REVIEW: CCPAC's INTO THE WOODS - an ambitious journey into a Sondheim classic...

Curtain Call Performing Arts has chosen an ambitious and beloved Stephen Sondheim musical for their season finale with Into the Woods. The musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales and explores the consequences of wishing for a happily ever after. 

Often, fairy tale characters don't feel the weight of their actions' consequences. They do as they're told, and their wishes fall into their laps. Into the Woods cleverly emphasizes that this results in characters who are equal parts discontent and who don't understand the importance of their responsibilities. 

In a mere seven weeks (an impressive feat), the company beckons the audience to join them on their journey into a beautifully designed set that is both enticing and foreboding. It certainly set the tone as the audience wowed set designer's Zachary Viola's artistry on stage. Once the audience enters the woods, we find a production that is far from perfect but remains consistently professional and full of potential.

Our unreliable and cheeky Narrator (played by Abigail Henry who truly lights up the stage with their presence) introduces our main players and gives insight into their hopes and dreams, ranging from practical to wistful to downright absurd. It is a large, frequently transitioning cast and considering the constraints of HTI's studio theatre, they manage to block the opening number quite well with limited issues throughout. 

There's a wonderful mix of diversity in newcomers and familiar Curtain Call alumni alike and the wealth of talent, budding and established, is what makes this show special. The more experienced cast members work effortlessly to cover up any minor fumbles, especially when they are all at the mercy of a pre-recorded score which allows next to no room for error. Sondheim is renowned for challenging material (especially lyrically) for even the strongest performers so when you lose yourself, it takes great strength to come back from a slip up or sour harmony. The cast received well earned applause for being so dedicated to the material and their comradery on stage.

Some of the standout performances come from the Baker's Wife (a perfectly cast Nicole Martin who performed with huge range of believable emotion), Jack (an impressive and endearing Alexander Gonsalves), Cinderella's Prince (played by Justus Alexander who chewed the scenery with great comedic timing and had the audience in the palm of their royal and, at times, wolfy hand), and the Witch (an intensely dedicated Layne McKellar whose Witch’s Rap in the Prologue earned applause mid-song).

Photography by: Kreations Photography

One of the production's greatest setbacks was the sound. I empathize with how intense the sound controls must be when micing a large cast with several one liners. The music tracks were often too loud, drowning out anyone who was not miced and we strained to hear them even when they were. This takes us out of the fantasy too frequently and like with all musicals, the lesson here is never rely on your mic and be sure you know how to project. This was demonstrated by the Witch and Narrator most often, who showed great skill pushing through their difficult numbers even when their mics had issues. That dedication to remaining professional embodies what this company set out to accomplish in such a limited time and the entire company deserves recognition for it. 

The show is a treat for the eyes with careful consideration from the production team toward costuming, lighting, atmosphere and even interpretative creatures such as birds, horses and trees. I would have loved to see more nature incorporated into the interpretive dances such as using branches to be more tree-like but as it is, those aspects were well performed without being too silly. I appreciated the interpretation and how the dance ensemble was utilized. 

Into the Woods is quite a musical adventure with a gauntlet of emotion coursing through it. The cast succeeds in so many ways and their enthusiasm, characterization and skill sets prove that even a musical notorious for its challenging staging and lyrics is a truly rewarding experience for young professionals. 

There are limited seats available for their remaining performances Friday August 11 and Saturday August 12 so pack up a basket, stay on the path, avoid wolves and giants and join CCPAC on their final journey this season!

For tickets and more information, please visit:

Box Office - CCPAC (curtaincallpac.ca)

Photography by: Kreations Photography