Into the Woods
by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine
View Program / Cast information
Director's Comments
October 5, 2000 - More photos! Cast pictures were taken last night at our last rehearsal. They are viewable here. You can click on each picture to see a larger version if you wish.
October 4, 2000 - I've promised pictures for some time, and finally, with the assistance of the Clayton County Register, I'm able to offer you at least one. The main Into The Woods page now has a photo of most of the cast. There were some absent when this photo was taken. Take a look at it from the main page, or click here.
We're heading into our final weekend. Opening weekend was an undeniable success. Thanks to all of you who came out to see the show, and make all our hard work worth it. The cast is excited and ready for the closing weekend. The path is straight. Come join us as we go Into The Woods!
September 28, 2000 - We're ready. Are you? The lights are set, the sound is tested, the actors are geared up, the stage work is done, details have been added in what you'll see and what you'll hear. Special thanks go out to lots of people who showed up and helped at the last minute to add those things that you may not notice, but will add tremendously to your experience. (Maggie, that means you and your 2am night's work!) Of course, I can't say that without again thanking the people who put in a tremendous number of hours. Our technical director deserves special thanks as well for work above and beyond the call of duty. Production staff are making sure the overall experience will be a pleasure.
On an interesting side note, I spoke with our Technical / Orchestra Director Tom Chandler. Both he and I agree, this is technically one of the most difficult shows we have done as far as music is concerned. My job now shifts to running the sound / special effects system that is such a big part of this show. Since I have begun that task, I am no longer able to spend much time watching the show. The pace is fast, but the job is enjoyable, and the rewards well worth it.
We're ready. Are you? Into the Woods!!
September 21, 2000 - Things are winding down as far as practice and setwork are concerned, and gearing up as far as the performance is concerned. The orchestra, which contains some younger members this show, has found out just how much skill it takes to play for a musical. Last night proved they can rise to the challenge. There is work yet to go in that department, but bringing the orchestra into line with the performers who have been hard at practice for four weeks already always takes some time. The songs are sounding better and better. Ticket sales are going well, so don't procrastinate, make that call.
I must be moving into the philisophical stage of the production, as I'm spending a great deal of time thinking about what this show says. It could be that we're spending most of our time working on details such as facial expressions and tone of voice. I wonder if the public realizes that such details go into a performance. Understanding what the author / composer was trying to convey and making sure that the performance conveys that feeling is a large part of any production. That is most expecially true with this show, since it's purpose in utilizing Grimm's Brothers Fairy Tales is both to entertain and to teach.
It can be easy to watch the show and let it's entertainment value sweep you away. My job as director is to make sure that while you are entertained, you also feel and see the dilemas caused by the actions of the characters and absorb the lessons they teach. Reaching that point, lets you walk away from the show feeling like you've been entertained, and that something deeper has transpired as well. One week to go. Are you ready to go Into The Woods?
September 13, 2000 - Well, I think it's arriving... that frantic stage I talked to you about. This weekend should finish up the majority of the set work (except detail work). That will help. The cast is just beginning to realize that we have only 15 days left till opening. That always gets the adrenaline flowing as well. Not that things aren't moving along well. There is still plenty of fine tuning left to get done. The orchestra joins us full time tonight. This is something that the cast and I always look forward to. Lighting crew will be there tonight to get lights set. They always need to wait till the majority of the setwork is done.
Already some of the things are showing the now standard OHP flair. I'm anxious to see the audience reaction to several set pieces and special effects we're finishing up. The cast is excited and fired up. Rehearsals are fun, because the show is fun. I do want to take this opportunity to remind people that this show is based on the Grimms Brothers version of these fairy tales. Not that this means graphic violence any where near prime time television, but it is not Disney (tm). All in all the show is light hearted and fun, it may however sometimes be too intense for young children. That said, you know the maturity level of your children. It's a show, meant to entertain, and in true fairy tale style, teach some "life lessons".
As I listen to some of the lyrics night after night, I wonder how many will catch all the wonderful thoughts that rush by. "Nice is different than good." "Children may not obey, but children will listen. Children will look to you for which way to turn, to learn what to be." And there is more. We're enjoying getting ready. Make sure you get tickets to enjoy the show!
September 5, 2000 - Another good weekend of setwork, and yes.. there is still plenty to do. Every time we do this I'm amazed at the number of man/women hours that go into one of these shows. It is no wonder that professional theaters need to charge $45-90 a seat. All the more reason for people to support local theater at $9 a seat! The work and dedication are the same, only the donated hours make it possible.
Rehearsals are now finishing up on the learning stage. I fully expect dialogue and songs learned by this weekend. (Actually, I expected it before...) Then we move into the fine tuning stage. With a Sondheim score, I've allowed a bit more time than usual for that. Costumes are beginning to show up as they are completed, new faces are showing up to help our group out. The invitation-only Special performance has been approved and will be put on for area 5-6th graders. We're excited to offer this show to this group of kids as an example of local amateur theater.
I'm just back now from a night of rehearsal. I'm starting to feel things fall together on this project. I've yet to reach the frantic stage. I'm sure I'll be letting you know when that happens. <grin> The sounds are good the timing is improving. Into the Woods is becoming a show!
August 29, 2000 - Lots of technical set work done this weekend. Several long days of hard hot work. My gratitude and thanks to all of you who took time out from your busy schedules and helped. The songs are sounding great. There is lots of work going on getting this music down and it shows! This is definitely one of those musicals that is so easy to listen to and enjoy, but definitely a lot of work getting down to that point. The rhythms and phrasing in the songs has to be perfect, and when it is, you would never know that it was difficult to do. That's our job, to make it all look easy. The cast is doing a wonderful job, not that I let them know that yet. Always work for better. The audience deserves our best.
Some more exciting things happening with the theater renovation project. Although we are still definitely in the beginning stages, the seating company has shipped a sample for approval. I was able to talk a look (and a sit) of the sample. Should the committee overseeing the project approve of the sample (we are very concerned and working hard to keep the Opera House historically correct in terms of color and other appearances) the Opera House Players has agreed to replace the four front row center seats to let people know what the new seats would look (and feel) like. This may mean front row center won't be available for this show. The seating company has assured us they will do their best to get those seats refinished and back to us in time for opening. Once they are installed, we are considering selling those seats at a premium and donating the proceeds to the renovation fund. It's an exciting time.
August 24, 2000 - Another week has flown by. We're reaching the stage where the show is coming together, well.. if we can just get the technical things arranged. <grin> As always, with an all volunteer production there are some jobs that seem to take a back burner. Not that we don't get the job done (as evidenced by the quality of shows that this group just keeps putting on!) but sometimes things don't get done as rapidly as we would like them to.
The cast is doing a wonderful job getting the music and lyrics of Stephen Sondheim down, not an easy task for anyone familiar with this wonderful songwriter and lyricist. It's bound to be a joy for all to experience. Lots of new behind the scenes activity this year and it is pushing us to the limit to get things going as we would like. For those of you wondering, yes, post cards will be in the mail by next week announcing the show.
The new drops are in, along with new lighting, and even some new sound equipment. We're updating lots of rigging that will put us in good shape for many years to come. This is all happening right along with discussions about a complete renovation of the Elkader Opera House. We're thrilled to see the interest in keeping this wonderful building in shape and providing entertainment for thousands of area residence and visitors. Stay tuned to this site, I'll try to keep things updated as far as the renovation plans too.
August 15, 2000 - I thought it was about time for me to begin keeping you updated on progress. To be honest with you, things have been busy enough, I haven't had time to update the site as I'd like to. As we settle into a practice schedule, that should change and I'll work to update the site with my comments, and pictures of rehearsals and set worksessions as possible.
The casting for this show was a delight in that our only problem was in picking among the superbly talented people that were available for the parts. Take a look at the cast list for this show. You'll see lots of names you recognize from previous shows, but there will be some new faces as well. This show lends itself very well to some of our better character actors. As usual, the more I listen to the music and read through the show, the more I'm looking forward to seeing the audience reaction to this wonderful production. Stephen Sondheim has done a wonderful job in crafting the music and lyrics for this show. Now it's our job to prepare it for you in with our usual OHP flare!
Work has begun on set. After two weekends of work, the majority of the technical details are being worked out. We're working hard to create a set that puts you in the "fairy tale" mood. We've ordered new drops, and will be ordering new lighting specially for this production. Stay tuned. I'll keep you updated.