Into the Woods
at Chantilly High School

Reviewed on April 29, 2022

Aaron Haak
Dominion High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

On the last Friday of April, Grimm tales awaited the audience of Chantilly High School's production of "Into the Woods." This 1986 musical twists classic fairy tales into a dark comedy laced with countless melodic songs, interwoven with numerous overlapping storylines. A baker and his wife wish for a baby, an impoverished mother and son wish for money, and a young girl wishes to go to a festival -- soon, however, they will all learn to be wary of wishes and all that they may bring when one wanders into the woods.

The cast was brimming with bold personalities and high energy that allowed each scene to swiftly transition into the next, all while maintaining the dramatic atmosphere of the show. None executed this skill better than Sydney Schneider's portrayal of the Witch. From the first step into the stage light to the final note uttered, Schneider embodied each aspect of her character with appropriate posture, voice acting, snide remarks, and above all else, visible passion for her work. A perfect representation was The Witch's debut -- Schneider entered, hunching over a cane, cackling maniacally, and chanting vegetable names. Even when not in the spotlight, she could be spotted making crone-like gestures and humorous expressions. This was in contrast to the later emergence of The Witch's true form, exuding an aura of power and beauty combined with the underlying alarm of powerlessness yet still providing life to the stage.

Certain characters are written to be much more memorable than others, and it takes a truly skilled actor to bring those less fortunate characters to life. Ren Lagasse and their portrayal of Little Red Ridinghood did exactly that. Arguably the best part of Lagasse's performance was their impeccable comedic timing, perfectly executing line after line, deadpan quip after deadpan quip. Their facial expressions throughout each scene were key, amplifying each emotion and consistently reinforcing the overdramatic nature of the show. Alyssa Dausch was another who brought life into her role as Cinderella, fully embodying the feel of a Disney princess. With the flutter of her voice and poise of royalty, she gracefully maneuvered through each scene of the production. Alongside her acting abilities, each song that Dausch performed contained an added element of grace and enticement, specifically the comforting and almost motherly number of "No One is Alone."

Framing the production were hand-crafted set pieces (headed by Tyler Hicks and Fin Blinov) which uniquely captured the feel of fairytale woods. The flats themselves, alongside the large painted rooms, gave the exact feel of a children's pop-up book, further adding to the ambiance of the musical. The extension put on the edge of the stage was a genius addition, adding dynamic character interactions from entrances and death to magical disappearances.

Makeup (Abby Lombard and Smriti Balasubramanian) was also especially impressive, aging high schoolers all the way from young teen to old hag. One of the most entertaining branches of this was the Witch's prosthetics -- these crucial features allowed ease of removal to create one of the most unforgettable moments in the production: her transformation.

"Into the Woods" has cemented itself in theater as a classic production that will continue being performed for decades to come, allowing for creative interpretations and technical versatility for each group who produces it. Chantilly High School produced a truly unique variation, adopting key moments while strategically straying off the path to produce an unforgettable performance that left each and every audience member wishing for another chance to watch this cast perform.

Miya Livingston
Dominion High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Cinderella got her prince, Jack got his cow, the Bakers got their family, and Rapunzel got a haircut-- if this is truly happily ever after, why are there 75 minutes left? Such was the mystery plaguing all audience minds after the triumphant Act I finale of "Into The Woods" at Chantilly High School. Featuring countless childhood favorites plus a vengeful witch and witty narrator on a giant-slaying, jaw-dropping, heart-wrenching adventure, Chantilly's rendition of Sondheim's Broadway classic tailored the dark fairytale crossover into a whimsical comedy for all ages.

From the moment the show opened, it was clear that the audience was in for a full immersive experience. Set designers Fin Blinov and Tyler Hicks, the latter impressively doubling as Rapunzel's prince, added a unique flair to the woodsy stage -- their winding stage extension seamlessly blended with the original floor, allowing for many statement moments as characters jumped in and out of its cavities. Other noteworthy set pieces included the Grandmother's house, with its screened front creating a silhouette effect, and an elaborate tower, complete with a veranda where Rapunzel (Hannah Moghaddar) stood to serenade the audience with her ethereal, operatic voice.

Despite the large cast of characters and occasional musical stumble, each actor proved a thorough understanding of their role and showcased their individual set of talents at every opportunity. For one, the righteous Baker (Julien DaSilva) and his resolute wife (Anna Anderson) astounded patrons both with their striking chemistry and their realistic portrayal of a couple's argument. Cinderella (Alyssa Dausch) enchanted with her crystal clear vocals and gentle demeanor, particularly towards plucky and commanding Little Red Ridinghood (Ren Lagasse) and caring but obtuse Jack (Christian Schopp). Before and after her youthful transformation, the Witch (Sydney Schneider) demonstrated a remarkable range in vocal timbre and body language, hoarse and prowling in one form while melodic and entrancing in the other -- and yet exuding the same villainous zeal throughout.

Meanwhile, the dynamic duo of Cinderella's prince (Nitish Kommoju) and Rapunzel's prince also entertained the audience with their brotherly bravado, wandering eyes, and casual one-liners like "raised to be charming, not sincere." An unlikely audience favorite, the story's narrator (Owen Lawrence Chambers) -- doubling as a Mysterious Man in the woods -- stole the stage in many memorable moments, including episodes of omniscient mischief and a skillfully executed fourth wall break. And, in her endearing friendship with Jack, the cow Milky White (Harshini Bachu) established a lovable personality without having uttered a single word.

The pièce de résistance was the behind-the-scenes work of the dedicated makeup artists (Abby Lombard, Smriti Balasubramanian) and sound crew. From the drum set that kicked in while the Witch jabbered about her greens to the sliding noise of Milky White gulping down ingredients, the diverse array of sound effects highlighted the humorous side of the show. In a momentous feat of makeup and stage hands, furthermore, the Witch bore a prosthetic chin and nose that were removed within seconds when she reverted to her younger form.

In the musical's closing number, glorious harmonies across the ensemble in the aisles of the theater created a sense of resolve and the happy-adjacent ending that the surviving characters deserved. In a wood where the skies are strange and the winds are strong, Chantilly High School's production of "Into The Woods" enhanced the appreciative audience's chilly spring evening with warm laughter and a little touch of magic.

Lareina Allred
Dominion High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

As one of the most popular and well-loved musicals in recent history, "Into the Woods" is chock-full of witches, wolves, and cows. The 1986 musical by Steven Sondheim follows various fairy tales as they intertwine in the same universe, acting parallel to one another as a baker and his wife struggle to find four mystical items to break the curse placed on them by a witch. At Chantilly High School, the woods are more than just trees--they're a place of magic.

Even within such a large ensemble cast, many actors had their moment to shine. The Witch lies at the center of the production's storyline and is a hefty role for any actor, but Sydney Schneider lived in the role with an attitude and magnetism that belied Schneider's age. The Baker and his wife--played by Julien DaSilva and Anna Anderson--anchored the show in their heartfelt relationship, sharing moments of romantic tenderness throughout the production.

Ren Lagasse's Little Red Riding Hood was played with wonderful comic timing and child-like energy as Lagasse interacted with Christian Schopp's earnest Jack. Stand-out vocalist Alyssa Dausch played Cinderella with admirable heart, and Dausch's chemistry with Nitish Kommoju as the charismatic Prince left audiences laughing as much as they swooned. Hannah Moghaddar's Rapunzel had a voice clear as bells that was often used to cry, scream, and interact with Rapunzel's prince Tyler Hicks to great comedic effect. Comedy in general was no stranger to the cast as all the actors got the audience chuckling, particularly when Owen Lawrence Chambers' Narrator took the stage.

Many musicals can suffer from lack of cohesion and energy, but this production was not one of them. Even in large numbers or scenes with conflicting dynamics (most notably in the opening and closing numbers) every actor was fully engaged and understood their significance in the musical at large, making for a smooth viewing experience even if four things might be going on at once. The actors' dynamism and commitment to their roles, however small, made for an immersive experience as the audience watched characters run, laugh, and cry.

However, the actors' efforts wouldn't be complete without the show's technical elements. The running crew led by Rory Ketzle completed complicated set transitions with ease, transporting the audience everywhere from a baker's shop to a grandmother's cottage. Working alongside recorded tracks, the sound design team added various sound effects to compliment the actions of the show--including a baby's cry and the sound of magical spells--and never missed a beat. The set crew's choice to add a stage extension with a beautiful braided design offered various spaces for actors to pop in and out of with surprising speed, adding a fun twist to the production's usual blocking. Alexander Ketzle as lighting designer provided classic choices with a bold twist, subtly changing the washes of color as the characters moved from a blue, mysterious forest to the warmth of a home. The final cherry on top of the production was the hair and makeup design. The makeup team's hard work was complete with impressive prosthetics for the wolves, three little pigs, and the Witch's nose and chin, making for impressive onstage visuals.

The hard work of the publicity team led by Becca and Amelia Marsh bore large crowds last Friday, proving that Chantilly High School's "Into the Woods" will be a favorite of audiences for seasons to come, as well as a reminder to always be careful what you wish for.

Emily Reisman
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Patch (Fairfax/Alexandria)

Where does a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, and hair as yellow as corn turn into a performance as pure as gold? Look no further than the fairy tale escapade in Chantilly High School's production of "Into the Woods." The actors and technical elements captured the classic magic of the beloved fairy tales, delivering a twisted spin.

The 1986 Broadway musical written by James Lapine and featuring music from Stephen Sondheim presents the events of multiple fairy tales overlapping into one story. Just how happy is "ever after"? A Baker and his wife long to have children and turn to the magic of an eccentric witch, Little Red Ridinghood walks her familiarly doomed trek to her Granny's house, and Cinderella's transformation from mistreated maid to her prince's bride, along with other popular stories provides clues through soaring voices and stunning scenery.

The Baker and the Baker's Wife (Julien DaSilva and Anna Anderson) veered from agitated arguments to expressing their reliance on each other, and they illustrated these abrupt contrasts naturally. They maneuvered through comically exaggerated actions from enthused jumping to shocked jaw dropping with subtle posture switches like tensing shoulders and clenching fists, reflecting their sorrow and hope. The blending of DaSilva's sonorous vocals and Anderson's rich, softer voice delineated both the connection and the barriers in their relationship.

As the couple searched for a way to bring life to their marriage, they placed their hope into the promises of a witch (Sydney Schneider). Schneider slipped into her role so organically that it was difficult to discern that the shriveled old witch and the glamorous woman she eventually morphed into was being depicted by the same actor. Her stilted walk, scratchy voice, and manically raucous cackle distinguished her time as the ancient creature from the poised saunter of her youthful variation.

An obstacle set in the path of the Bakers' goal was the need for a pure golden slipper. And where can one be found? On the foot of Cinderella (Alyssa Dausch), except that her shoe was supposed to go to her Prince (Nitish Kommoju). Dausch's lilting singing voice brought the whimsy needed for a princess, and Kommoju's arrogant tone and expressions professed the charisma and vanity of a stereotypical prince. The performers charmed the stage and held their own individually, but their different attitudes contrasted with each other, keeping the audience engaged in their story's development.

A fairy tale occurring on a path through the woods can not be complete without Little Red Ridinghood. Ren Lagasse captured the entertaining balance between childish ignorance and snarky one-liners through the pitches of their voice. Their blithely but self-assured walk showed Little Red's naivety and resilience.

Chantilly's tech crews splashed the stage with the captivating magic essential to each scene. Abby Lombard and Smriti Balasubramanian's hair and makeup designs characterized each role, from complex styles like the striking updos of the stepsisters to the childlike braids of Little Red Ridinghood. Alex Ketzle and Jack Wolff's usage of smoke machines made the Witch's metamorphosis all the more riveting, as fog coated the stage and kept everyone's eyes eager to see what it would reveal once it faded. The tech crew paid close attention to the elements of the show, as was evident with their inclusion of a dramaturgy team. Molly Shear and Stephi Shraga analyzed the true tones of the characters and moods of the scenes to provide the most effective execution.

Chantilly High School's production of "Into the Woods" characterized both the nice and the good, as the tale imparted the lesson, "nice is different than good."

Rachel Sper
W. T. Woodson High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

What would you do to make your greatest wish come true? Venture through the woods? Climb a beanstalk? Maybe even run from a prince? Chantilly High School ventured through the woods to find the ingredients they needed to create a stunning piece, and they got their happy ending. Sondheim's classic, "Into The Woods," follows a cast of classic Brothers Grimm protagonists as they venture through the woods to find their wishes, get to grandmother's house, and save their town.

Sondheim's classic is a small group/pairing-heavy show, and Chantilly's actors created a multitude of relationships and connections that carried throughout the whole show. A standout actor within the cast was Julien DaSilva as The Baker. DaSilva started the show strong with his partner, showing a strong sense of reaction and control over his composure. Throughout the story, The Baker goes through a roller coaster ride of emotions, from fear to love to grief and back, and DaSilva was able to stay in character and display the fluidity of The Baker's story effortlessly. His vocals on songs such as "No One Is Alone" and "It Takes Two" only enhanced his portrayal of The Baker as he translated his feelings through the song. In tandem with DaSilva was Anna Anderson as The Baker's Wife. Anderson's Baker's Wife brought together two halves of the couple's story, her characterization certain and effort genuine as we see the love blossom and falter between the couple. In songs like "It Takes Two," Anderson brings a flirtatious and complimentary performance that stood out on its own and flourished when with DaSilva's Baker. This cast was full of really strong actors; everyone onstage was engaged and enjoying their time. Many comedic moments brought a levity to the entire show, especially in the darker Act 2. A standout comedic actor was Nitish Kommoju as Cinderella's Prince. His witty comedic moments and cheesy wistful looks into the distance created a layer of polished comedy.

Chantilly's tech for this production was impressive, to say the least. Their creative teams came up with unique ideas to maximize the capability of the theatre and technology. The biggest feat of the crew was set team duo Tyler Hicks and Fin Blinov's creation of an extended stage. The team created an extra few feet onto the end of the stage with an intricate, weaving platform that gave the actors more territory to navigate and play on. Throughout the show, actors utilized this extension by weaving through the pathways, jumping, ducking beneath, and falling into the depths that the paths created. Additionally, the set team created a stage full of trees, as well as a shadow box that created a fun illusion as actors motioned inside. Along with the crafty work of the set team, the lighting work of Alex Ketzle and Sam Ryu brought the show's most intense moments to a high. In moments such as the death of The Baker's Wife and the steps of the Giant, the lighting team worked with the actors to perfectly time a blackout or a switch to a menacing red light, which resulted in a smooth and incredibly professional-looking cue.

"Into The Woods," a show so classic that it has gone down in the books as one of Sondheim's greatest, was treated with intense professionalism when placed in the hands of Chantilly High School. The dedication and talent of every actor paired with the professional and thorough execution of tech elements resulted in a clean and mystical production of "Into The Woods."

Ella Greer
Dominion High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

Into the Woods! Chantilly High School dazzled the audience with a cast of enchanting fairytale characters in their iteration of the beloved Sondheim musical, "Into the Woods."

"Into the Woods", written in 1986 by the legendary playwright Stephen Sondheim, reintroduces the viewer to iconic fairy tale stories with a shifted characterization to match a darker -- more foreboding -- tone. The story follows The Baker and his wife as they venture into the woods to locate "a cow as white as milk, a cloak as red as blood, the hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold," at the request of a witch, to lift their curse. Simultaneously, the stories of "Cinderella" and "Jack and the Beanstalk" develop and intertwine with that of The Baker's, causing misunderstandings and hijinks. However, just as everyone receives their happily ever after, the story undergoes a tonal shift to reflect the ramifications of their wishes.

What was truly eye-catching about Chantilly High School's interpretation was how they created and utilized a campfire effect to describe a gruesome event. In the tale "Little Red Riding Hood," the wolf, disguised as the grandmother, devours both the grandmother and Little Red, who are both later rescued by the huntsman. Tyler Hicks and Fin Blinov masterfully employed the use of a screen to obscure Little Red being devoured and the wolf being sliced open.

Sydney Schneider's version of The Witch easily stole the show with her erratic personality, delighted cackling, and hunched posture. Throughout Act I, her older, hoarser tone had seamlessly bled into their vocals. However, towards the end of Act I, Schneider was tasked with a quick change from an ugly, bedraggled, ghoulish old woman to a beautiful enchantress. Schneider did so briskly and expertly as her character effortlessly transformed.

Another stand-out was the vicious and spunky Little Red Ridinghood, played by Ren Lagasse. Their delivery of child-like innocence, dead-pan sarcasm and occasional psychotic outbursts made them instantly entertaining. Their ability to shift between pure and unassuming to ready to maim any aggressor was jarring and made for an easy laugh. In contrast, the Wolf, played by Timothy Gustafson, entranced the audience with his rich vocal bass and his charming, gentlemanly persona. Gustafson and Lagasse's synergy combined to highlight the beauty of the flowers and the danger of the woods in the song "Hello, Little Girl." Lastly, the sweet and adorable Milky White, played by Harshini Bachu, won the audience's heartfelt sympathies and impressed with the fire in her efforts to return to Jack, played by Christian Schopp.

On the technical side, Alex Ketzle and Sam Ryu of the lighting crew provided the audience with intricate visuals of red, white, pink, and blue. Ketzle and Ryu helped enhance the whimsy of the scene of The Baker's wife (Anna Anderson) and Cinderella's Prince (Nitish Kommoju) in the song "Any Moment." In conjunction with the lights, the prop team, headed by Serina Leung, created Milky White's wire cow head and the stylistic Witch's staff that brought about The Witch's hunched posture.

On a final note, Chantilly High School successfully immersed the audience into a plot that was arguably difficult to follow. All of the characters had a well-developed depth to their voices and provided that audience with a Disney-like experience. Be wary of the wolves and go see Chantilly High School!