Into the Woods
at Thomas A. Edison High School

Reviewed on November 13, 2021

McKenzie Phelan
Quince Orchard High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

"Careful the things you say: children will listen." This moral proved true at Thomas Edison High School's production of Into the Woods, where children and grown-ups alike watched and listened as a fairy-tale unfolded of witches, giants, towers, and wishes that (might) come true.

Into the Woods, with a score by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, opened on Broadway in 1987, winning three Tony awards. Many productions have been staged since, including multiple tours, a 2002 revival, and a 2014 movie adaptation. The musical intertwines several fairy tales, weaving a tapestry of magic and mystery where characters (and their wishes) are never quite what they seem.

Driving the story were Campbell Wood and Anastasia Tuffin as the Baker and his Wife, a childless couple who enter the woods in search of four magical items that will lift the curse placed on their house. Each had a remarkable grasp of their character, expressing themselves well through voice and song. Wood's comedic timing was much appreciated, but the second act allowed room for more dramatic moments, especially between the Baker and the Mysterious Man (Jordan Ignacio), a forest-dweller who seemed to always be in the right place at the right time to deliver cryptic advice. The ballad "No More" was a shining moment for Wood, displaying the character's insecurities with an air of grief and finality. Tuffin equaled Wood in both skill and delivery, developing a complex character willing to make some less-than-moral decisions for the sake of her wish. Tuffin also displayed an impressive mezzo soprano range, mastering Sondheim's rather difficult syncopated score in her solo "Moments in the Woods". Wood and Tuffin worked even better together as a pair, using movement and inflection to create moments of both romance and dissonance as their relationship evolved during their time in the woods.

Plenty of other characters found themselves in the woods for one reason or another, and each had their chance to shine. Henry Mason and Natalie Laclede each displayed childlike innocence in their roles as Jack and Red Riding Hood, respectively. Mason had an especially well-developed dynamic with Milky White, the surprisingly expressive cow played by Beck Kerlin and Erin Flick. And not to be missed were the princes (Jackson Whalen and Max Heltzer), two charming (but not necessarily sincere) young men who make a habit of chasing unattainable maidens. Their humorous display of masculine anguish in "Agony" and its reprise were some of the most entertaining moments of the show.

The show was staged with a deceptively simple set (designed by Melanie Landis), including a few trees, a small hut, and a tower draped in ivy. However, this staging was immediately enhanced by the lighting design created by Landis and Aiden Yancy. Colored lights were used to depict the time of day and location of each scene, as well as to draw attention to certain characters at given moments. Color was also employed in the design of costumes, with different shades and styles tying into a character's social status. Wigs (expertly styled by Sam French) were employed for a few characters including Rapunzel, whose curly, flower-adorned blonde hair was inspired by illustrations from storybooks.

Though Into the Woods proves that a happily-ever-after is never guaranteed, Thomas Edison High School has certainly found theirs. With an enchanting story and talented performers, these students have created a fairy-tale world you'll never want to leave.

Camila Anderson
H-B Woodlawn Secondary Program
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Into The Woods premiered in San Diego over 30 years ago and was brought back to Broadway in 2002. The movie adaptation was released in 2014, while the original fairy tales that the story draws inspiration from were penned in the 19th century. This is not a new story, but Thomas Edison High School's production of Into the Woods brought something new, with their artistic tech designs, goosebump-inducing vocals, and deeply emotional (but funny) performances.

From the start, this version of Into the Woods had its own spin on the tale: the narrator was the story's writer. The lights opened on the writer's apartment, as the writer spun a tale of a baker and his wife who, in order to undo a curse that rendered them barren, had to find a white cow, a red cape, yellow hair, and a golden slipper. These elements brought in the rest of the cast, weaving a comedic and meaningful tale that Thomas Edison High School pulled off exceedingly well.

The Baker (Campbell Wood) and the Baker's Wife (Anastasia Tuffin) were stand-out leads. They each made genius comedic choices, both physically and vocally, that added to their character development while also entertaining the audience. However, when it came time for more heavy moments, their characters' experiences and emotions felt real. Their voices blend well together, as in "It Takes Two", but they were also clearly both gifted vocalists on their own, as in the songs "Moments in the Woods" and "No More", which were emotional performances for each lead. The chemistry between Wood and Tuffin was visible as soon as their first song began, and it remained very strong throughout the show, as did the rest of their performances.

One cannot talk about this production without highlighting the supporting and featured cast. Jada Paul (The Witch), Joanna Madamba (Cinderella), and Maya Pattison (Rapunzel) showed they could hold high notes, sing beautiful runs, and keep up with fast songs. The score is difficult, but they made it seem easy, and their acting was on par with their songs. Max Heltzer (Rapunzel's Prince) and Jackson Whalen (Cinderella's Prince) more than delivered as comedic relief, especially in their duet "Agony" and its reprise. There are many characters in this production, and each one of them stole the show.

Set in the writer's imagination, the sets were whimsical yet functional, with flowers all about the stage creating a stark contrast with the writer's apartment, which itself was an impressive feat for Melanie Landis and other set designers. The apartment was from the present-day, an effect which was produced by the built-in shelves, props, and the writer's modern clothing. Costumers Sophia Tompkins, Cathy Walt, and Ainsley McClure dressed each character in identifiable colors, with different tones symbolizing different social classes. This and other details, like the Act II costume changes, added another level of authenticity to the production. The costumes for Rapunzel, Cinderella, and the wolves were particularly impressive, but all costumes fit the character and added to the story.

It may have only taken one narrator to begin this wonderful story, but it took the entire ensemble to make this production such a success. And a success it certainly was.

Fiona Feingold
Quince Orchard High School
Submitted for publication to FCPS Community News

Readers of the Brothers Grimm stories marvel at Cinderella's kindness and Red Riding Hood's luck, wondering how the characters were really able to secure their happy endings. Hold on...did someone say something about Rapunzel running away? And whatever happened to Jack after he climbed that beanstalk?

Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's "Into the Woods" looks at what happens to several fairy tale characters after they trek through the woods in search of happily ever after. Everyone soon discovers that even the most splendid storybook endings can have less-than-splendid consequences, as the audience is reminded in the show's finale: "Wishes come true, not free."

The students of Thomas Edison High School energetically tackled one of musical theatre's most challenging scores. Sondheim is a notoriously difficult composer to sing, due to the rhythmic complexity of his music, but the actors enthusiastically accepted the challenge. The cast also did a great job of leaning into the comedic nature of the show, which can sometimes be overshadowed by the heaviness of the second act.

Anastasia Tuffin, who played the Baker's Wife, delivered a moving version of "Moments in the Woods," a philosophical reflection on fleeting relationships. Alongside Tuffin, Campbell Wood's humorous portrayal of the Baker added a new twist on a beloved character. "It Takes Two," the couple's duet, showcased the extent of Tuffin and Wood's chemistry. The actors were in sync for the entire number, down to the very last jazz square.

The Witch, played by Jada Paul, was truly spellbinding. Her relationship with Rapunzel (Maya Pattison) was a highlight of the show, along with Paul's performance of "Last Midnight." Other standouts include Jackson Whalen as Cinderella's Prince and Max Heltzer as Rapunzel's Prince. Whalen and Heltzer performed hilarious renditions of "Agony" and "Agony (reprise)," striking overly exaggerated poses while complaining of the difficulties of courting their respective princesses.

The costuming, done by Sophia Tompkins, Cathy Walt, and Ainsley McClure, cleverly utilized unconventional materials. Cinderella's emerald green ball gown was created from two thrift store bed sheets. The students also put a lot of thought into the characters' color schemes. They dressed wealthier characters in bright tones, while poor characters wore nature-inspired hues. The costumes' detail was even more impressive considering all of the quick changes that took place, especially for Cinderella (Joanna Madamba) and Cinderella's stepfamily (Tiffany Thomas, Charlotte Chozick, and Kailee St. John). Also of note was Melanie Landis's set design. Landis made frequent use of elegant fake trees, taking a realistic approach to crafting the woods.

Viewers of Thomas Edison High School's production of Into the Woods left the theatre feeling a little more hopeful about the world they were returning to (and maybe a little more wary of any stranger claiming to be in possession of magic beans!).

Penelope Wagner
Wakefield High School
Submitted for publication to Patch.com

"Once upon a time, in a far-off kingdom…" are words reminiscent of many a childhood; and so, begins the prologue of Into the Woods. Thomas A. Edison High School's production of this world-renowned show was awe-inspiring, heartbreaking, and overall sensational.

Into the Woods is a fantastical adventure where the stories of Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Rapunzel are woven together to make an extraordinary show. It follows an ensemble of characters as they each work to get what they truly wish for, eventually learning, through misfortunes and misdeeds, to focus on the good things they do have. First opening in San Diego in 1986, and later on Broadway in 1987, Into the Woods was written by James Lapine and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. The show has been made into revivals and films and has been loved by the theater world for years.

The show began with the "Prologue" where the actors set up each of the multiple stories with creative blocking and expert vocals. This opener had many iconic moments within the one number, from the Witch's Rap to Little Red Riding Hood's "Into the Woods to Grandmother's House." These were all spectacularly performed and set the tone well for the rest of the show.

As the show continued, the characters encountered each other throughout the woods. It was from these interactions that the heart of Into the Woods was formed. The actors created a dynamic ensemble which showed during all numbers of the show, making it entertaining, engaging, and enchanting.

Into the Woods was a show that rested on the ensemble, but there were still several standout performances. Campbell Wood led remarkably as the Baker and portrayed the emotional arc well. The Baker's Wife, played to perfection by Anastasia Tuffin, created a strong yet heartwarming presence onstage. Campbell and Anastasia, as husband and wife, played well off each other for the more comedic moments, but were singularly memorable as well.

While there were multiple other strong characters, the Witch (Jada Paul) commanded the stage every time she was on it, displaying the villainous but also softer sides of the character. Joanna Madamba, who played Cinderella, nailed the vocals every time and managed to show the character's emotional arc through the music. Bringing some more comedy to the story, Cinderella's Prince (Jackson Whalen) had fantastic comedic timing and stayed in character during every moment he was on stage.

The set for Into the Woods must encompass several different houses and portray the forest. Thomas Edison's set, designed by Melanie Landis, was simplistic, but fit all the needs of the show perfectly. The costume crew (Sophia Tompkins, Cathy Walt, Ainsley McClure, Corvus Arnold) created costumes that incorporated interesting colors, added some contemporary elements, and still fit the time period perfectly.

Taking the audience on an enchanting ride through the joys and sorrows of life, Thomas Edison's production of Into the Woods was amusing, charming, and overall bewitching, reminding us all to not be misled and cherish the good things in life.

Isa Paley
Wakefield High School
Submitted for publication to Alexandria Times

Cinderella. Little Red Riding Hood. Rapunzel. Jack and the Beanstalk. These are the classic fables that have defined many a childhood. But what would happen if they were all connected somehow? This question was answered fantastically by Thomas A. Edison High School's whimsical production of Into the Woods.

The Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical first premiered in 1987 and won the Tony awards for Best Book and Score. It has since been produced a myriad of times, proving that the dark intermixing of beloved fairy tales is hugely successful which has fueled the show's lasting impact.

The show began with the infamous prologue, in which each of the main characters described their true wishes. The entire cast worked seamlessly to create the atmosphere of the woods using their physicality and expressive vocals. Despite the notoriously difficult nature of Sondheim's music, the cast took the challenge in stride and executed the music near perfectly. With only the words "I wish," the audience learned something about each character, setting the stage for an exhilarating musical deconstructing these very wishes.

The first wish followed the Baker (Campbell Wood) and his wife (Anastasia Tuffin) who wished more than anything to have a child. Both actors were major standouts, not only having rousing chemistry with each other as seen in musical numbers like "It Takes Two," but they also did impeccable jobs singing and acting their respective emotional arcs. The unlucky couple get tasked with finding four magical items in order to receive the child they so desperately want. While they went on their search, the show introduced the other fairytale characters that they met along the way.

Cinderella (Joanna Madamba) was running through the woods to avoid the prince that longed to find her. Madamba's performance as the iconic princess was beautiful. With both a lyrical soprano voice that perfectly complemented some of the darker material in the show, and her calming character choices, she helped soothe the audience and the characters. Little Red Riding Hood (Natalie Laclede) and Jack (Henry Mason) also made their way through the woods. All of the characters had their own stories and wishes yet were tied to the presence of the Witch (Jada Paul). Paul's powerhouse vocals in songs like "Last Midnight," and highly emotive acting in some of the climactic scenes made the Witch a truly show-stopping character.

By the end of the first act, it seemed as though the characters had all they could possibly need. But as the lights went up on the second half, it was clear that their wishes came with a price. With a much grittier storyline, the second act was home to perhaps the show's most memorable number, "No One Is Alone." Sung by four of the lead characters, the song was a remarkably performed ode to comfort.

The treacherous journey through the woods was made beautiful to look at with the help of the fabulous crew. The set (Melanie Landis, Rory Hansen, Angeline Ngo, Lea Saphira-Youman), was made up of trees, vines, and a tower. Slightly minimal, but ideal for the show, hinting at the magnitude of the woods without fully encompassing the stage. The terrifying yet inviting woods were also brought to full potential thanks to the lighting (Aiden Yancy, Melanie Landis, Kiara Frey) which was able to wonderfully frame the big confrontations and isolated solos alike.

Childhood tales aren't frequently associated with the dark realities of life. But in Thomas A. Edison's thrilling and moving production of Into the Woods, this abnormal association fully pays off.

Hayley Asai
Quince Orchard High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Sometimes, all it takes is one bean to change dozens of lives forever. At least, that's what it takes in Thomas A. Edison High School's masterful production of Into the Woods.

Into the Woods is a familiar classic by the beloved composer Stephen Sondheim, with a book by James Lapine. A staple of musical theatre, the show details a fantastical cast of fairytale characters whose stories are almost as winding and interwoven as paths through the wood. In a traditional take on the show, the setting of the woods provides the perfect place for the characters to encounter love, comedy, and eventual maturity.

As a whole, the cast navigated the notoriously challenging material with stunning expertise. The acting, which overflowed with emotion and nuance, was an undoubted display of excellence, particularly when considering the source material.

Cinderella's Prince, played by Jackson Whalen, carried his character with a sense of arrogance and flair. Played in striking contrast, Joanna Madamba offered a kindly and elegant Cinderella to her pompous prince. In a similar manner, The Witch, played by Jada Paul, was an absolutely ravishing delight. In both her stirring line delivery and rousing singing, she issued forth a vigor seldom present in young actors. Paul's stunning eleven o'clock number, Last Midnight, was an ethereal and evocative performance.

Though all the actors should be applauded for their effort on this piece, Anastasia Tuffin, who played The Baker's Wife, undoubtedly stood out from the rest. Portraying part of a couple while nailing the chemistry for the relationship is no easy enterprise. However, Tuffin did a wonderful job portraying the wit and independence required of The Baker's Wife all while skillfully creating chemistry and expanding upon her connection with The Baker, played by Campbell Wood.

The set design of Into the Woods was in line with the rest of the production: whimsical and exquisite. The set, designed by Melanie Landis, was sure to astound any viewer. Landis' set included a few lifelike trees, a tower, and two sets of steps, perfect for the abstract nature of the show and extremely practical.

Alongside this, Sophia Tompkins, Cathy Walt, and Ainsley McClure must be commended for their extensive research towards developing 1800s inspired costumes. Contributing to the dedication, McClure fashioned a sweeping, graceful gown in a rich green for Cinderella. In addition to the costumes, the atmosphere of the production only improved with the brilliant lighting design by Melanie Landis, Aiden Yancy, and Kiara Frey. With over 70 lighting cues in total, Yancy's lighting design was a fascinating adaptation of the passage of time. The lighting appeared almost organic and ranged from warmer blues to represent the early hours before slowly creeping towards a dark and vivid indigo as midnight approached.

Like any quality piece of theatre, Thomas A. Edison's exceptional production of Into the Woods served as a lesson that everyone must eventually find their own way, whether it's through the woods or post-COVID times. Edison's production proved that works with ever-relevant themes such as Into the Woods are at their best when the world needs their stories most. In these times, regardless of whether or not one is a Sondheim fan, they are sure to enjoy Edison's reminder that "No one is alone."

Kaiya Mayhew
Quince Orchard High School
Submitted for publication to Fairfax County Times

A narrator sits down, opens a book, and begins to tell a story - one where Little Red Riding Hood lives in the same world as Cinderella. The fate of a baker and his wife rests in the hands of Mother Gothel, and Jack's beanstalk might inadvertently cause Rapunzel's death. Rewind - don't these characters belong to different tales?

These characters' stories came to life together in Thomas Edison High School's performance of Into the Woods. This fast-paced musical, written by Steven Sondheim, followed the story of a baker and his wife as they gathered various materials for a spell that would remove a curse and grant them a child. The characters entered the woods and traversed a world of interconnected fairy tales, exploring the question: What happens beyond the happily-ever-afters?

Edison High School gave this musical a beautiful performance, keeping up with the fast pace while retaining the show's whimsical elegance. Many vocalists delivered enchanting performances, expressing lightheartedness, despair, and a range of emotions in between. Multiple aspects of the performance worked fluidly together to provide the audience with a truly immersive experience.

Campbell Wood, playing the Baker, created a sincere, endearing character who was clearly set on his goal of building and caring for a family. Anastasia Tuffin, playing the Baker's wife, portrayed a young, kind woman who was never completely content with her life. Wood and Tuffin exhibited incredible chemistry on stage, notably in the song It Takes Two. Additionally, both actors excelled in presenting their character's emotions as they developed, going from hopeful to bitter to remorseful.

Another spectacular performance was that of Jada Paul, who played the Witch. Paul displayed impressive emotion in The Last Midnight. Additionally, Henry Mason and Natalie Laclede, playing Jack and Red Riding Hood, portrayed their characters' younger ages in a comical yet sincere way. The Princes (Jackson Whalen and Max Heltzer) delighted the audience with their humorous performance of Agony. Vocalists such as Maya Pattison (playing Rapunzel) and Joanna Madamba (playing Cinderella) gave skillful, enchanting performances that drew the audience in. With masks, it can be difficult to communicate emotion, but the ensemble made up for this with expressive body language. The timing of the entire cast was on point, especially in songs like Your Fault.

One notable scene involved the use of curtains to create Granny's bedroom. Lighting (Aiden Yancy, Melanie Landis, and Kiara Frey) indicated the time of day, and a gentle blue color added sincerity to the sadness of the second act. Abruptly turning off the lights at a character's death emphasized the impact of the deaths. Creative use of sound (Cesar Canales, Aiden Yancy, Aemiliana Cruz), such as the baby crying or the giant's footsteps, helped the audience clearly envision what they could not see.

Thomas Edison High School gave an overall beautiful performance of Into the Woods, expressing humor, happiness, grief, and hope to communicate a final message that "children will listen." As the lights went the set faded, the narrator closed the book, concluding the whimsical, sentimental tale of Into the Woods.