Into the Woods
at Bishop Ireton High School

Reviewed on March 16, 2024

Aiden Brennan
Woodson High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News

Once upon a time, in Bishop Ireton High School, a group of actors and crew set out on a journey Into the Woods. What followed was a complex show that was sometimes funny, sometimes heartwarming, sometimes sad, but always impressive.

"Into the Woods" premiered on Broadway in 1987, where it quickly became a smash hit. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine, this tale dares to ask the question: “What happens after happily ever after?” The story follows a childless baker and his wife who must find four special items to reverse a Witch’s curse. On the path through the woods, they encounter fairytale icons of Brothers Grimm fame.

The woods’ sinister enchantments were highlighted by The Witch, played by Elina Viana. Viana masterfully balanced the Witch’s harsh exterior with her soft interior. This was demonstrated in her scenes with the Baker (Donovan Furey) and his Wife (Lauren Allen) where she shrieked and cackled with devilish glee, followed by her scenes with Rapunzel (Reagan Lady) where she pleadingly begged Rapunzel to “Stay with Me” before her tenderness turned to fury. She especially shined with her heartfelt vocals in “The Last Midnight,” where the audience could feel her resignation and rage as she belted her beautiful voice before vanishing in a puff of smoke.

On the other hand, Gabby Viana (Milky White) lit up the stage without uttering (or “udder-ing”) a single line. Using an adorable cow puppet crafted by the props team, Viana added a much-needed comedic edge to her every moment on stage. Her hilarious expressions of joy, sadness, or anger helped her convey exactly what the boisterous bovine was thinking and solidified Milky White as a character rather than a plot device. She also developed a deep bond with her owner and best friend, Jack (Christian Burke), shown in the sweet and emotional number “I Guess This Is Goodbye.” Viana also stayed in character and committed for the entire performance, munching on leaves, or bickering with a magic harp when she wasn’t in focus. Her superior physical talents culminated in Milky White’s dramatic death, where the cow puppet leapt into the air while Viana herself dramatically crumpled to the ground, making the audience “die” of laughter.

All of these incredible actors’ performances were helped by the hard work of the costumes team, led by Claire Gibbons, Catherine Carow, and Iona McCluskey, who researched many different time periods to create a cohesive wardrobe for the show. They utilized color to show the bonds between characters, giving each family group their own color, such as The Witch, Rapunzel, and Rapunzel’s Prince (Julien Goulet) all wearing purple, or the Baker and his Wife wearing a deep blue. Another standout was The Wolf’s (Evan Jarosiewicz) costume, which looked like a hunting outfit with boots and a green overcoat, contrasting with the masquerade-style wolf mask he wore above his face.

Adding to the creepy atmosphere of the woods was the lighting, designed by Lauren Capistran, Bella Miller, and Carlos Guevara. They used colors to show the passage of time, with the cyc in the background changing from orange and yellow in the day to a deep blue for each midnight. They also utilized spotlights effectively, drawing focus to specific parts of the often-crowded stage.

Bishop Ireton High School created something truly special upon the storybook stage. Their fantastic fable encouraged the audience that “though it’s fearful, though it’s deep, though it’s dark,” the journey into the woods of life is always worth it.

Kaylee Williams
Fairfax High School
Submitted for publication to Cappies News 2

Bishop Ireton's production of Into the Woods transported audiences into a world where "no one is alone," weaving a magical tale of interconnectedness.

Into the Woods, a celebrated musical masterpiece intertwines the timeless tales of beloved fairy tale characters into a captivating narrative. With the book written by James Lapine and music and lyrics by the legendary Stephen Sondheim, the musical premiered on Broadway in 1987.

Drawing inspiration from the Brothers Grimm, Into the Woods ventures beyond the fairytale's conventional happy endings. The storyline seamlessly weaves together the journeys of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and the Beanstalk), a witch, and a childless baker and his wife. As they embark on quests to fulfill their dreams, they encounter moral dilemmas, confront their fears, and ultimately discover the profound truths of life, love, and responsibility. With its enchanting melodies, witty lyrics, and thought-provoking themes, Bishop Ireton's production of Into the Woods enchanted audiences, leaving them contemplating the consequences of wishes.

In a spellbinding performance that left audiences breathless, Elina Viana brought unparalleled depth and brilliance to the role of the Witch. From the moment Viana graced the stage, attention was demanded with a commanding presence, outstanding vocals, and a nuanced portrayal of this complex character. With each haunting rendition of Sondheim's iconic songs such as “Last Midnight” and “Witch’s Lament,” Viana stunned the audience with unparalleled skill and artistry. The character was imbued with a perfect balance of menace, wit, and heart, drawing the audience into the emotional journey of the story. The powerful stage presence, coupled with impeccable delivery, allowed Viana to breathe new life into the role, leaving an indelible mark on the production.

In a production brimming with talent and charm, Julien Goulet as Rapunzel's Prince and Pierce Aldridge as Cinderella's Prince stood out as comedic highlights that had the audience in stitches. With impeccable timing and hilarious energy, the duo brought a delightful mix of wit, arrogance, and buffoonery to their roles, injecting humor into the intricate musical. In their duets “Agony” and “Agony (Reprise)” the princes showcased not only their impressive vocal prowess but also their remarkable chemistry on stage. Their comedic antics provided the perfect counterbalance to the darker themes of the production, ensuring that Into the Woods remained a joyous and unforgettable theatrical experience from start to finish.

The sets by Joseph Murray, Charlotte Rayder, Caroline Reams, Sarah Petz, and the Bishop Ireton Set Design Team were nothing short of magical, transporting the audience into a whimsical realm where fairy tales come to life. The incorporation of fairytale books as a part of the set design added a charming and nostalgic touch, evoking the enchanting worlds of beloved stories. The presence of a large bridge added a sense of grandeur, and the 16-foot-tall willow tree loomed majestically over the stage serving as a poignant reminder of the looming threats and challenges faced by the characters. The lighting design by Lauren Capistran, Bella Miller, and Carlos Guevara proved to be a masterful orchestration of mood and atmosphere, utilizing over 100 lighting cues to perfectly complement the ever-shifting tone of the show. Together, these elements created a visually stunning essence that enhanced the storytelling, immersing the audience into the fantastical universe of Into the Woods.

Bishop Ireton High School's Into the Woods was a delightful journey through fairytale realms, leaving audiences enchanted. As Cinderella notes, "Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor," and indeed, the cast and crew seized every moment to create theatrical magic.

Audrey Link
McLean High School
Submitted for publication to Patch-Fairfax, Alexandria

“Careful the things you do, children will see,” and the audience certainly saw magic last night at Bishop Ireton’s performance of “Into the Woods.” The cast and crew of this production dedicated themselves to telling an enchanting tale about overcoming hardships on a treacherous journey, the importance of family relationships, and getting lost in the woods.

With music and lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, this show first debuted on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre in 1987. This production received three Tony wins in 1988 and has since seen many revivals, most recently in 2022. Based on the fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm, the story follows a baker and his wife who wish to have a child but have been cursed by a witch who claims their wish will only come true if they follow her instructions. As the couple sets out to find objects from different fairy tales for the witch, they encounter classic characters such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood, but just when they think they have made their wish come true, they discover that everything is different in the woods.

Elina Viana as The Witch captivated the audience with her spell-binding stage presence and resonating, ethereal vocals. Viana was constantly animated on stage and portrayed her character's role as both a calculating antagonist and a desperate mother with precision and grace. Lauren Allen as the Baker’s Wife was the epitome of a woman longing for adventure and delivered beautiful vocals, especially in “Moments in the Woods.” Opposite Allen was Donovan Furey as The Baker, whose frequent state of panic required Furey to have high-energy at all times and quick physical movements, which contrasted with his vulnerable moments in the second act.

Erin Allen portrayed the iconic character of Cinderella with flawless soprano vocals and an ever-present air of kindness and strength. Pierce Aldridge as Cinderella’s Prince along with Julien Goulet as Rapunzel’s prince were both clearly audience favorites, especially in their song “Agony.” Goulet’s impeccable physical comedy, whether it be stumbling over a tree stump or cowering in fear, shone in every one of his scenes. Meanwhile, Aldridge’s strong baritone vocals and immaculate hair flips made him a joy to watch on stage.

This production had the help of numerous impressive technical elements to deliver their bewitching tale. The costumes designed by Claire Gibbons, Catherine Carow, Iona McCluskey, and the Costume Class were vivid and fun, with plants and greenery expertly woven into the costumes of mystical characters to connect them to the magic of the woods. The special effects done by Anna Wisneski and Cherri Hansford added another layer of fascination to the show, creating moments such as The Witch disappearing into fog and using dry ice to make a foaming potion. Lastly, the set built by Joseph Murray, Charlotte Rayder, Caroline Reams, Sarah Petz, and the Bishop Ireton Set Design Team was dynamic and aesthetically pleasing, with steps made of storybooks and an arch bridge. This set team also created a large tree at the center of the stage with the trunk placed behind the main set with glittering leaves hanging in front of it from the top of the stage.

Although we may never know what a journey through the woods will have in store for us, Bishop Ireton’s marvelous production of “Into the Woods” promises that on such a journey one is sure to find hope, wisdom, love, and perhaps a giant or two.

Naomi Bautista
Fairfax High School
Submitted for publication to Alexandria Times

At Bishop Ireton High School’s production of Into the Woods, “the woods are just trees, and the trees are just wood,” until the classic fairy tales twist their endings on a journey in and out of the woods that delivers “a happy ever after.”

Into the Woods is one of Stephen Sondheim’s most well-known musicals; it took to the Broadway stage in 1987, won three Tony Awards, and has had many star-studded revivals since. The show intertwines classic Brother’s Grimm fairy tales and turns them on their heads, creating new endings for beloved fairytale characters such as Cinderella, Red Riding Hood and Jack while introducing the Baker, his Wife, and their own quest. Bishop Ireton had great courage to take on Sondheim's difficult score, and delivered a show filled with enchantment, wonder and grief.

As spellbinding and entrancing as her character, Elina Viana masterfully portrayed the Witch. Viana’s voice soared over the stage with a mature tone, easy vibrato and a show stopping belt. Viana also showcased true depth of emotional range as an actor; confidently playing the contrast between a deranged hag in “The Prologue,” sultry enchantress in “Ever After,” and a grieving, vindictive mother in “Last Midnight,” Viana’s performance was heart wrenching, magnetic and contained a captivating energy.

On a quest to have a child was the Baker and his Wife (Donovan Furey and Lauren Allen). The two played off each other beautifully, dynamically portraying both the snarky banter throughout the show and heartwarming sweetness in “It Takes Two.” Also journeying through the woods was Larissa Yaksic’s Little Red Riding Hood. Yaksic was able to portray Little Red’s youth and naivete without the characteristic whine while bringing color and joy into each scene. Playing the charming, if not sincere, Princes were Pierce Aldridge and Julien Goulet. Aldridge’s smooth baritone and deadpan delivery paired with Goulet’s physical humor made their duet “Agony” a humorous delight.

Comedic timing and dynamic energy were carried through a colorful cast of supporting characters. Gabby Viana (Milky White) was awe-inspiring with skillful puppeteering of a papier-mâché cow and animated facial expressions that allowed the audience a peek into the cow's emotions. Cinderella’s Stepfamily had a delectable “love to hate them” energy and the Bird ensemble brought a touch of elegant wonderment with their balletic movement.

The storybook-inspired set (Joseph Murray, Charlotte Rayder, Caroline Reams, and Sarah Petz), centered around an immense willow tree was truly breathtaking and accented the different fairy tales being told through incredible small details. Many of the luminous and eye-catching costumes (Claire Gibbons, Catherine Carow, and Iona McCluskey) were handmade, and reflected each character's personality and journey. In particular, the Witch’s change from old hag to stunning enchantress was accentuated by stylistic and material differences. Each “tale” had a distinct color and was inspired by a different historical era, adding to the twisted feeling of the show. The dry ice utilized by the special effects team (Anna Wisneski and Cherri Hansford) for the Witch’s entrances, exits, and spells was both an impressive technical feat and contributed to the mystical air and magic of the woods.

Bishop Ireton’s Into the Woods reminded one that “there's hope of getting through the journey” and each passing moment was filled with magic, life and the true spirit of an ever after.

Angelina Martinez
Alexandria City High School
Submitted for publication to Connection

Get prepared to be transported into a spellbinding fusion of classic fairy tales in Bishop Ireton’s showcase of “Into the Woods.”

"Into the Woods" is a musical with lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. It premiered on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre on November 5, 1987, directed by Lapine. The musical weaves together various well-known fairy tale characters, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (of the beanstalk), and Rapunzel, among others, into a single narrative. Set in a magical forest, the characters' stories intertwine as they pursue their individual wishes and encounter unexpected challenges along the way.

From the moment the curtain opened, the audience was immediately transported into the whimsical fantasy world of storybooks and magic. At the heart of this tale, The Baker (Donovan Furey) and The Baker’s Wife (Lauren Allen) were tasked to delve into the heart of the woods and find the items tasked to lift their curse. Allen and Furey cohesively worked together throughout the show to demonstrate the highs and lows of their marriage as they navigated the entanglement of the other storybook characters.

At the helm of this production was the spectacular Elina Viana portraying The Witch. Viana captured the heart of the audience with her magnetic energy and superb vocals adding depth to the classic wickedness of the Witch. From the “Witch’s Lament” to the show stopping “Last Midnight,” Viana perfectly navigated through each song with clarity and an astounding tone, exploring the complexities of the character as an actor and a vocalist.

The whimsical fantasy feel of the show could not have been possible without the addition of the colorful fictional set produced by Joseph Murray, Charlotte Rayder, Caroline Reams, and Sarah Petz. From the colorful storybook bridge to the glittery wishing tree in center stage, the audience could immediately tell they were no longer in the theater but rather in the nostalgic fairytale characters’ setting.

In addition to the stunning set design, the magic of the set would not have been possible without the addition of the special effects executed by Anna Wisneski and Cherri Hansford. From the numerous hidden fog machines to the incorporation of hidden dry ice, each addition gave enchantment throughout the entirety of the show, not allowing the audience to take their eyes off the stage for a moment.

With this unforgettable performance, breathtaking visuals, and timeless themes, Bishop Ireton’s production of Into the Woods leaves an indelible mark on the hearts of all who journey into the woods.