A Magical Night In The Forest

What would happen if you take all your favorite fairy tale characters and put them all in one kingdom? Cinderella, Jack and his beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, even Rapunzel as well as the Witch who raised her—what would happen if all their stories transpired in just one night in one magical forest? This is the concept of the musical play Into The Woods written by Stephen Sondheim currently running at the Music Museum by New Voice Theater Company headed by Monique Wilson. Into The Woods is a new look at the stories we were used to. In addition to this, the play tackles certain issues that have been either omited or overlooked in the original fairy tale. Is there really a “Happily Ever After” for the characters of the stories? Did Cinderella, after marrying the Prince, live in happiness and contentment? In the tale Jack and the Beanstalk, is poverty enough reason for the main character to rob the giants that live in the palace in the clouds? These are just some of the serious topics discussed in the  2nd Act. I was so amazed with the actors in the play. Michael Williams who plays the baker and Menchu Lauchenco-Yulo, play his wife—both veterans of Philippine stage, are the characters which the story revolves around. In their desire to have a child they are forced to help their neighbor who happens to be a witch played by Lynn Sherman. Although Lynn is primarily known as a jazz artist, she plays this role wonderfully and adds her own flare to the character. Jamie Wilson plays the role of Cinderella's Prince Charming. Keep your eyes open for this prince, he's not the conventional “knight in shining amour”. Jamie's portrayal of this royalty is both witty and funny. Joaqui Valdes plays Jack. Perhaps not everyone knows this but long before he landed a job co-hosting Breakfast on Studio 23, this talented guy had been performing in major productions since he was very young. He played Edmund in The Lion The Witch and the Wardrobe as well as the lead role in The Young King both for Trumpets. Tomy Abuel plays the mysterious man who seemingly appears and disappears at certain parts of the play. Another notable actor in this play is Julia Abueva who plays Little Red Riding Hood. Though barely 12, this girl exhibits all the makings of a world-class stage actress. I wouldn't be surprised if she would be the next Filipina to conquer Broadway. These are just some of the actors who comprise the wonderful cast of Into The Woods. Another point to consider is the complicated melody that Stephen Sondheim is known for. Unlike the works of Claude Michel Schonberg and Alain Boublil (Les Miserables, Miss Saigon, etc.) or Andrew Lloyd Webber (Jesus Christ Superstar, Evita, Phantom of the Opera, etc.)--who's works have melodies that are easy to understand, Sondheim's works are so diverse. They run from simple tunes that you end humming out of the theater to some of the most complicated tunes that seem more dialog than song. Aside from the complex tune, the actors have to contend with the way the song was written. Most of the songs have overlapping lyrics which the actors have to deliver simultaneously with the other characters—being very careful not to be distracted with the lines of another. This, added with brilliant choreography makes for a truly delightful experience. Now, if you think you already know how the mentioned stories above will end—I'm telling you right now you're wrong. This is a musical that everyone will surely enjoy. I've already watched it twice and I still plan to watch it if only I get some extra money. Into The Woods of New Voice Company is currently showing at The Music Museum every Friday and Saturday until December 8, 2007.