzel's lengthy yarn locks, pulling Red Riding Hood cloak and make up intact from the disembowled Wolf, or cutting off plastic phalanges to fit into Cinderella's gold high-heeled slipper, the juvenile players bring the funny with fearless dedication to the text.
There are several standouts among the motley crew of fantastical friends. The smooth dancing Big Bad Wolf and the sassy sprite Red Riding Hood have great exchanges, from their well-choreographed first meeting to her mess-free resurrection from his nightgowned carcass. The smarmy dynamic duo of Princes -- one wild-eyed with an Ace Ventura pompadour, the other face pinched with a stuffy Ivy League drawl -- never fail with their aisle-rushing, maiden-ravaging antics. Then there's the black-clad disgruntled Stage Hand who manages to steal scene after scene with dispassionate prop schlepping, plot-assistng cue cards and brazen stuffed animal abuse -- all without saying a word. Then there's the Baker's Wife, who certainly deserves a name of her own. Her well-trained voice, expert comedic timing and subtle poignancy are award-worthy.
As a performer in the show, I would like to ask the reviewer - Did you even see the 2nd Act of the show? Your review deals mainly with Act 1 plot points, and characters. Also, you fail to mention any of the morals of the show, the drama, etc.
ReplyDeletethank you for this review. it was eloquently written and showed your attention to detail. and of course such high praise is always appreciated.
ReplyDeletehi. my name is hannah june moreno. im in 5th grade. i think this theatre is the best. i go there with my gram and see the plays. they are so cool. i will be there for the play into the woods. i bet it will be good because i have enjoyed all the plays there so far. love hannah moreno
ReplyDeleteDear Anonymous #1 [performer in show]
ReplyDeletedid you ever stop to think that talking too much about act two would give things away? Maybe he wanted to leave some enjoyment in finding things out as an audience member. And the characters that are in act one are in act two. There is no reason to mention the characters that come in at the end. There's nothing missing from this review. No need to get all pissy because you weren't mentioned personally or whatever your deal is. Readers of this review can find out the morals and conflicts of the show by coming to see it.
-A Fellow Cast Member.
I too, another member of the company, would like to thank you for a great review. Please know that 'Anonymous' does not speak for the cast, crew or anyone else at Chino. We look forward to your future attendance and reviews at our performances.
ReplyDelete