Fairytale retelling pure class
Into the Woods Jr. Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine. Nelson Youth Theatre Company at the Theatre Royal in Nelson.
Reviewed by Margy Wallace
Stephen Sondheim’s rollicking songs combined with catchy rhymes weave through this retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fable, narrated by Ollie Petrie in the quest to ‘‘reverse the curse’’ set by the Witch.
Barefoot Little Red (superbly played by Charlotte Hall) has a few tricks up her sleeve and the boos of the audience were thunderous when the Witch (a strong performance by Addison Ives) used her wand.
The characters must be careful what they wish for, as they seem to be on a wild goose chase, in lessons they must face, as the power of the woods provide a change of heart, such as: the Baker realising he does need his wife, in the song It Takes Two; and the Agony of chasing love that could cut like a knife.
Cinderella (beautifully played by Katrina Salcin-Watts) finds herself constantly on the run from her Prince. She is not in the mood to be pursued but on the steps of the palace does she have a change of heart about her Prince?
Some highlights were the changing backdrop, with a growing beanstalk, a shadowy forest that hides a mysterious character, a real hen, special lighting effects and rousing chorus numbers such as Where’s the Terrible Giant and the Finale with the youngest members as fairytale characters.
There is something for everyone in this show. There are many laughs from the audience and curious questions from the younger folk.
To follow this week at the Theatre Royal, Beauty and the Beast Jr opens on Wednesday for six shows.