EARL OF MARCH SECONDARY THESPIANS EXCEL IN COMPLEX WORK
HANNAH DRAPER, CRITIC SIR ROBERT BORDEN HIGH SCHOOL
SHow #24: INtO tHE WOODS WHere: EARL OF MARCH SECONDARy SCHOOL
Director: Matt Minter AND ZOE ROBINSON
If given the opportunity to have whatever you wanted most in the world, would you take it? Earl of March Secondary School explored to what lengths people would go to achieve a dream and its subsequently disastrous consequences, in their performance of Into the Woods.
Making its theatrical debut in 1986, Into the Woods tells the story of human greed in the most tragic and chilling of ways: through familiar children’s stories. Cursed to be eternally without child thanks to his father’s misdeeds, the Baker (Alex MacDonald) swears he’ll do whatever is necessary to get a child — no matter the consequences. Cleverly connecting multiple fairy tales, Into the Woods shows the emotional journey he and his wife go on in order to get ingredients for the potion the Witch needs to lift her spell. Unfortunately, everything comes at a price. As soon as life seems perfect, the consequences of their actions catch up with them in a dramatic conclusion when a giant comes looking for retribution.
The students of Earl of March Secondary School impressed with their entertaining story and yet remained true to the darker undertones. 3D animation was used to add even more depth to the set, and the careful technical details transported the audience to the woods where truly anything can happen. Clad in intricate costumes and with perfectly paired makeup, the cast and crew delivered a show with boundless energy and imagination.
MacDonald’s performance as the Baker showcased his incredible theatrical talent, made clear through his flawless projection, endearingly bumbling physicality, and tangible emotions. Interactions with his wife, played by Jenny McCracken, and the Witch who cursed his family, played by Lena Kirkham, took the audience on an emotional roller-coaster ride. Kirkham showcased not only her versatility as an actress but also as a vocalist, when she dominated many songs with ease and gorgeously executed a wide range of emotions.
McCracken marvellously portrayed the Wife’s stubborn nature and exemplified the conflict of desire and duty throughout her many songs, notably Any Moment. Cinderella (Heather Bylsma), Jack (Duncan Barter) and Little Red Riding Hood (Ana Solano Mejias) all interacted with remarkable ease as they met on their journey to achieve their wishes. Songs like No One Is Alone really highlighted the group’s flawless dynamics and chemistry together. Other memorable performances include the exceptionally comedic Daze Francis and Pierce Melanson as the Princes. In Agony, they used their physicality and vocal abilities to tell the story of their believable sibling rivalry with hilarious results.
Well-rehearsed choreography was consistently in time with the impressive musicians from the ‘Pit of Agony’ who accompanied them. Their seamless transition to different chapters of the story was aided by their percussionists, who flawlessly gave the illusion of a giant stomping. That effect in particular was paired with innovative lighting designs from Evan Nearing, which continually used mood appropriate gels and gobos to elevate the scene. Into the Woods wouldn’t be complete, of course, without Rapunzel’s 18-foot-tall tower, which Riley Kernohan and Val Slaunwhite gladly delivered. Exceptional detail was paid to all pieces, and the small touches like knots on the trees and wood in the fireplace could have been easily taken for professional quality.
Moral ambiguity isn’t often the first thought when it comes to beloved classics like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack in the Beanstalk, but it was perfectly exemplified as the selfishness driving the plot called into question the actions of our “heroes.” The dark undertones often make this musical a difficult one to deliver, but Earl of March Secondary School rose to the challenge, delivering a truly exceptional show.