Arts

Theatre Review: Into The Woods

Mind-blowingly good!

Presented by: The Gilbert & Sullivan Society Of SA
Reviewed: 22 September 2022

Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods had its Broadway debut in 1987, and swiftly embedded itself into the Western musical canon. This work cleverly weaves together various folk tales as retold by the Grimm brothers, creating a new work which adds a modern edge, while remaining true to the fundamental psycho-sociology of the original tales. Musically, Into the Woods is one of the best by the master. Rich lyrical and musical themes work together in an operatic structure. All the wit and sophistication for which he was renowned is here, writ large.

Adelaide’s Gilbert & Sullivan Society of SA has taken on quite a task in mounting this production. Along with complex music and lyrics that require almost gymnastic skills from orchestra and vocalists sit staging requirements such as white cows, flocks of birds, and magical transformations on stage. A huge ask for a major professional company, let alone a community-based company such as this.

But Reader…they did it!

Director Gordon Combes designed his own set: sometimes a bad decision, but not in this case. From the moment the audience walks in they are enveloped in the world of The Woods. Clever use of screen projection, varied levels, and excellent lighting give this the look of a production that has had much more money spent on it than this likely has. Matt Ralph has done an outstanding job on projection and lighting, working seamlessly with Combes’s set design. It looked wonderful, it did what it needed to do for the narrative, and it provided a wonderful play-space for the cast, with room for Celeste Barone’s great choreography.

And what a cast! Into the Woods is an ensemble piece, both in narrative and musical terms, and every performer put in 100% on opening night. Particularly outstanding were Megan Humphries as The Witch, Emily Morris as Cinderella, Sam Mannix as Cinderella’s Prince and The Wolf, and the delightful Liliana Carletti as Little Red Riding Hood. James McCluskey-Garcia held the show together beautifully as Narrator and Mysterious Man, while Catherine Breugelmans as Baker’s Wife and Jared Frost as Baker also delivered in spades. Voices were mostly in fine form, with only a couple of struggles from some singers in the higher range. There were also the odd moments when some vocals were lacking in power, but as the season progresses I’m sure this will come. 

Under the baton of conductor/musical director Jillian Gulliver, the orchestra was tight, lyrical, and pitched just right. Special mention to Billy St John, assistant musical director, repetiteur, and superb pianist.

Into the Woods is a mind-blowing production. Adelaide has always had a strong and very professional community theatre tradition. Here is more proof of that. If you have never seen Sondheim before, then here is your chance. A more satisfying night in the theatre would be hard to find.

Reviewed by: Tracey Korsten

Photo Credit: Ahsan Qureshi (AQ) – Proshots

Venue: Arts Theatre
Season: 22nd September-1st October
Duration: 3 hour (including interval)
Tickets: Adult $45.00, Concession $39.00, Tertiary Student $15.00, Child (under 18) $15.00
Bookings: https://www.gandssa.com.au/buy-tickets/

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