Into the Woods (Worcester Operatic & Dramatic Society)
Probably one of the most complex plots and librettos from Stephen Sondheim but, equally one of the most enthralling and entertaining as some classic fairytales are intertwined and the consequences of the characters wishes and wants are explored in some cases to an endpoint that perhaps isn't exactly what was expected.
Central to this tales are the Baker and his wife, currently childless and wishing that would change, Michael Staiger has obviously researched the part of the Baker well and his lilting voice both in singing and speaking mode is ideal and complemented by the stunning vocals and innate characterisation of Lynsey Squair as his wife.
Sadly their quest for a child is hampered by a curse placed on their family by the Witch, played enthusiastically and with much expression by another lady with an exceptional voice, Laura Fullelove, considering the part, it is difficult to know whether to love her or hate her and that confusion is down to a well played piece of acting.
Elliot Kainey is a highly engaging Jack (he of the Beanstalk fame) a well rounded performance throughout the production whether playing opposite Judy Hopper as his long-suffering mother or Laura Moss as a delightfully exuberant Red Riding Hood.
Another entrancing voice comes from Lou Ford as Cinderella, suppressed badly by her step-family, mother played lustily by Joanne Hughes and sisters Florinda (Lorna Tipple) and Lucinda (Meghan Hill) both providing just the right level of nasty streak when dealing with Cinders.
Dani Brennan and Aidan Rider make an enchanting couple as Rapunzel and her Prince, one of the best musical moments has to be the song ‘Agony’ a thoroughly entertaining duet between Aidan and Gregory Aston who produced a totally stand-out performance both as the Wolf but, more as Cinderella’s Prince, the line ‘I was brought up to be charming, not sincere’ was delivered immaculately
Holding the story together as the Narrator and the Mysterious Man, Peter Baio keeps the tempo on track and the story flowing with much credit also going to the management team of Phil Beeson (Director), Sheila Bratt (Musical Director) and Sian Williams (Choreographer) for making this such an enjoyable piece of musical theatre.
Running until 21st April 2018 at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, grab your tickets while you can as I imagine this one is selling well.
Book Here
Central to this tales are the Baker and his wife, currently childless and wishing that would change, Michael Staiger has obviously researched the part of the Baker well and his lilting voice both in singing and speaking mode is ideal and complemented by the stunning vocals and innate characterisation of Lynsey Squair as his wife.
Sadly their quest for a child is hampered by a curse placed on their family by the Witch, played enthusiastically and with much expression by another lady with an exceptional voice, Laura Fullelove, considering the part, it is difficult to know whether to love her or hate her and that confusion is down to a well played piece of acting.
Elliot Kainey is a highly engaging Jack (he of the Beanstalk fame) a well rounded performance throughout the production whether playing opposite Judy Hopper as his long-suffering mother or Laura Moss as a delightfully exuberant Red Riding Hood.
Another entrancing voice comes from Lou Ford as Cinderella, suppressed badly by her step-family, mother played lustily by Joanne Hughes and sisters Florinda (Lorna Tipple) and Lucinda (Meghan Hill) both providing just the right level of nasty streak when dealing with Cinders.
Dani Brennan and Aidan Rider make an enchanting couple as Rapunzel and her Prince, one of the best musical moments has to be the song ‘Agony’ a thoroughly entertaining duet between Aidan and Gregory Aston who produced a totally stand-out performance both as the Wolf but, more as Cinderella’s Prince, the line ‘I was brought up to be charming, not sincere’ was delivered immaculately
Holding the story together as the Narrator and the Mysterious Man, Peter Baio keeps the tempo on track and the story flowing with much credit also going to the management team of Phil Beeson (Director), Sheila Bratt (Musical Director) and Sian Williams (Choreographer) for making this such an enjoyable piece of musical theatre.
Running until 21st April 2018 at the Swan Theatre, Worcester, grab your tickets while you can as I imagine this one is selling well.
Book Here
Comments
Post a Comment