‘Into the Woods’: The latest in Northumberland Players’ magical productions

I’m taking a deep breath here to do my best to control the hyperbole that’s in my brain forcing its way into writing this review.

Beware. I will do my best. Here it comes.

Into the Woods is the latest in Northumberland Players’ roster of magical productions. It’s in the Capitol Theater and, in a word, is amazing. The set design, the lighting, the costumes, the sound, the background projections, the props and be still my heart, the cast. What an amazing group of talent in our community and they all seem to be either on stage or behind the scenes on this show which hasn’t been very easy to put together – starting with the casting of 22 parts.

I wish I could name each and every one of the players, on both sides of the curtain, which is a masterpiece in its own right. But of course I don’t have the space. Except for the following: director Jim Finan (brilliant), vocal director Marie Anderson (simply remarkable), music director Dan Knapp and his 11-piece orchestra (hidden, but his musicians didn’t miss a beat), and choreographer Alina Adjemian, who kind of inspired all these people who perfectly synchronized the whole time.

Oh right. Maybe I should give you a clue as to what the show is about.

Into the Woods is a musical by Stephen Sondheim based on a book by James Lapine based on the popular fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm. The story follows the baker and his wife who wish for a child; Cinderella, who wants to go to the king’s feast, and Milky White, the cow whose owner wants her cow to give some milk. (Full disclosure: the cow is my favorite character.)

The baker and his wife are visited by the witch, who reveals to them that she has cursed their family and they cannot have a baby. The two head into the forest to undo the curse.

There we meet Little Red Riding Hood looking for her grandmother; the wolf who has a thing for little girls, the witch’s daughter Rapunzel and two princes chasing after their love. By the end of Act I, everything seems to be going according to plan. But then comes Act 2 and a whole host of complications.

Last but not least, the angry giant. Oh my! You have to be there to find out the rest.

I think you can say that I really, really loved this show and advise you to run to the Capitol Theater box office, don’t walk, or call 905-885-1071 to reserve your seat before the show ends on March 5th. You can also book through www.nplay.ca.

Selena Forsyth lives in Port Hope and enjoys writing reviews for Northumberland players.

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