Into The Woods
at La Habra High School

Reviewed on May 2, 2015

Gabby Romero
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

La Habra Guides Us "Into the Woods"

In a unique interpretation of Sondheim's iconic musical, the cast and crew of La Habra High School's "Into the Woods" expertly highlight the storytelling aspect of theatre. On a quest to reverse a spell of infertility cast on his family, a baker and his wife venture into the woods. With a cast of characters from classic fairytales, the show provides an evocative manifestation of the phrase "Be careful what you wish for".

Jake Garberg excellently illustrates the torment of a man haunted by his father's wrongdoings as the Baker. Whether he is yearning for a child of his own or mourning the death of his wife, he wholeheartedly depicts the struggle of the story's protagonist.

Zoya Martin beautifully portrays Cinderella's transition from a fickle young maiden to a mature mother figure. With her ethereal voice and smooth motions, she gracefully depicts the emotional development of her character.

The Wolf, played by Jonathan Rosario, exemplifies the darkness lurking within the woods. With raised eyebrows and a menacing smirk as he circles around Little Red, he exudes the predatory charm of a wolf luring its prey.

Joseph Alvarez shines as Milky White without speaking a single word. By trembling in fear at the thought of being sold and lovingly burrowing his snout into his close friend Jack, he establishes himself as the show's most lovable character.

The costumes, designed by Sarah Jan and Madeline Gray, artfully exemplify the idea of storytelling. As the show begins, the cast is dressed in modern day clothes, slowly becoming more theatrical with bright patchwork garments, and finally easing back into regular clothes at the culmination of the story.

Sara Cueto's lighting design not only adapts to the constantly shifting environment, but also skillfully blends the outdoor surroundings into the show. To adapt to the setting sun, the stage progressively becomes more lit and the trees behind the stage are illuminated with bright colors. As the themes of the show mature, the characters are lit only with flashlights, highlighting the darker, more ominous elements of the story.

As the actors sit among the trees and interact with the audience on the lawn, La Habra's production of "Into the Woods" reminds us of the true art of storytelling.

Gabby Romero
Santa Margarita Catholic High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

La Habra Guides Us "Into the Woods"

In a unique interpretation of Sondheim's iconic musical, the cast and crew of La Habra High School's "Into the Woods" expertly highlight the storytelling aspect of theatre. On a quest to reverse a spell of infertility cast on his family, a baker and his wife venture into the woods. With a cast of characters from classic fairytales, the show provides an evocative manifestation of the phrase "Be careful what you wish for".

Jake Garberg excellently illustrates the torment of a man haunted by his father's wrongdoings as the Baker. Whether he is yearning for a child of his own or mourning the death of his wife, he wholeheartedly depicts the struggle of the story's protagonist.

Zoya Martin beautifully portrays Cinderella's transition from a fickle young maiden to a mature mother figure. With her ethereal voice and smooth motions, she gracefully depicts the emotional development of her character.

The Wolf, played by Jonathan Rosario, exemplifies the darkness lurking within the woods. With raised eyebrows and a menacing smirk as he circles around Little Red, he exudes the predatory charm of a wolf luring its prey.

Joseph Alvarez shines as Milky White without speaking a single word. By trembling in fear at the thought of being sold and lovingly burrowing his snout into his close friend Jack, he establishes himself as the show's most lovable character.

The costumes, designed by Sarah Jan and Madeline Gray, artfully exemplify the idea of storytelling. As the show begins, the cast is dressed in modern day clothes, slowly becoming more theatrical with bright patchwork garments, and finally easing back into regular clothes at the culmination of the story.

Sara Cueto's lighting design not only adapts to the constantly shifting environment, but also skillfully blends the outdoor surroundings into the show. To adapt to the setting sun, the stage progressively becomes more lit and the trees behind the stage are illuminated with bright colors. As the themes of the show mature, the characters are lit only with flashlights, highlighting the darker, more ominous elements of the story.

As the actors sit among the trees and interact with the audience on the lawn, La Habra's production of "Into the Woods" reminds us of the true art of storytelling.

Chase Robinson
San Juan Hills High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

La Habra offers a spellbinding ‘Into the Woods'

Once upon a time in a far-away kingdom, a hapless baker, a fair maiden, a courageous lad, and a feisty girl ventur into the woods to turn their greatest fantasies into realities. Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods" intertwines the stories of classic fairytale characters in a modern style.

Through vivid storytelling and abundant emotion, the seasoned actors of La Habra High School exhibit the path to happiness is riddled with strife; yet, it is rewarding as it instills maturity and knowledge in its adventurers.

Comical and bold, Lillie Muir mesmerizes as the Witch. Whether she hobbles across the stage or flounces herself on ladders to cackle, Muir fluidly embodies the complex character.

Jake Garberg is passionate as the Baker. His grounded stance and longing eyes reflect his resolve in gathering a myriad of items that guarantee his wife and himself a child. Likewise, Emily Taylor portrays the Baker's Wife with sincerity and vivacity. She demonstrates character development in "Moments in the Woods," as she experiences liberation from her banal life.

As Jack, Patrick Gray is dynamic with animated facials and gesticulations. He shines in "Giants in the Sky" as he ascends the colossal beanstalk—showcasing his boyish charm. Kendall Stephens' performance as Little Red is also commendable. Stephens displays Red's exuberance when she frolics amongst the audience and strength whenever she brandishes her hunting knife.

Zoya Martin as Cinderella manifests innocence with a doe-eyed stare—pining for her Prince Charming. Her vulnerability gradually blossoms into courage as the plot thickens and her happy ending seems near.

Austin Tebay and Bryce Satterfield, respectively portraying Cinderella's Prince and Rapunzel's Prince, are a comic duo. Their machismo and gusto is evident in "Agony" as they lament over their floundering love lives. Joseph Alvarez is also hysterical as Milky White, hunching over and wagging his head like an actual cow.

Each technical component revitalizes the classic musical by embracing an outdoor setting via picnic imagery. Michael Reehl's set design incorporates wooden structures, like an upright picnic table for Rapunzel's tower, to indicate naturalistic finesse. Similarly, Sarah Jan and Madeline Gray's costume design includes colorful stitch work that heightens the show's fantastical element.

From audience interaction to innovative twists, La Habra High School's rendition of "Into the Woods" is distinctly unique; however, it embodies Sondheim's sensation as it reveals life is about the journey, not the destination.

Chase Robinson
San Juan Hills High School
Submitted for publication to Orange County Register

La Habra offers a spellbinding ‘Into the Woods'

Once upon a time in a far-away kingdom, a hapless baker, a fair maiden, a courageous lad, and a feisty girl ventur into the woods to turn their greatest fantasies into realities. Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods" intertwines the stories of classic fairytale characters in a modern style.

Through vivid storytelling and abundant emotion, the seasoned actors of La Habra High School exhibit the path to happiness is riddled with strife; yet, it is rewarding as it instills maturity and knowledge in its adventurers.

Comical and bold, Lillie Muir mesmerizes as the Witch. Whether she hobbles across the stage or flounces herself on ladders to cackle, Muir fluidly embodies the complex character.

Jake Garberg is passionate as the Baker. His grounded stance and longing eyes reflect his resolve in gathering a myriad of items that guarantee his wife and himself a child. Likewise, Emily Taylor portrays the Baker's Wife with sincerity and vivacity. She demonstrates character development in "Moments in the Woods," as she experiences liberation from her banal life.

As Jack, Patrick Gray is dynamic with animated facials and gesticulations. He shines in "Giants in the Sky" as he ascends the colossal beanstalk—showcasing his boyish charm. Kendall Stephens' performance as Little Red is also commendable. Stephens displays Red's exuberance when she frolics amongst the audience and strength whenever she brandishes her hunting knife.

Zoya Martin as Cinderella manifests innocence with a doe-eyed stare—pining for her Prince Charming. Her vulnerability gradually blossoms into courage as the plot thickens and her happy ending seems near.

Austin Tebay and Bryce Satterfield, respectively portraying Cinderella's Prince and Rapunzel's Prince, are a comic duo. Their machismo and gusto is evident in "Agony" as they lament over their floundering love lives. Joseph Alvarez is also hysterical as Milky White, hunching over and wagging his head like an actual cow.

Each technical component revitalizes the classic musical by embracing an outdoor setting via picnic imagery. Michael Reehl's set design incorporates wooden structures, like an upright picnic table for Rapunzel's tower, to indicate naturalistic finesse. Similarly, Sarah Jan and Madeline Gray's costume design includes colorful stitch work that heightens the show's fantastical element.

From audience interaction to innovative twists, La Habra High School's rendition of "Into the Woods" is distinctly unique; however, it embodies Sondheim's sensation as it reveals life is about the journey, not the destination.

Yamini Nambimadom
University High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

A bewitching "Into The Woods" from La Habra

Under a cool breeze and a sunny sky, actors begin to take the stage. The low murmur of vocal warm-ups buzzes through the park, until Cinderella suddenly declares, "I wish to go to the festival!" Almost immediately, three classic fairytales cross paths, and chaos erupts.

La Habra's unique, picnic-inspired rendering of Sondheim's "Into The Woods" is riotous and innovative.

The Baker (Jake Garberg) and his wife (Emily Taylor) skillfully depict a young couple eager to have children. As circumstances change, Taylor and Garberg implement timing and distance to their advantage. Hitting believable lows and highs, they transition from argumentative and frustrated ("Maybe They're Magic") to loving and supportive ("It Takes Two").

Despite a grotesque mask concealing her face, Lillie Muir crafts an outrageous, cunning Witch. She holds out claw-like hands and squats low, swaying in circles, as if to brew a potion. Ugly and villainous upon her entrance, Muir transforms into an attractive, powerful woman as she emerges from a paint-splattered purple tarp at the end of Act One. Muir is consistent in her physicality, but dampens it to suit her character's new form.

With a "sunny, though occasionally vague, disposition", Patrick Gray exudes a lovable air of childishness as Jack. Gray is wide-eyed and excited whenever Milky White is nearby. Joseph Alvarez adds unexpected comedic relief as Milky White- usually portrayed by a prop- expressing sharp disdain through contorted facial expressions and piercing cries.

Austin Tebay and Bryce Satterfield stand out as Cinderella and Rapunzel's Princes. The two playfully discuss unattainable romantic exploits in "Agony". Tebay and Satterfield's humorous physicality and vocalization are amplified verse after verse as each attempts to outdo the other to prove his predicament is crueler.

As the Baker, Jack, the Witch, Cinderella (Zoya Martin), and Little Red (Kendall Stephens) take turns accusing each other ("Your Fault"), the remaining cast members shine flashlights as makeshift spotlights. This unique choice intensifies the turmoil and draws focus towards the actors as they frantically condemn one another.

The set, composed of a wooden ladder upstage and four wooden benches downstage, is simple, yet dynamic. Its minimalism allows room for inventiveness: the ladder is fashioned into a beanstalk made of green umbrellas, and the benches become the bed in which the Wolf devours Little Red.

Re-imagined and robust, La Habra's "Into the Woods" puts a fresh spin on everyone's favorite fairytales.

Yamini Nambimadom
University High School
Submitted for publication to OC Cappies Facebook

A bewitching "Into The Woods" from La Habra

Under a cool breeze and a sunny sky, actors begin to take the stage. The low murmur of vocal warm-ups buzzes through the park, until Cinderella suddenly declares, "I wish to go to the festival!" Almost immediately, three classic fairytales cross paths, and chaos erupts.

La Habra's unique, picnic-inspired rendering of Sondheim's "Into The Woods" is riotous and innovative.

The Baker (Jake Garberg) and his wife (Emily Taylor) skillfully depict a young couple eager to have children. As circumstances change, Taylor and Garberg implement timing and distance to their advantage. Hitting believable lows and highs, they transition from argumentative and frustrated ("Maybe They're Magic") to loving and supportive ("It Takes Two").

Despite a grotesque mask concealing her face, Lillie Muir crafts an outrageous, cunning Witch. She holds out claw-like hands and squats low, swaying in circles, as if to brew a potion. Ugly and villainous upon her entrance, Muir transforms into an attractive, powerful woman as she emerges from a paint-splattered purple tarp at the end of Act One. Muir is consistent in her physicality, but dampens it to suit her character's new form.

With a "sunny, though occasionally vague, disposition", Patrick Gray exudes a lovable air of childishness as Jack. Gray is wide-eyed and excited whenever Milky White is nearby. Joseph Alvarez adds unexpected comedic relief as Milky White- usually portrayed by a prop- expressing sharp disdain through contorted facial expressions and piercing cries.

Austin Tebay and Bryce Satterfield stand out as Cinderella and Rapunzel's Princes. The two playfully discuss unattainable romantic exploits in "Agony". Tebay and Satterfield's humorous physicality and vocalization are amplified verse after verse as each attempts to outdo the other to prove his predicament is crueler.

As the Baker, Jack, the Witch, Cinderella (Zoya Martin), and Little Red (Kendall Stephens) take turns accusing each other ("Your Fault"), the remaining cast members shine flashlights as makeshift spotlights. This unique choice intensifies the turmoil and draws focus towards the actors as they frantically condemn one another.

The set, composed of a wooden ladder upstage and four wooden benches downstage, is simple, yet dynamic. Its minimalism allows room for inventiveness: the ladder is fashioned into a beanstalk made of green umbrellas, and the benches become the bed in which the Wolf devours Little Red.

Re-imagined and robust, La Habra's "Into the Woods" puts a fresh spin on everyone's favorite fairytales.