Do you know what you wish? Are you certain what you wish is what you want?
Into the Woods has us asking all the right questions.
The GRHS Drama Club has brought us classics from The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee to Legally Blonde to The Drowsy Chaperone, but none so well-known and deeply beloved as Into the Woods. Premiering in 1987, the musical was instantly adored by audiences worldwide. Its ability to intertwine familiar fairytale archetypes with questions of existentialism and the ambiguity of “happy ever after” made it a staple in the theater world.
While worshipped among theater nerds, the Sondheim brain-child is especially notorious for its daunting score and thematic complexity. For a play like this, it’s easy to lose the heart of the story when not handled with absolute precision. And despite the challenge, the Drama Club rose to the occasion, capturing both the emotional depth and artistic excellence of the work.
For some, Into the Woods is the last Drama Club production of their high school career. Senior Lola Zimet (Baker’s Wife) reminisces on her experience. “Being in Into the Woods was already such a dream. Working alongside this cast made it even better.”
What truly elevated this production was its small, intimate moments. Whether it was a shared glance between the Baker (Theo Browning) and his wife (Lola Zimet) or a tender moment between Jack (Ava Murtha) and Little Red (Ellie Hudon), the cast’s genuine love was undeniable. At its core, Into the Woods is a devastating display of vulnerability, grief, and the human condition. It reminds us that, in the end, we must live in a world where witches can be right and giants can be good.
If you were unable to see this production’s run, be sure to look out for the next production of the Drama Club. You won’t want to miss it.
