Musical – Into the Woods

Into the Woods

Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Book by JAMES LAPINE

Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapin Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia) All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia

When I told other drama teacher colleagues, we were doing the full adult version of Into the Woods their jaws dropped. You must have done rigorous auditions within the high school population they asked? Well, no, I explained that the Glenaeon way of approaching a school musical was a deviation from the norm.

The whole of Year 10 performing, most having never acted, sung, or danced on stage before and each child working outside their comfort zones. I grew used to their reactions and when the same people came to see the show and were in awe of what this cast had achieved, I fully understood the power of theatre to create unique life transformations. There is no greater test of teamwork, cooperation and communication than being involved in live theatre, especially a piece of work by Stephen Sondheim.

From the get-go, the cast were up for the challenge, keen and eager with choreography, character and blocking suggestions and alive with creative impulses. We watched them struggle, practise, persist and succeed in learning and unravelling the tricky songs and dialogue within an incredibly convoluted script. It was a true collaboration and one which required me to get out of my own way to allow the process to evolve. It was a very moving experience for me as a teacher, performer, and director to experience.

One of the students told me at the lavishly jubilant cast party that being in the production had changed their life — the purpose of my career crystalised in that moment. I have learned never to underestimate the teenage spirit. I can’t wait to see what the next Year 10 student cohort will create in 2023! 

Caroline Farrell Director