Review: 'Into The Woods' by Nonnewaug HS

Woodbury, CT - Nonnewaug High School Theater had to bring their production of INTO THE WOODS out of their school. The auditorium at Nonnewaug is under construction, so the high school thespians brought the trees, the fairy tale costumes and the student orchestra to the gym with a stage at Woodbury Middle School. The group had only two weeks to move into their temporary space, but the look of the magnificent scenery did not suffer one bit.

“We learn one must deal with the consequences of getting one’s wish, and what is more, dealing with it as part of a society. We are all responsible. We must teach our children, but we are warned that ultimately they will grow up exactly like us, make the same mistakes, have the same fears.” - Shannon-Courtney Denihan, director

Todd Gorski, who as luck would have it is now a music teacher at this very middle school, served as music director and conducted the student orchestra from his seat at the piano. He managed to make it look like it is easy to play Sondheim. How lucky they were to have five violins, a cello and a viola to flesh out the score. The 15 student musicians and one teacher all wore dressed in great black show tee shirts.

The art director was Mrs. Leeza Desjardins and Mrs. Shannon “Drama Mama” Bauer was in charge of the wonderfully colorful costumes. Students Rebecca Reimold and Allison Roche lent their talents as choreographers. The fine lighting was designed by Eric Schultz and a team of eight designed that impressive set; the latter was built by a team of three and painted by a committee. (The set is available for rental by contacting Ms. Desjardins via email, but you would need to borrow Milky White from Staples High School.) I loved the massive three dimensional story books, the smoke that accompanied The Witch’s transformation, and the timpani footsteps of the Giant.

The way is clear
The light is good
I have no fear
Nor no one should
The woods are just trees
The trees are just wood
No need to be afraid there - Prologue: Into The Woods

Junior Mike Garvey (Chuck Cranston in Nonnewaug’s FOOTLOOSE) took a break from recording rock music albums to play the leading role of the Baker. It was not a surprise that he sang beautifully in the role. Senior Malia Piscitelli just about stole the show as The Witch; this young lady possesses the strong voice and acting skills for this demanding role. Ms. Piscitelli will head to my alma mater, Sacred Heart University, in the fall.

A pair destined for a dynamic duo nod are the twin boys that played the two princes. Bryce Bauer, a junior in his seventh Nonnewaug show who is already an Eagle Scout, played the prince who marries Rapunzel, while his brother Ian Bauer, also a junior, also an Eagle Scout, and the actor who played Pugsley in THE ADDAM’S FAMILY, took on the role of Cinderella’s Prince. Both young performers looked the part and sang well, especially in (the song) “Agony.”

Anna Goodwin, a Nonnewaug freshman from Bethel, was appropriately strong as the hungry Little Red (Riding Hood.) Mary Lasley, a senior who played both Ethel McCormack and Betty Blast in FOOTLOOSE, was a standout in the role of The Baker’s Wife. Rebecca Reimold, a junior who played Rusty in FOOTLOOSE, easily stepped into the important role of Cinderella; what a lovely singing voice she has!

Senior Connor Beck played the dangerous Wolf who does not survive the first act in a great wolf headpiece and then appeared as the royal Steward; he did very well in both roles. Sophomore Olivia Braga was the Granny that the Wolf managed to eat but then jumped out of employing a magical bed.

Shannon Rupar, a senior who is usually a member of the pit orchestra, stepped up to play the formidable stepmother of Cinderella. Gillian Brown, a freshman who writes for Nonnewaug’s newspaper, was lovely as Cinderella’s Mother who appeared out of the largest tree in the set. Junior Savannah Fish managed well the golden hair of Rapunzel

Senior Allison Ogle, who played Jo in FOOTLOOSE, covered the role of Jack’s Mother, while Kai Spencer, a senior from Naugatuck, sang very well as Jack (and the Beanstalk,) especially for “Giants in the Sky.”

Audric Teresteny took on the role of Cinderella’s Father. Sophomore Rachel Danaher played stepsister Florinda in her Nonnewaug debut, and sophomore Allie Roche, who has appeared in four CTAW productions, portrayed Lucinda.

Ben Johnson, a junior who is a member of the Wingman Program, was definitely mysterious as the Mysterious Man. Junior Jason Zulpa took on the role of The Narrator in his first Nonnewaug production.

The Wood Nymph dancers included freshman Gracie Lehay, freshman Kaylee Rabideau, freshman Sabrina Tevolini (who was the featured ballet soloist,) junior Dongyu Xing, and freshman Sarah Walsh-Herde, who has worked with NewArts in NEWSIES and A CHRISTMAS CAROL. Ms. Xing also voiced The Giant. The dancing of the nymphs added much to the scenes in which they appeared.

The members of the stage crew got to come out and take a bow at the curtain call. Congratulations to all of the Nonnewaug students and the adults who work with them on a fine production.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.