"Into the Woods," Considerable humor to be enjoyed

Stephen Sondheim’s unique sense of humor will be on display in Fort Defiance Player’s October 18 – 21 production of “Into the Woods.” Though the core messages of the show have to do with accepting what life presents you and being responsible for one’s own actions, along the way there is considerable humor to be enjoyed.

At the very outset, Jack (Eric West) presents a real challenge to his mother (Jan Craig). She sings, “I wish my son were not a fool, I wish my house was not a mess, I wish a lot of things.” Jack it seems has just one friend, the cow Milky White, which he constantly refers to as a “he.” Throughout the show he seeks other friends—including the hen that lays golden eggs and the harp that plays beautiful music by itself (both filched from the Giant). Later in the work when the Baker’s wife (Cassie Sprow) admits she is childless, Jack’s Mother replies, “That’s all right too!”

Little Red Ridinghood (Libby Call) is somewhat of a glutton. When she stops at the bakers’ shop on the way to visit Grannie, she requests, “A loaf of bread to bring my poor old hungry Granny in the woods.” But then she adds, “and perhaps a sticky bun? Or four?” Finally loaded down with goodies, she says, “I really hate to ask it, but do you have a basket?” By the time she gets to Grannie’s house, she has pretty well consumed the entirely basket full of baked goods.

But of course she is not the only glutton in the show. The Wolf (Gary Taylor) meets Little Red Ridinghood and observes, “Look at that flesh, pink and plump; Tender and fresh, not one lump; this one’s especially lush, delicious!” And when he contemplates adding Grannie to his meal, he says, “Think of those crisp, aging bones; then something fresh on the pallet.” After he consumes both the ladies, the Narrator (Bob Barnett) observes, “Well, it was a full day of eating for both of them.”

Cinderella (Melissa Saneholtz) has many talents, but the most unusual is conversing with a flock of birds that give her advice and assistance—ultimately joining the fight that brings down the vengeful Giant’s Wife. She has several conversations with them, and Little Red Ridinghood observes, “You talk to birds?”

The two Princes (Gary Taylor and Steve Wendall) both have a way with women and wandering eyes as well. In their big song, “Agony,” they compare their romantic difficulties and are sure that each is in the most pain. “Agony, beyond power of speech, when the one thing you want is the only thing out of your reach,” Cinderella’s Prince sings. “Agony, far more painful than yours, when you know she would go with you, if there only were doors,” Rapunzel’s Prince replies—frustrated that the tower can only be reached by Rapunzel putting down her hair. When the song returns in the second act, the Princes have moved on, now seeking Sleeping Beauty’s and Snow White’s affections instead. “Agony, is the way always barred? Did you learn her name? No, there’s a dwarf standing guard.”

This delightful and quite funny show will be performed on October 18 – 20 at 8 p.m. and on October 21 at 2 p.m. in Defiance Community Auditorium. Reserved seats are $12 and available by calling (419) 782-PLAY. General admission seats are $10 and available at the door an hour before each performance. The show is directed by Randy Schroeder with music direction by Dick Stroede.