Comments About "Into the Woods"

My pal Elaine Young is one of the producers of the upcoming show Into the Woods, and she offers these insights on the hard work and dedication of the young cast and the directors to bring the show to the stage:

As co-producer with Nancy Newfeld, I can say that First Stage's cast of young adults have taken local theatre to a whole new level with this production.

Starting rehearsals in August, this cast has worked so hard to bring this difficult and complex production to the stage. It has been challenging from all aspects but the kids have adapted beautifully and are ready to give the Tri-State a tremendous production.

In some ways, it is similar to First Stage's production of CATS, only "backwards!" In CATS, the kids worked for weeks and weeks on choreography and then adapted it to their vocals, but with Into the Woods the cast has been working for weeks on extremely difficult vocal selections and now adapting the vocals with acting, blocking, an enormous set, and a fantastic orchestra.

It is certainly a challenging show but with the team of our tremendous directors, Mary and Tommy Smirl, and our music director, Ron Neal, they have brought the cast together to produce an amazing show!

Not only would I like to thank our directors but many thanks to our choreographer, Tiffany Carroll, assistant director, Aliza Wucher, my hardworking and organized co-producer, Nancy Newfeld, our Marshall University student-led orchestra, Ken at Magic Makers, and to all the parents who contributed to this show by making costumes, working on the set, and volunteering in any way.

BUT, as Mary and I always say--IT'S ALL ABOUT THE KIDS! Their hard work, dedication, FUN, talent, perserverance, patience, and sense of humor makes everything rewarding.

We salute our cast - all 40 of them - and can't wait to see them on stage in Into the Woods. We are extremely proud of you !!!!

First Stage Theatre Company's INTO THE WOODS
November 13-15, 20-22 2009 Fri./Sat. 8 p.m. and Sunday 4 p.m.
Jean C. Stephenson City Hall Auditorium