TOOELE — The setting was perfect for this musical, Into The Woods, with music by Stephen Sondheim, and book by James Lapine, presented by Tooele Valley Theatre. Large trees behind and around the earth-tone painted set stood out against the setting sun as I sat on the shaded cement steps. I was grateful to have a thick blanket to sit on, and the ambiance of crickets chirping, bees buzzing, and birdsong paired with the show. It was everything I wished it to be: emotionally powerful, hilarious at times, and personally cathartic.

Show closes August 3, 2024.

Into the Woods is a marvelous story, the first half a retelling of multiple fairy tales happening simultaneously, some with original gruesome detail, like in the case of Cinderella’s ugly stepsisters. The second half is full of moving, intense music and story, about relationships, hurt, and healing. I’ve always loved the musical, and was so grateful to see that this production did it justice and then some.

Director​ Amanda Debry did an amazing job at keeping the integrity of Sondheim’s masterpiece as well as fitting it for a community theater. I was very impressed with how smoothly the production flowed and how skilled each performer was. ​I loved the choice to make the puppeteer of the cow also embody the cow’s emotions and expressions. Also, the choice to have the Wolf lick his fingers after devouring Little Red Riding Hood was hilarious. The song, “Stay With Me” with the Witch and Rapunzel was poignant, and the way they interacted with each other was so tender. The flow of the entire show was impressive, and I could tell that the cast and crew had put their energy and heart into it all. My favorite part was how Debry directed the two princes’ songs, particularly where Ryan Munsey, playing Rapunzel’s Prince, jumps in terror at the thought of Dwarfs nearby. Debry was able to do justice to the script while adding fun new things that I had never considered an option in this play before, and I loved it.

Cassidy Ellenberger as The Witch.

Erik Mourtgos was the Music Director, and must have worked extremely hard, because everyone was great with articulation and togetherness. I only noticed a few times when they missed a note and one time they didn’t come in together, but I was grateful because not many community theaters like this could pull off as good a job as TVT did here. I came in expecting the show to suffer because it’s hard to find talent enough to fit this musical, but I was pleasantly surprised by the quality!

 
Julianne Ferguson, who played Cinderella, has such a beautiful lilting voice. I loved her passion throughout the show and her real tears in the last scene were powerful. The actors brought me to tears multiple times, and it was a welcome night of feelings. I loved how Chad Henwood played the Baker with his raw intensity during the song “No More.” Kai Freeman puppeted Milky White and was enjoyable to watch as he reacted to what was happening, like when Milky gets sold to the Baker and is parted from Jack. Freeman’s face of horror was heartbreaking.
Though they had a set issue, they were able to fix it relatively quickly during intermission, and the second half of the production was so emotionally powerful, I hardly noticed how late it was getting. For a small community theater, I really enjoyed how professional they were. The costumes​ by Brianna Lyman were all immaculate and fitted each character well. I especially liked the princes​’ costumes that were nearly identical but of different colors and complemented each other well on stage. The Witches transformation was also a great contrast to her previous look with a scary, scraggly mask and long crooked nose.
Emily Henwood was the Choreographer, and I loved her choices. The holding of hands and spiraling into center stage looked so cool. The last song was moving and powerful as they all had their hands up together. The unity and expressions were all skillfully prepared.
There is so much more I enjoyed and wish I could share it all, but will leave it to you to be surprised. I loved the way this production was directed, and was impressed by the quality of the whole team. I hope to see many more shows at TVT in future, and am so glad they chose to do Into The Woods.
Tooele Valley Theatre’s production of Into The Woods plays at 7:00 PM  on July 10,12, 18, 20, 24, 26, August 1, & 3, 2024 at the Tooele City Wigwam (4 Canyon Road, Tooele). Tickets are $14-$17. For more information, visit tooelevalleytheatre.org.