TO: Advisor and Show Director of Into the Woods at Ridley School District FROM: Brian Weiner Here are the Cappies reviews for Into the Woods. There were 45 critics at your show, and up to now we have received 45 reviews. If we receive late reviews, we will forward them to you. Please share these reviews with your cast and crew. Thank you. -------------------------------------------------- The Ridley High School drama group took the audience on an unforgettable trip "Into the Woods" in a lively and magical performance of Sondheim's classic musical. The fairytale medley was studded with sharp humor, large personalities and resonating vocals. The entire auditorium was filled with sounds and visuals that made it feel like as though we were in an interactive storybook. "Into the Woods" is a musical written by Stephen Sondheim that is based around the stories of "Little Red Ridinghood", "Jack and the Beanstalk", "Rapunzel" and "Cinderella", and other age old fairytales. A baker and his wife interact with storybook characters through the woods on a witch-administered quest to begin their family. Due to its unique storyline and variety of beloved songs and characters, "Into the Woods" won several Tony Awards and went on multiple tours on and off Broadway. Since, the musical has been adapted into an Academy Award nominated film. Played by Josh Butler, Jack had talent as great as his towering beanstalk. He brought the house down with his take on the renowned song, "Giants in the Sky". The emotion he brought to his character was palpable. Jake Mergott perfectly channeled the suave and confident persona of Cinderella's "charming but not sincere" prince. He brought the same notable gusto and underlying evil inclinations to his second role as the Wolf. The witch, Mikyah Mott, took command of the stage with perfect comedic timing, piercing screeches and a voice that shook the trees on stage.

The show could not have gone on without the enchanted performances of the supporting actors and actresses. Whether PJ Williams (The Mysterious Man) was comically dawdling and jumping across the stage or spewing his hackneyed and repetitive lines, he never failed to bring life and comedic relief to the forest. Sarah Messina both sounded and looked the part of a melodic and beautiful damsel in distress. Her sonorous riffs from atop her tower were enough to make both her prince and the audience swoon. Ridley High School magically brought the misty and deep woods onstage with believable props, painted trees and lighting that resembled natural sunlight. An atmosphere of the dark and mysterious woods was created with enchanting winds, chimes and strings from the orchestra. Thank you to Ridley High School for taking us on a magical journey into "Your Little World"! by Zoe Grossinger of Barrack Hebrew Academy -------------------------------------------------- A thrilling adventure through the dangerous woods, filled with spells, temptations, fairy tales, and romance is presented on the stage of Ridley High School's production of Into the Woods. Into the Woods is the story of a baker and his wife who when put under a spell by their neighbor, a witch, are forced to adventure off into the woods to break this spell. They are given specific tasks as they are to collect materials else the baker's wife will not be able to bare children. As they set off to find these items, leaving their village, they meet various fairy tale characters who have wishes of their own and who grow individually from their actions as well as fellow acquaintances, while in the woods. They each experience struggle, doubt, danger, and love along the woods, but ultimately work together in order to not only grant the baker and his wife's wish but find the deepest desires of their heart.

Ridley High School's cast did a notably good job in presenting this story intertwined with fairytale characters, through the very detailed costumes,vibrant energy of the Ensemble, and enchanted set designs which portrayed the mystically filled metaphorical term of "the woods." The Baker, played by James Clark was strong vocally and his wife, played by Colleen Mahoney displayed a nice balance vocally as they harmonized well especially in the song,"It Takes Two." Cinderella, played by Lauren Myers brought her innocence and a desire for true love to the performance while Jack, played by Josh Butler truly shined in his musical number "Giants in the Sky" as his powerful vocals and presence on stage was debuted. The Ensemble was focused and lively, displaying an abundance of energy on stage. Cinderella's Prince, played by Jake Mergott was outstanding vocally and added a comedic presence to the production through his charming demeanor and remarks. The Wolf, also played by Jake Mergott, immediately stole the stage upon his entrance. Rapunzel's Prince, played by Ben Mergott displayed his character quite well filling the musical number "Agony" with great meaning and creating a dynamic duo with Cinderella's Prince. The Witch, played by Mikyah Mott was a very powerful character convincing the audience of her witch like behavior with her tone of voice and gestures. Rapunzel, played by Sarah Messina although a minor role in the production, had a beautiful voice executing her role fairly well. The colorful lighting was phenomenal, helping to display the drastic mood changes in relation with the events occurring on the journey into the woods. The Stage Crew worked quickly and were hardly noticeable adding no distraction or delay to the overall performance. Although the microphones experienced some difficulties, the actors were able to continue their performance fluidly. The different sets, were intricately designed, beginning with the villager's homes then later to the dangerous woods captured the beauty and magical tone of the performance.

Ridley High School's production of Into the Woods, although a difficult production for a high school to perform, was an adventurous experience leaving the audience captivated by the enchanted setting and mesmerized by the memorable musical numbers. by Georgette Avrigian of Haverford High School -------------------------------------------------- Vibrant colors, beautiful music, charming princes and magic beans - sounds like a fairy tale right? Well, that is not too far off! Come see Ridley Drama Groups production of Into the Woods, for a time full of good fun and whimsy. An interesting mash up of the most well known fairy tales, into the woods features characters ranging from Repunzal and Cinderalla to Jack (from Jack and the Bean Stalk) and Little Red Riding Hood. The story mainly focuses on the Baker and his wife, and their journey in the woods to reverse a spell that has left them childless. On their quest to find a milky white cow, golden slipper, blood red cape and hair as yellow as corn, they have many strange encounters (it is the woods of course!). James Clark, in his role as the baker, did a fine job in portraying his character's complexity. Both determined in his quest, yet hesitant about what that could lead to, Clark's nervous tone and flustered body language mirrored the baker's state of mind. In addition, Lauren Myers notably showed the contrast between Cinderella's two very different characters - the meek and compliant stepsister and the confident prince-charmer. Myer's vocals were impressive, and as the show went on, she fell into her role much more deeply and comfortably. Perhaps the highlight of the show was Jake Mergott, Cinderella's prince, and Ben Mergott, Rapunzel's prince, duet of the song entitled "Agony." Sung passionately and powerfully, along with their strong vocals, "Agony" was moving for the ladies in the audience, while it left the boys saying "relatable."

The makeup for this production was impressive, including latex masks for the witch and wolf. In addition, the lighting was well timed, well done, and added to the overall appeal of the show. Lastly the set, which included a tower, several houses, a wooded backdrop, and even a large set of trees that framed the stage, added immensely to the shows aesthetic and fairy tale feel. Overall, although the actors were a little hard to hear, Ridley High School's production of Into the Woods was a real treat. by Emma Griffiths of Agnes Irwin School -------------------------------------------------- Ridley High School's production of Into The Woods was a truly enchanting experience. Into The Woods offers a unique take on the fairy tales that everyone heard as a child. These tales are mashed up and bent into an amazing show that explores themes like child-parent relationships and moral dilemmas. The woods themselves symbolize the moral gray area that we all find ourselves in every now and again. It is the place where true human nature is exposed and where people show who they really are. Into The Woods has a brilliant score, written by musical genius Stephen Sondheim and won the 1988 Tony Award for Best Original Score. Sondheim's style presents a formidable challenge to any high school that dares take on his complicated music, but Ridley High School's cast tackled the score with impressive success. Though there were, at times, small vocal slip-ups, the cast as a whole executed the show in a laudable fashion. The ensemble was engaging, never breaking character or letting a dull moment pass.

James Clark portrayed the lead role of the baker. Clark's acting was purely genuine and added a layer of sincerity to the show's dynamic. Clark also displayed his truly incredible voice, blowing the audience away in numbers like "No More". The baker's wife, played by Colleen Mahoney, also had stunning vocals and her chemistry with Clark was remarkable. Cinderella (Lauren Myers) also had a mention worth performance, exhibiting her amazing vocal range. The show was most defined by its large and powerful supporting cast. Some noteworthy characters included the princes (Jake and Ben Mergott) whose natural chemistry was no doubt due to their true relationship as brothers. Other standouts included Jack (Josh Butler), the witch (Mikyah Mott), and the mysterious man (PJ Williams). The technical aspects of the production added to its triumph. The sound was handled with superb success. The actors could be heard clearly through nearly the entire production, an impressive feat when one considers the number of microphones featured in the show. The lighting of the show was simple but effective. There were times in which some performers were left in the shadows, but the lighting was well done for the most part. Ridley High School took the audience on their journey into the woods and by the time they had made it back out, left the audience with an unforgettable performance. by Billy Issertell of Cardinal O'Hara High School -------------------------------------------------- Ridley High School's production of Into the Woods was not just good. It was not just nice. It was spectacular and awe-inspiring. Every moment was teeming with flawless performances and unfaltering energy. Into the Woods is a musical written by James Lapine with music and lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim. The story follows several Brothers Grimm character as they find their happily ever afters and then watch their lives

fall to tatters. The plot is set into motion when the baker and his wife strike a deal with a withering witch to be able to conceive a child. The witch promises them a child if they bring her Cinderella's golden slipper, Little Red Riding Hood's blood red cape, Jack's (Jack and the Beanstalk) milky white cow, and a lock of Rapunzel's golden blonde hair. But after completing this task and everyone getting the happy endings from the storybooks, the play moves on to show their happiness slip from their hands. Ridley's performance perfectly captured both the comedic aspects of the musical and the dark and twisted concepts. The actors became their characters and made them uniquely their own. They made the difficult and demanding task of performing Into the Woods look like a walk in the park. This cast had no shortage of talented performers. A standout performance came from the witch and main antagonist of the show, Mikyah Mott. She sent shivers through the audience with her powerhouse voice. Another excellent performance came from James Clark as the baker. Clark perfectly played the humble and hardworking protagonist. Equally as talented as the leads were the supporting actors. Two of the best performances of the night came from the hilariously superficial princes, played by Jake and Ben Mergott. They truly captured the conceited essence of their characters. They were equally as skilled in singing. Each performance from them were hysterical and beautiful. The technical aspects were extremely notable as well. The stage crew flawlessly transitioned the set between each scene. The lovely voices of the cast could be heard loud and clear thanks to the sound person. Ridley's performance was simply amazing. By the end of the tale, you won't be able to look at your favorite childhood stories the same way and you will regret that you will be out of the woods.

by Ceara McCreavy of Cardinal O'Hara High School -------------------------------------------------- Once upon a time, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, the Baker and his wife, and Jack (of the beanstalk) all went into the woods. Sound familiar? All of this happens in Into the Woods, performed this weekend at Ridley High School. The show follows a cast of familiar fairytale characters, including the aforementioned Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack, as they find their happy endings in Act I, only to have everything fall apart in Act II. The majority of the plot of Act I centers around the Baker and his wife as they try to get the four objects needed for the Witch to lift the curse and let them have a child. In a largely ensemble-driven cast, it's hard to say who the real "leads" are. However, James Clark, in his role as the Baker, offered an admirable performance that showcased his acting and singing talents. Colleen Mahoney turned in an equally impressive performance as The Baker's Wife. The chemistry between the two resulted in a realistic and often comedic relationship. Jack (Josh Butler) and Jack's Mother (Blake Eckert) were both remarkable vocalists. In addition to these characters, there were plenty of other memorable performances. Sibling duo Jake Mergott and Ben Mergott elicited many a laugh from the audiences in their roles as Cinderella's Prince and Rapunzel's Prince, respectively. Mikyah Mott played the conniving Witch with ease, enchanting the audience as she enchanted the characters. Blake Eckert was not only a face on stage but also a helpful hand in the behind the scenes department. Eckert's makeup design was impressive, especially the designs for the Wolf and the Witch. The sound design was clear and picked up each actor's lines well.

Overall, Ridley High School's production of Into the Woods was one that will not soon be forgotten. The lively energy of everyone in the cast kept the audience engaged from start to finish, and then to finish again in Act II. Perhaps one might be able to see this show again, but for now, "I Guess This Is Goodbye." by Colette Nolan of Cardinal O'Hara High School -------------------------------------------------- Ridley High School's performance of "Into the Woods" was a stomping success. "Into the Woods" is a mashup of many of the Brothers Grimm fairy tales, like Cinderella(Lauren Myers) and Jack(Josh Butler) and the Beanstalk, all happening at the same time. The show revolves mainly around a baker(James Clark) and his wife(Colleen Mahoney) attempt to break a curse set on them by their next door neighbor, who is also a witch(Mikyah Mott). While attempting to remove this hex, everything that can go wrong happens, leading to several hilarious situations. James Clark played his role beautifully as the the lead, being in sync with vocals and choreography, and never skipping a beat. There were times when the flaws of the characters become apparent, and James displayed his character's amazingly well. Colleen also performed extraordinarily well, complimenting James' attributes, making the duo a true married couple. The characters implemented from the other tales were well done as well, with Cinderella and her prince(Jake Mergott), as well as the prince's brother(Ben Mergott) and his love Rapunzel(Sarah Messina), with the Little Red Riding Hood(Francesca Murgidi) being thrown into the mix. Each character houses their own segment of the show, telling their tales, and then all came together to confront a unified threat to their kingdom. The show and the performers did a magnificent job in portraying these flaws, beginning as subtle little tweaks and urges, expanding into the

character's thought process. The show takes many twists and turns, leading from one character's obstacle, to the entire cast's further expressing the social flaws implemented in each character. "Into the Woods" is a refreshing breath to old folk tales that give a new view for each tale, adding some comical and serious moments to each childhood tale. "Into the Woods" can actually be describe as a mashup of Brothers Grimm's works and a parody as well. by Joseph Urian of Cardinal O'Hara High School -------------------------------------------------- Follow the talented actors of Ridley High School on a magical adventure in their performance of Into the Woods. With a modern twist on classic fairy tales, the show blends the familiar with an original storyline sure to entertain. Based on the book by James Lapine, Into the Woods combines many well known Brothers Grimm fairy tales such as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Cinderella. The story focuses on the predicament of the Baker and his wife as they try to find all of the magical items the evil witch demands to release them from her curse. Cinderella, who was convincingly portrayed by Lauren Myers, and the baker's wife, played by the expressive Colleen Mahoney, stole the show with their beautiful voices and solid acting. Josh Butler, who was Jack, completely immersed himself into the character and wowed the audience with his performance. The comedic antics of PJ Williams as the mysterious man had the audience in stitches whenever he was on stage. Agony, the song sung by both Cinderella's and Rapunzel's princes, was an unexpected and welcomed comedic relief from the drama. And while the music was main focus of the performance, the dazzling costumes and stunning makeup delighted all of the senses. The makeup was visually striking, particularly with the wolf and the witch. Scene changes required fast-timing and precision. For example, the witch transformed from an ugly old hag into a beautiful young woman. The skill involved in order to do this seamlessly was impressive.

There were a few technical issues involving the sound, but the actors were able to work through it and the show didn't suffer because of it. Overall, the production had a wonderful visual appeal, an entertaining storyline and a talented group of performers. Into the Woods was a journey well worth taking. by Kristin Ciampitti of Cardinal O'Hara High School -------------------------------------------------- Ridley High School's production of Into the Woods was a magical twist on classic fairytales! Written by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim and based on stories from the brothers Grimm, Into the Woods follows all your childhood favorites (Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, the Wicked Witch, and many more) as they get their happy endings and then some. Ridley's actors and actresses, along with impressive crew, executed the difficult show incredibly well. Leading as the Baker, James Clark had his character's humble yet driven attitude mastered. Every solo he sang rang loud and clear through the auditorium, and included nice tone and dynamics. Sharing the stage with Clark was Colleen Mahoney (the Baker's wife). She complimented Clark's singing with a beautiful voice of her own, and really embodied her independent and comical character. The chemistry between Clark and Mahoney was showcased in "It Takes Two," a song in which they realize all they need is each other. As a whole, the ensemble of main characters wowed the audience with their consistent level of talent and dedication. Each of them was solid with their lines, and really knew how to perform, not just recite. Mikyah Mott (the Witch) was both strong and stunning, with powerful vocals to match. Lauren Myers (Cinderella) brought a new life to her character as she realized she didn't want to be stuck with a half-committed prince for a husband. That being said, her Prince, played by Jake Mergott, wholly committed to his role, and it showed! His duet with Rapunzel's prince (Ben Mergott) was both hilarious and skillfully sung. Francesca Murgidi (Little Red Ridinghood) perfectly captured the essence of a tough little girl who just wants to get to her grandmother's house. Josh Butler (Jack) loved

his mother equally as much, but showed his love in a more distant way, which fit his character well. The behind the scenes talent was just as high-quality as the talent on stage. The light crew never missed a cue and set lights that matched the mood of each scene. Costumes and hair/makeup dressed each character in a period costume that improved the overall visual effect of the performance. The pit complimented the on stage singing; they accompanied perfectly, rather than overpowering or falling short. Overall, Ridley High School's production of Into the Woods was full of talent in every regard. The work everyone put in created a truly magical show. by Emmi Dolph of Conestoga High School -------------------------------------------------- No one was alone in applauding for Ridley High School's production of Into the Woods, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. James Lapine's novel intertwines the fairytales of the Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault, the book serving as the inspiration for the musical. The stories of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and many more classic characters are weaved together, alongside the original plot of a baker wanting a child. The Broadway show won 5 Tonys over the course of two revivals, and recently spread worldwide through a film adaptation in 2014. The comedy and classic dissonant Sondheim sound of Into the Woods draws in a wide variety of viewers, and has become a musical theater staple. The ensemble portrayed many side characters, with Snow White skipping by and Sleeping Beauty watching from a tower. Each member of the cast portrayed their character clearly through their appearance and mannerisms, as well as the unique costume choice of removing the initial

presence of leaves in costumes to symbolize character's departures from the deception of the woods. The male leads of the show were overflowing with talent, made especially clear in the standout performance of Jake Mergott in the role of both Prince Charming and the Wolf. In "Hello Little Girl," his character choices and resonating voice drew the audience in, and succeeded to do so in every song and scene he performed. Alongside Ben Mergott (Rapunzel's Prince) in "Agony," the two male voices brought comedy and energy to the show and knocked the song out of the woods. James Clark (The Baker) and Colleen Mahoney (Baker's Wife) had chemistry to spare, and were able to guide the plot and course of the story seamlessly. Lauren Myers (Cinderella) came into her character the second act and carried "No One is Alone" with her clear, sweet voice. Josh Butler's (Jack) strong sound and acting were apparent from the beginning, and did not disappoint as the show went on, as shown with his performance of "Giants in the Sky." The show began with the backdrop of a giant bookshelf, which lifted to reveal three houses with lights professionally shining on each character performing. Throughout the show, large towers and trees were wheeled on and off the stage flawlessly by an expert stage crew. Makeup did a great job of enhancing the characters, doing an especially excellent job with the Wolf. The marketing and production team went above and beyond with individual character posters, mirroring the publicity used for the 2014 movie. There were truly "Giants in the Sky" at Ridley's Into the Woods, with the stars and ensemble of the show soaring up and out of the woods. by Jahnavi Rao of Conestoga High School --------------------------------------------------

Whether your trip to the woods in Ridley High School was to visit your grandmother, sell your cow, or break a spell, no doubt you enjoyed the stay. Into the Woods, by Stephen Sondheim, follows the story of a number of well-known fairy tales - Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood, along with the addition of two original characters, the Baker and his Wife. The first act retells the original stories, with some slight changes, as all of them are intertwined in some way. However, in the second act, Sondheim imagines what life is like after these characters have their happily ever after. The beautifully crafted set brought the production to life and transported the audience into the woods with these characters on their journeys. The entire thing was used to its full potential, with the cast using up all the space to their advantage. Perhaps most impressive about the production was the cast's ability to keep their energy up throughout the entire three hour production. Even during the slower songs, there was no dip in the energy. James Clark led the cast as the adorably confused but well-meaning Baker. His voice's beautiful tone and clear sound made every song he sang a treat for the audience. Even when he was not necessarily in the spotlight, he still commanded attention with his incredible stage presence. Into the Woods is very much an ensemble show and cannot succeed without all members of the cast working together in harmony, which they absolutely did. It was apparent that everyone had worked extremely hard to reach the point they did. In addition, it can sometimes be a challenge in high school theatre to find enough boys for all the male roles, but every single male in the show blew the crowd away. To name some specifics, Jake Mergott as the Wolf and Cinderella's Prince was absolutely spectacular - he could sing the phonebook and it would still be marvelous. Additionally, Josh Butler as Jack brought a fun youthful energy to the stage, along with another wonderful singing voice. Another

honorable mention goes to Lauren Myers as Cinderella, who wowed the crowd with her lovely soprano voice. Ridley High School's energetic production impressed the audience thoroughly. Every actor and member of the crew deserves to feel extremely proud of what they put out on that stage. by Alyssa Rosenberg of Eastern Regional High School -------------------------------------------------- Into the Woods The production of Into the Woods at Ridley High School was a success with its tremendous energy, wonderful set, colorful costumes, and great dedication from the actors. The show is very complex as it has many characters and storylines, but Ridley managed the performance and made it enjoyable to watch. Into the Woods was first debuted on Broadway in 1986 at the Old Globe Theater. Its music and lyrics were written by none other than Stephen Sondheim and the show was inspired by Bruno Bettelheim's, The Uses of Enchantment. It has won several tony awards for the original production and the revival. It has also come out with a movie which stars Anna Kendrick. The show follows the story of a baker and his wife trying to have a child. In order to do so, they must follow a witch's orders and collect items from different fairytale characters, that are all having their own problems, to create a magical potion. The first act ends happily while the second takes a turn of events and goes downhill. Ridley High School put on a solid performance of Into the Woods. Their costumes were all so perfect for each character and the makeup was matched for each individual very accurately. The vocals were pretty good overall and the students had a great amount of energy throughout the whole production.

Lead actors that stood out were the baker, played by James Clark, and Cinderella, played by Lauren Myers. Both students stayed true to their characters throughout the whole show and let the audience fall in love with them as the production persisted. Their vocals were nice and deserve applaud for their performances. Supporting and featured characters such as Cinderella's Prince, Granny, Rapunzel, and the Mysterious Man added to the show by contributing unique character traits. Most of them had comical lines and helped move along the story in small yet impactful ways. Their dedications to their roles were apparent as each of them really mastered their characters. As for the technical aspects of the show, the sets, lighting and sound were all very good. The lighting changed each time the characters wished to convey a different mood on stage which was successful. Also, the set was simple, but worked for every scene as there were small add-on pieces and assorted props. There were few glitches with the sound and for the most part, all the actors were heard. Overall, Ridley High School's production of Into the Woods was up to par. Each character did a great job in contributing to the show in some way or another. With its sets, costumes, lighting, and actors all combined together, the high school did a wonderful job. by Anuska Ball of Eastern Regional High School -------------------------------------------------- Once upon a time there was a drama group at Ridley High School that took on the daunting task of performing one of famed composer Stephen Sondheim's greatest works: Into the Woods. The 1988 Tony award-winning show, based on retellings of popular Grimm's fairy tales, is famed for its success in community and school theatres, despite its challenging score. The Ridley Drama Group embraced their inner child as the cast transformed into witches, ghosts and wolves, singing into and out of the woods.

Of the abundance of colorful characters that traversed the fictional forest, the commanders of the stage were the male personas. James Clark, playing a Baker who needs to reverse a witch's curse, serenaded the audience while creating a conflicted but lovable character. Another standout was Jake Mergott as both the Wolf and Cinderella's Prince. Mergott's roles contrasted both vocally and objectively, from the sinister and seductive predator of Little Red to the appealing yet adulterous prince of Cinderella. His beautiful vocals were complemented perfectly by that of his royal brother, both offstage and on, Ben Mergott as Rapunzel's Prince. The fantasy of the woods carried throughout the whimsical costumes and smart set design. Bringing characters to life was Blake Eckert, who not only played Jack's Mother, but also created and applied makeup looks to almost every role. Along with looking good, the cast also sounded good, thanks to the competent sound crew, who did a lovely job of controlling mics as well as sound effects. Another backstage success was the swift running crew that kept the almost three hour production short by swooping in and doing their jobs effectively and efficiently. Despite the obstacle of performing one of arguably the most difficult musical theatre scores, the Ridley Drama Group executed a memorable performance. From the complex Witch, played by Mikayah Mott, to the lovable Josh Butler as Jack, the vocalists were charming and the orchestra accompanying the lyrics was stupendous. The smooth run, made in part by the adept crew, made a lasting impression on audiences who hopefully found their happy ever after at Ridley's Into the Woods. by Bridgette Burton of Eastern Regional High School -------------------------------------------------- Stephen Sondheim is known for his particularly challenging music, both in the accompaniment and vocal compositions, and the students of Ridley High School did a very good job bringing the songs of his hit musical Into the Woods to life.

Into the Woods is the product of writing team Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. Inspired by the Grimm fairy tales, the two imagine what happens after happily ever after. The musical enjoyed a two year Broadway run, and won three Tony Awards. In 2014, Into the Woods was made into a major motion picture starring Meryl Streep as the Witch, Anna Kendrick as Cinderella, and Chris Pine as Prince Charming. The emotion of Into the Woods is what drove Ridley's production of the Sondheim hit. Despite tired voices, the actors let the joy, determination, and heartbreak carry throughout the show. Jake Mergott was excellent as Cinderella's Prince and the Wolf. Playing two parts presents a number of challenges, one of them being that the actor has to create two very distinct characters, dividing his attention between two roles while simultaneously giving all of his energy to both. Mergott did a great job with this, creating two physicality's, voice qualities, and two faces with the help of Blake Eckert's beautiful make up design. "Agony" Mergott's duet with his stage brother and real life brother, Ben Mergott, was one of the highlights of Act I. Josh Butler and Francesca Murgidi gave very strong performances as Jack (of Giant Beanstalk fame), and Little Red Ridinghood, respectively. Butler's excellent vocals on "Giants in the Sky" and Murgidi's youthfully inquisitive demeanor charmed the audience and induced much laughter. The sound team did a good job considering how many mics were being used onstage at once. There were a number of hiccups throughout the duration of the performance, however these errors were probably due to microphone quality. However, whenever the sound cut out, the actors compensated by increasing their projection until the problem was promptly fixed. Ridley's production of Into the Woods, with its exquisite makeup design and familiar characters, was a very enjoyable afternoon of theatre!

by Alex Giganti of Friends Select School -------------------------------------------------- Stephen Sondheim's famous musical "Into the Woods" combines classic fairy tales and lets the audience indulge in what would happen if multiple stories intersected. Ridley High School recently took audiences into the woods for a memorable experience with their production of the show that featured a dazzling visual display of some fine talent and production features. The story centers on the goals and aspirations of a core set of memorable characters from famous tales and how they become interconnected, as they all must travel through the woods. A baker (James Clark) and his wife (Colleen Mahoney) seek items to appease a witch (Mikyah Mott) who cursed them with being unable to have a child. A young boy Jack (Josh Butler) deals with the exploits of an infamous beanstalk, and a poor girl named Cinderella (Lauren Myers) wishes to go to the ball. All three parts come together to combat the threat of a giant at the end. Yet the show also features a cast of supporting roles that at oftentimes stole the show. Jake and Ben Mergott as the two arrogant and pompous princes hit it home with the beloved duet "Agony" in which both humorously try to outdo the other in expressing discontent with how their relationship prospects are. Brothers in reality their voices and acting blended to make it a memorable moment from the show. The overall cast was an impressive vocal force that also showed off excellent costuming and make up that transported the viewers on a journey with the cast. The impressive set featured many whimsical elements like Rapunzel's tower or a creative cottage for Little Red Riding Hood, and two major moving platforms that allowed for adventurous movement that paralleled

the music. The media and advertising of the show was also an element that stood out as looking very professional from a graphics standpoint. "Into the Woods" is a very demanding musical for even professionals to put on, and Ridley High School tackled it well. From character development, a rich vocal composition from a select ensemble to costumes and lighting that complimented the cast, Ridley High school theater should be proud of taking the audience on a journey through the woods that left them feeling happily ever after. by Colin McCrossan of Haverford High School -------------------------------------------------- Once Upon A Time, a cast of high school students put a captivating and enchanting spell on an audience. The students at Ridley High School brought our favorite fairy tales to life on the stage and "handed us a new story to read." This high energy and musically driven show intertwines an amalgam of Brothers Grimm fairy tales. With music and lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim and script written by James Lapine, the musical debuted in 1986 and premiered on Broadway in 1987. Into The Woods won several Tony Awards including Best Book, Best Score, and Best Actress in a Musical. The show has been adapted to many different stages and recently was adapted to the movie screen in 2014. The story follows a baker and his wife, who have been cursed by a witch, in their journey to have a child. Each character had a clear purpose on the stage and it was inevitable that each cast member was having fun. The cast was faced with the challenge of a very difficult script and score but they handled it with ease. The Baker (James Clark) brought compelling emotion to his role. He brought strong vocals throughout the show and had heart-wrenching

dynamic. Cinderella (Lauren Myers) also brought her own unique element to the show. She portrayed the sweet and innocent role with ease and grace. Jake Mergott (Cinderella's Prince/Wolf) brought the comedy, vocals, and "charm" to the show. Each time he hit the stage, there was bound to be excitement. His song Agony was a standout! Francesca Murgidi (Little Red) brought a contagious energy to her role and had the audience rolling with laughter. Other notable actors include Jack's Mother (Blake Eckert) and Rapunzel's Prince (Ben Mergott) who both gave commendable performances. The Ridley Marketing Team deserves high praises for their impeccable promotional materials used for the show. Blake Eckert also did a noteworthy job on makeup. The detail work was very well executed and the faces were easily seen from the back of the audience. While at times the sound was a bit uneasy and unbalanced, the student run sound crew deserves recognition due to the quantity of microphones and actors on stage. The cast and crew of Ridley's Into The Woods put their best golden slippered foot forward and put on a very enjoyable production. The excitement and energy of the cast was compelling and contagious. by Daniel Murphy of Haverford High School -------------------------------------------------- Into the woods with ornate costumes, an idyllic set, and a lively ensemble, on a musical adventure! Ridley High School's production of the whimsical show, "Into the Woods" was a fairy tale for the ages! Following the life of a Baker and his wife on their quest to have a child, "Into the Woods" groups together the Grimm Brother's original stories of many beloved princesses and creatures. This show takes it one step further, showing the cruel truth to many "happily ever afters."

Many of Ridley's actors skillfully brought to life many beloved characters. James Clark, leading the ensemble with the role of the Baker, was endearing and sweet throughout the show. His vocals proved strong with heartwarming songs such as "It Takes Two," sung with his theater wife, Colleen Mahoney. A pauper turned princess, Cinderella (Lauren Myers) showcased her royal voice in the tear-jerking song, "No One is Alone," alongside Clark, Francesca Murgidi (Little Red Ridinghood), and Josh Butler (Jack). A wonderful comedy duo, Jake and Ben Mergott (Cinderella's Prince, Rapunzel's Prince) made the crowd roar with laughter during their hilarious duet, "Agony." Jake Mergott seamlessly switched roles from a sketchy wolf, to a dashing prince maintaining dreamy vocals throughout. Blake Eckert (Jack's Mother) notably added to the levity of the show. The entire cast of "Into the Woods" contributed to the quality of the show, as it was largely and ensemble production. Each role was essential to the plot and the overall nature of the performance. Ridley's technical department took on the difficult job of sound with ease. Though there were some spotty moments, the microphones allowed the audience to clearly hear the actors during their performance. On another note, Blake Eckert did a wonderful job with the make up prosthetics on the Wolf and the Witch. "Into the Woods" at Ridley was a fairy tale land of beautiful harmonies and lovely acting. The audience left with laughter, tears, and a certain happily ever after. by Darci Gold of Haverford High School --------------------------------------------------

Amazing set, colorful costumes, and perfect makeup are just some things that immediately stood out about this production of Into the Woods by Ridley High School. Into the Woods is a combination of several of the beloved Brother's Grimm fairy tales. This humorous yet melancholy musical follows the tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel- all tied together following the childless baker and his wife as they set on their quest to reverse the curse of being unable to bear children, brought onto them by a once beautiful witch. The casts energy was great overall as the cast was always smiling and had great enthusiasm. The technical aspect of the show was also very well done as they displayed the woods setting precisely. Lauren Myers played the role of Cinderella splendidly as she made the character of Cinderella complex and captivating. The character of Cinderella was very much a pleasure to follow all due to Lauren Myers excellent portrayal of her. Jake Mergott (Cinderella's Prince) was another amazing actor as both his vocals and acting were amazing. He truly embraced his "charming" personality and left an impression on the audience. The set was amazing and the props were also interesting and creative. The lighting on the backdrop was also a unique touch due to the way it would change colors to enhance the mood of the scene that was being performed. Even though there were some sound issues the actors reacted to it in a professional manor. Last but not least the makeup was amazing and was done perfectly for every character especially for the witch. Even though there were minor pitch issues and some technical issues, the musical was very entertaining to watch. It was filled with humor and

tragedy that made the audience both laugh and cry, which made it a musical that was entertaining to watch. by Meline Avrigian of Haverford High School -------------------------------------------------- Sunday afternoon, Ridley High School put on a performance of "Into the Woods", a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, based off of the book by James Lapine. Ridley's production of "Into the Woods" emerged audience members into the wild world of the classic Grimm brother fairy tales. The musical "Into the Woods" intertwines the plots and characters of several Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales. The musical debuted in San Diego at the Old Globe Theatre in 1986 and premiered on Broadway on November 5, 1987. James Clark as the Baker gave a classic, heartfelt performance as a desperate husband and father throughout the duration of the show, sporting complementary vocals and notable chemistry with his female counterpart. This made for a personal dynamic that kept the audience interested in the Baker's storyline throughout the performance. Francesca Murgidi and Jake Mergott as Little Red and the Wolf were spectacular as a duo in the number, "Hello Little Girl'. This, along with other evidence of obviously well-seasoned acting chops, displayed the two's commitment to their characters, as well as enhanced the production as a whole. Powerful vocal performances by Jake Mergott as Cinderella's Prince during "Agony" and Sarah Messina as Rapunzel, made for staple performances during the musical.

Scene changes carried out by Ridley's Stage Crew were smooth, making smart use of the stage's fly system to aide in smooth transitions. Sound did a good job muting and unmuting channels between scenes, however at times the audience was able to hear chatter from live mics backstage, and there were moments of unbalanced volume and treble-heavy EQ, which understandably can be tough for a sound designer to nail in such a fast paced production. This was made up for by the clarity and balance shared between the microphones of complementary roles. Overall, Ridley High School brought it's A game for their performance of the classic musical "Into the Woods", proving to be a superior showcase of acting and technical theater talents. by Olivia DeMarco of Haverford High School -------------------------------------------------- You will surely find yourself in "Agony" if you did not catch Ridley Drama Group's exhilarating production of Into The Woods! Into the Woods combines the famous fairytales of the Grimm Brothers and Charles Perrault, including tales such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. The musical tells the tale of a childless baker and his wife, who are cursed and must go into the woods to complete tasks given by a witch to reverse a spell cast upon them, running into other storybook characters along the way. It first opened as a production in 1986 and appeared on Broadway in 1987, gaining popularity with numerous tours and even a recent film adaptation. This performance of Into The Woods possessed many vibrant moments of energy. Its many difficult moments of fast-paced dialogue and songs were executed very well. Many standout characters gained the love and laughter of the audience. The Baker, played by James Clark, had a great performance and was one with his character. The Baker's Wife, played by Colleen Mahoney,

displayed her character very well and added humor to moments that necessarily did not need it, which was enjoyable to watch. Cinderella, played by Lauren Myers, developed her character very well and had an amazing voice. Cinderella's Prince, played by Jake Mergott, was very entertaining throughout the show and lit up the stage every time he was on. Other notable performances include Jack, played by Josh Butler, who had great stage presence and expression during the entire show. The Witch, played by Mikyah Mott, harnessed and displayed her characters emotions, and always stayed in character. For the moments he was on stage, Rapunzel's Prince, played by Ben Mergott, brought forth hilarity and consistent energy. Though there were some moments of lost dialogue, the actors and actresses did a great job improving it as the show went on. Ridley Drama Group's marketing team did an excellent job creating very impressive promotional posters and signs. Blake Eckert, did a fantastic job with being in the show and also being able to do the make-up for the cast, especially for the Wolf, who looked very realistic. The lighting also perfectly fit the scenes and was executed very nicely. Ridley Drama Group proved they definitely had the magic in their noteworthy production of Into The Woods! by Alexis Tuohey of Interboro High School -------------------------------------------------- THE GIANT'S A WOMAN!! Ridley High School's production of Into The Woods was nothing short of enchanting. Into The Woods tells the story of a couple who wishes to have a child. They become so desperate, they make a deal with an evil witch. As long

as they can find these specific items while in the woods they will be able to have a baby. But, while searching for these items they run into some issues. With the help of Cinderella, little red riding hood and a few other iconic characters this story is taken to a completely different level. The audience loved the performances by the Baker and his wife, who was played by James Clark and Colleen Mahoney. Their chemistry throughout the show was prominent and left the audience constantly on the edge of their seats questioning what would happen next. Another character that stood out was played by Lauren Myers, who held the role of Cinderella. She had a handful of funny lines and was overall an extremely enjoyable character to watch. The makeup was done by none other than Blake Eckert who also doubled as Jack's Mother in this show. The makeup was very intricate and was executed phenomenally. Because of the quality in her work it allowed the audience to feel as if they were actually in the magical forest. Freddy Fischer, J. T. Klagholz, Emily Spranker and Jenna Brady did a great job leading the sound for this show. Although there were a few minor technical difficulties, the team was able to bounce back proficiently. If you were able to make it to Ridley's production of Into The Woods dreams really did come true. by Brianna Reid of Interboro High School -------------------------------------------------- You do not want to miss those moments in the woods, because no one is alone in Ridley Drama Group's magical production of Into The Woods!

Into The Woods is a collection of iconic fairy tales weaved together like Cinderella, Rapunzel, and many more! It follows a baker and his wife, who is wishing for a child but finds out that they have a curse on their family. They go on a journey to find certain items but find interesting people on the way. They all come together and fight together in the 2nd Act to save them from the evils that lurked in the woods. The actors started the show with energy and immediately had the audience engaged. The makeup was amazing and really brought the characters to life. The company worked wonderfully together, and their chemistry was really strong. The actors were amazing vocalists and dazzled the audiences with their phenomenal portrayal of the songs. Most notably, Josh Butler who played Jack in the song "Giants in the Sky". Also, the song "Agony" was beautifully done by Ben Mergott and Jake Mergott, the song was a high point of the show. One huge standout as a vocalist was Jake Mergott as the Wolf in "Hello Little Girl", he really amazed the audience with his voice. Also, he did a wonderful job of separating his characters because he played the Cinderella's Prince as well. The posters of the characters in the show were amazing with a woodsy background and really showed the creativity of the marketing and publicity team. The transitions went very smoothly and there was minimal issues with sound, the crew was very successful with working alongside the characters to make the show great.

Overall, the show was wonderful. Ridley Drama Groups did a fantastic job in their portrayal of Into The Woods. by Demi Davis of Interboro High School -------------------------------------------------- There are giants in the sky at Ridley Drama Group's production of Into the Woods. The show is about a baker and his wife trying to reverse a curse on them while running into other classic storybook characters, such as Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. Everything gets happy, but there is not an ending after the Happily Ever After. For the overall production, the actors and actresses were great at projecting and showing their emotions. The Witch had a couple of costume mishaps, like when her hood and hair fell off and when she could not get the mask off in time. She did not let it distract her from performing though, as she ignored the hood and put it back on without being seen. They also had two people playing two characters, which you could not tell at all unless you looked at the program because they differentiated their characters so well. The leads were The Baker, played by James Clark, and Cinderella, played by Lauren Myers. They were both superb with their acting, and their solos sounded nice. Even though the baker stumbled over some words and Cinderella seemed a bit nervous at first, they never skipped a beat and kept on going. Supporting Characters include Little Red Ridinghood, played by Francesca Murgidi, and Cinderella's Prince played by Jake Mergott. They helped support the story line and make the unexpected twists in the plot. They were also marvelous at interacting with the other people that were on stage with them.

There were a few problems with the microphones throughout the show, but nothing too distracting that it ruined the show. Stage crew were on and off quick, barely noticeable. Makeup was fantastic, being that they made the entire wolf face and painted it themselves too. After the last midnight of the show, its unfortunate if you did not get to go see their show! by Katelin McDougald of Interboro High School -------------------------------------------------- 4 words. 3 stories. 2 acts. 1 very enjoyable show. "Once upon a time", Ridley Drama Group's production of Into the Woods was surely not one to be missed! This excellent musical made its debut on Broadway in 1987, and it intricately intertwines the famous Grimm Brothers and classic Charles Perrault fairytales into one magical plot surrounding a baker and his wife who long for nothing more than a child. The couple must complete a certain quest in order to lift a family curse if the baker's wife wishes to bear a child. Along their journey, they come across various characters from the well known stories of "Cinderella", "Jack and the Beanstalk", and "Little Red Riding Hood", to name a few. Into the Woods is a difficult show to perform, especially at a high school level, but Ridley Drama Group took to the challenge admirably, and some very talented individuals were able to bring this show to life. Among these individuals were the Baker (James Clark), and the Baker's Wife (Colleen Mahoney). Their chemistry with each other was extremely impressive and almost tangible, not to mention their wonderful vocal talents. Overall, the pair performed very well together.

Additional bright spots of this production accompanied the performances of Cinderella (Lauren Myers), Jack (Josh Butler), and the Princes (Jake Mergott and Ben Mergott). All of these actors very obviously embodied their characters, had lovely singing voices, and were a pleasure to watch. Their performances certainly did not cause any "Agony" from the audience. As a whole the cast's eninciation struggled in some group numbers; however, even though their words were difficult to understand, their faces and gestures conveyed what they were singing. The orchestra did a wonderful job of accompanying and supporting the vocalists without overpowering them, and both singers and musicians operated as one unit. Microphones were often muffled, but the intricate backdrop and scenery coupled with the very fitting simplistic mood lighting absolutely made up for it. Overall, Ridley Drama Group's production of Into the Woods was quite admirable, and their cast as a whole lived happily ever after. by Lauren Oaster of Interboro High School -------------------------------------------------- "Sometimes people leave you, halfway through the woods..." If anyone left Ridley Drama Group's production of Into the Woods halfway through they missed out on a great show! This Stephen Sondheim musical takes the classic Grimm fairy tales and manipulates them in Act II to be what Sondheim thought happened to the characters after "happily ever after"! The show hit a Broadway stage in 1987 and went on to win multiple Tony Awards, including best score, best book, and best actress in a musical. It was a hit and went on a US tour and had multiple revivals.

Ridley's theater was filled with talent this afternoon at their 3pm production. The lighting and sets really transformed the auditorium into the woods that were enchanting and majestic. Each actor and actress on stage really made themselves known and had strong characterization. Many of the actors had strong voices that carried through the auditorium well and sounded great. Outstanding performances came from James Clark as the Baker, and Colleen Mahoney as the Baker's Wife. These actors worked well together and with others. They had strong chemistry and great voices. They also provided some comedic relief with some of their sarcastic lines and their good timing. Other stand outs were the charming princes played by Jake and Ben Mergott. Their duet "Agony" was one of the bright spots in the show. The cast as a whole was strong when they came together. Although occasionally when the whole cast was on stage some song lyrics were missed, they did a great job of making sure their actions matched the lyrics. The energy of the show was great and the audience really could feel it. Although the lighting is not eligible it still was an important part of the show that really brought the whole thing together. The sound quality of the pit was great, but some of the character's microphones were a little too quiet so they were hard to hear over the pit, but for the most part the microphones were good. Ridley's production of Into the Woods was truly a show to remember! by Molly Evans of Interboro High School -------------------------------------------------- Our lives have a way of weaving into the lives of people we have very little in common with, but somehow, still manage to change us forever. Into

The Woods by Ridley High School explores such a theme in a fantastical, fairy-tale setting, along with raising serious questions about morality and love. First premiering on Broadway in 1987, it was a hit among adults and children alike. It was made into a movie in 2014, starring multiple award-winning actors. It follows the lives of various fairytale characters as their paths converge in the terrifyingly wonderful woods through which they must face their fears and own shortcomings, as well as actual monsters. James Clark played the Baker, a traditional man, who wants a child with his wife. His faults, including a quick anger, are emphasized by Clark, but never take away from his helpful nature and homely naivety. This complex portrayal helps push the character into a foggy confusion, even more so as turmoils threaten his family. Lauren Myers played Cinderella with the zest that seems to be lost in many retellings of the fairy-tale. Using a full vocal range, she took control of every scene's mood, transforming herself into a three-dimensional character beyond her need for a prince. The ensembles, showed dynamic personalities, bursting with energy. There are even cameo appearances by characters that are not part of the story-line, like Hansel and Gretel, and Snow White. The different main fairytales can truly create a magical melee through songs that merge into one another, showing just how connected each character is to another. The use of light and audio was certainly extensive. Light was used to convey the powers of the woods, its ability to be dangerous and inviting. Spotlight was used to separate the narrator from the rest of the characters, adding a layer hilarity when he is brought into the story by the characters. Audio was also key, as it was used to convey distance and eeriness, both in the case of Rapunzel, who lives high up in a tower alone with her witch mother. While there were some microphone issues, they were quickly resolved.

Ridley High School performed the exuberant musical with the right amount of seriousness and fun, one never taking away from the other. It became exceedingly clear, that the cast would come out of the woods with confidence in their portrayals and musical abilities. by Aditi Biswas of Phoenixville Area High School -------------------------------------------------- In a beautiful patchwork of classic fairy tales, new anecdotes, and moral dilemmas, Ridley High School's cohesive production of the ambitious musical Into the Woods shines in its impressive cast and phenomenal storytelling ability. Into the Woods premiered on Broadway in 1987, featuring a large ensemble cast including Bernadette Peters. Its genius composer, Stephen Sondheim, collaborated with book writer and director James Lapine to create an intricate musical depicting what happens after "happily ever after." It saw a 2002 revival on Broadway and a 2014 film starring Meryl Streep. The show follows the stories of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood, while incorporating a new story about a Baker and his Wife. The couples desperately wants a child, but have had no success, and the Witch who lives next door confesses that she placed a curse on the Baker. The two are tasked with finding four magical objects to reverse their curse. As the plot continues, they meet other fairy tale characters, and the story continues beyond their happy ending. Ridley's production was carried by James Clark as the Baker and Colleen Mahoney as his Wife. Clark's crystal-clear voice and his warm chemistry with Mahoney were attention-grabbing. Mikyah Mott's portrayal of the Witch was equally impressive, both in the first act as a menacing and vengeful neighbor and the second half as a glamorous yet powerless

witch. Jack, of Jack and the Beanstalk, was played by the likeable Josh Butler, whose performance of "Giants in the Sky" was impressive. Lauren Myers and Francesca Murgidi as Cinderella and Little Red, respectively, also deserve praise, as their mother-daughter chemistry was extremely moving. Jake Mergott's performances as both the Wolf and Cinderella's Prince were both of the highest quality. As the Wolf, he was equal parts menacing and hysterical, and his duets with Rapunzel's Prince (Ben Mergott), "Agony" and its reprise, were nothing short of comedic genius. The actors were accompanied by a stellar orchestra. Though the lighting was slightly confusing at times, the richly detailed costumes and set more than made up for it. Ridley High School's production of Into the Woods combines musical talent and existential crises in a touching display of one of Sondheim's best shows. Into the Woods reminds us that life is happening at every moment, and every moment of this show is certainly not to be missed. by Carly Goldberg of Phoenixville Area High School -------------------------------------------------- Each book contains a story, each story contains some people, each person, contains a personality, and of this is inside a book. The people create them and then they can be twisted into something new. Ridley Drama Group performed a show that did just that with their performance of Into The Woods. This critically acclaimed musical has a couple who want a child and they can't have one until they lift their curse. They then run into a ton of other grime brother characters to lift that curse.

The cast of Into The Woods was able to capture each characters personality and aside from that they were able to be the most humours version of that they could be. The Cast was determined to take this difficult musical and turn it into a wonderful performance. Cinderella was able to act through all of the different competing voices and take over the stage. The baker was also able to do this and he had a great voice for the part that he was playing. The supporting characters were all very strong in their respective roles. The Narrator/Mysterious Man by PJ Williams, The Witch by Mikyah Mott, The Baker's Wife by Colleen Mahoney, Jack by Josh Butler, and Little Red Ridinghood by Francesca Murgidi. All of these actors had extremely strong voices and were able to aid in carrying the plot and have chemistry with the other characters. Such as both of the Princes, Jake Mergott and Ben Mergott when they sang Agony. The rest of the ensemble consisted of amazing cameos like the opening number for act 2. The stage crew for this musical did a great job moving quickly and quietly between the many different scene changes. The costumes were great and the props were where they needed to be. The sets were easily reusable and great for each of the scenes. There were a few mic cuts but the positives from the crew and the pit over shadowed that. The Ridley Drama Group presented an amazing version of into the woods on Sunday night April 10th 2016. They cast a magical spell over the crowd with a powerful emotional, determined, and humours performance. by Kayleigh Horton of Phoenixville Area High School -------------------------------------------------- Going 'into the woods' with Ridley High School's version of the classic Sondheim musical was an absolute delight for everyone offstage and on!

Meticulously and flawlessly tackling such a difficult production truly outlined Ridley's hard work and rigor that they put into their theatre program. Undoubtedly earning themselves the applause they received after each whimsical number, their dedication and musical talent stood out brightly in a dazzling ensemble performance! Beginning with a remarkable prologue sequence that immersed the crowd into Sondheim's fantastical story of what it would be like if a numerous amount of fairytales intertwined their plots. What ensues is a chaotic and enjoyable quest for a Baker and his wife (Clark and Mahoney) to find the perfect ingredients to have their child and lift a spell off of their family tree, cast by a villainous witch (Mott). Memorable performing characters they meet along the way are the enchanting Cinderella (Myers), Jack (Butler) from Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood (Murgidi). Each of this cast members were undeniably capable of brining these classic storytime characters to life in a hilarious and touching fashion. "No One is Alone" became one of the most harrowing, beautiful numbers in the show that exemplified copious amounts of vocal skill. Along the way, perhaps the biggest stand outs were Cinderella's Prince (Jake Mergott) and Rapunzel's Prince (Ben Mergott) as well. Both were exhilaratingly charming and devilish, making "Agony" a show-stopping number that had people rolling on the floor in laughter; the royal brothers were stunning in every aspect. Perhaps the most shocking part about this production was the difficulty that they faced in doing such a complicated and demanding production that turned out so well. Even if there were a few tiny mistakes, they could hardly be noticed under the sharp guidance of the gifted orchestra and ensemble cast. The stage crew made swift, breezy transitions and did their jobs superbly. Sound was never an issue as all of the actors and actresses could be heard loud and clear, so from a technical standpoint, it was a perfect run! All in all, Ridley's magical take on this Broadway necessity was a majestic rendition that had the enjoyment of the audience living happily ever after! by Cole Walther of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School

-------------------------------------------------- Ever wonder how the story would continue if some of your favorite children's tales didn't stop at their happy endings? Well, Ridley Drama Group put on a production of Into The Woods that answered just that very question. Into The Woods is a Stephen Sondheim classic musical about the stories of many famous fairytales we all know and love, like Cinderella, Jack and The Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood. All these characters interact to form one plot, and the audience gets a reality check on what actually happens after Happily Ever After. The Baker and The Baker's Wife, the two primary driving forces of the plot, were played well by James Clark and Colleen Mahoney. The two had a strong chemistry on stage, and fed off of each other's strong energies on stage to create scenes that only got better and better as they went on. Mahoney had a warm, maternal tone to her voice when she spoke, and Clark had beautiful vocals with a winning smile that the audience couldn't help but to root for. Small, yet mighty, are the words that come to my head when I think of Mikyah Mott in the role of The Witch. Mott had a commanding presence and made lots of daring choices for her character that tended to work well in her favor. Her strongest scene by far was "Last Midnight", where she brought down the house with her powerhouse belt. However, the standout performance of the night was Jake Mergott as Cinderella's Prince and The Wolf. Mergott had a voice that was borderline professional, and had the audience captivated in numbers like "Agony" and "Any Moment."

Blake Eckert proved to be a necessity both on and off stage for the production with her stellar skills as Jack's Mother equally matched by her amazing makeup work on the more eccentric characters, the most memorable being the prosthetics for The Wolf. The ensemble had beautiful harmonies and high energy. Although a small ensemble, they were still heard clearly, which was impressive. The marketing team did a great job of promoting the show with posters that looked just like the official posters from the movie, highlighting the leads and only adding to the professionalism of the production. Overall, I enjoyed Ridley Drama Group's production of Into The Woods, and my favorite moment of the weekend was my "Moment In The Woods." by Lauren Quigley of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School -------------------------------------------------- Every fairy tale or fable of beautiful princesses, wicked witches, and dubious heroes are often admired for their effervescence, magic and wonder. Yet these classic stories are always layered with deeper themes and wise life lessons. This point was definitely described in Ridley High School's silly yet insightful production of "Into the Woods" of what began as a lively irreverent fantasy to a moving lesson about being careful what you wish for. Into the Woods intertwines several beloved fairy tales such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack in the Beanstalk into one willful story. The main plotline mostly revolves around a Baker and his Wife and their journey to conceive a child and undo a long-standing curse set upon them by a nefarious witch.

In the role of Baker's Wife, Colleen Mahoney, whose strong, clear vocals and her cherished moments with the Baker, played by James Clark, provided a splendid framework for the musical. Jake Mergott and Ben Mergott impeccably inhabited the roles of the two playboy princes in the most energetic number, "Agony." Jake Mergott also as the Wolf and Francesca Murgidi (Little Red) also deserve a round of applause for their hilarious chemistry together, particularly in the sinister number, "Hello Little Girl." The supporting cast filled the auditorium with great energy, but especially in fast-paced numbers, could have used more diction to help better convey the story. Notable technical aspects brought the show to life- from complex makeup, surprisingly done by students, to a gorgeous set, complete with tangled vines, a perfect forest backdrop, and an isolated tower. An amazing student orchestra only added another dimension and further brought this intricate score to life. Although there was no happily ever after, the Ridley Drama Group left the audience in awe of the magic and left with the underlying theme of being careful of what you wish for. Bravo! by Namita Rao of Plymouth Whitemarsh High School -------------------------------------------------- In Ridley's new production, the students take the audience into the woods with excitement and mystery! Into the Woods was written by Stephen Sondheim and first put on Broadway in 1987. The musical tells the story of Little Red Ridinghood, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Jack and the Beanstalk, while being brought together by the story of the Baker and his wife. Each of these stories end dramatically different from their traditional endings.

Notable characters include the Baker and the Baker's wife, played by James Clark and Colleen Mahoney. The chemistry between the two was so distinct that hearts were broken when the Baker's wife kissed Cinderella's Prince and perished. Little Red Ridinghood, who was played by Francesca Murgidi, brought a wonderfully hilarious take on the character. Murgidi gave the character spunk. The Witch, played by Mikyah Mott, delivered a fresh performance and entertained the audience throughout the show. Arguably one of the best numbers in the show was Mott's "Last Midnight." Other characters that particularly shined include the Princes, who were played by Jake and Ben Mergott. The brothers did an outstanding job in portraying princes and their performance of "Agony" was incredible. Jack, Cinderella and Rapunzel, (Josh Butler, Lauren Myers, and Sarah Messina) all were amazing actors and actresses. Their voices were also quite remarkable. Lighting and sound was among the best in the realm of high school theater. But still, some characters were hard to understand at times. The costumes looked great, but the really unbelievable part was the make up. A student, Blake Eckart, who also played Jack's Mother, did all of the make up. The work was probably some of the best theatrical make-up to be found in high school theater and it is delightful to know a student did it. Despite being off-stage for the most part, the ensemble was very good. Into The Woods is a very particular show when it comes to a small cast. But even with that being true, Ridley High School did a fine job of pulling it off! by Alan Oruska of Springfield High School -------------------------------------------------- Ridley High School presented a stellar performance of "Into the Woods". Filled with daring quests in and throughout the woods!

The Sondheim classic "Into the Woods" is about all of our favorite fairytale characters crossing paths in the mysterious woods! The woods being a microcosm for the outside world making us, persuading us to do terrible things. The show was lead by extremely talented main characters, the Baker, his Wife and the Evil Witch. James Clark playing the Baker put on an exceptional show. His vocals were great and his character was even better. Along with the Baker comes his Wife. The Baker's Wife played by Colleen Mahoney again put on an exceptional performance. She had great comedic timing, facial expressions and made amazing leading lady. The Baker and his Wife also had a great connection! The Witch played by Mikyah Mott had incredible character, from beginning to end she had the sinister, creepy persona. Also, "The Last Midnight" was so powerful and really honed in on her singing and acting skills. Some other outstanding performances were Cinderella, Jack, Little Red, Rapunzel and The Princes. Cinderella (Lauren Myers) had the greatest innocence and quirkiest character for Cinderella and a wonderful voice. Jack (Josh Butler) had a stunning voice and really fun childish character. Little Red (Francesca Murgidi) had an amazing "in your face" moments, made me laugh at times and had the perfect character for the part. Rapunzel (Sarah Messina) had one of the best soprano voices, she had incredible vocal strength and her character matched. The Princes (Jake Mergott and Ben Mergott) had insanely amazing baritone voices along with seamless chemistry. Some extraordinary featured were Jack's Mother portrayed by Blake Eckert had amazing dramatic, mother character. Another is the Wolf played by Jake Mergott, he had a really creepy personality which fitted nicely with the character. The whole cast overall has great energy and did a fabulous job. Tech was basically flawless, there were a few issues with sound but, not too bad. I was extremely happy with the wolf's sound in particular because, he had clear sound even with all that makeup! The make-up by

Blake Eckert was incredible and that almost everyone was done by her is very impressive. The set and costumes were amazing as well! Great Job! by Matt Storti of Springfield High School -------------------------------------------------- What if every fairy tale didn't tell you the whole story? Maybe Cinderella ran from her prince, Maybe Red Riding Hood wasn't so naive, Maybe Jack when up the beanstalk to buy back an old friend. In Ridley High School's production of Into the Woods students brought the intricate story of these fairy tale characters to life and kept the audience enthralled throughout the whole show. This well-known Stephen Sondheim musical brings the brothers grimm fairy tales to the stage. The show opened on broadway in 1987 and has had many revivals since. The story tells of a baker and his wife travelling through the woods to break a spell so that they may have a baby. They have their child and everyone lives happily ever after until a giant enters the land. A cast of a few students did a great job at executing this extremely demanding show. The costumes and set were beautiful and make-up, done by Blake Eckart, was extraordinary. Blocking was flawless and all the actors were sure of there characters and their actions throughout the show. Diction at some points in the show was lacking, but with Sondheim's difficult melodies and rhythms that the cast overcame they did a great job making most every word understandable.The cast worked hard to keep the audience attentive throughout the long show by hitting each and every joke in the script with perfect timing. The cast had great chemistry that truly brought the show together. Many actors stood out among the rest in this production. All of the male vocal talent was spot on. James Clark perfectly captured the Baker's character from his sweetness to his insecurity about being a father. Also, the prince duo (Ben Mergott and Jake Mergott) were hilarious in their song "Agony." Female vocals could have been stronger but any issues in

singing were made up for in the abundant acting talent. However, Mikayah Mott and Francesca Murgidi stood out in their solo songs. Ridley High School's tech crew did a spectacular job with seamless set changes. With the many fly in set pieces and moving platforms the whole crew must have been dedicated and focused. Sound did a praiseworthy job with making everyone heard with the many body microphones that were on stage. Ridley High School's cast and crew did a magnificent job in their production of Into the Woods. by Michaela Henry of Springfield High School -------------------------------------------------- Peering "Into the Woods" at Ridley High School was an absolute delight! The story of Into the Woods takes classic fairytales and puts a wicked twist onto them, including Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the beanstalk and many more. Ridley took this story to a whole new level, making the show so special. Francesca Murgidi embodied the innocent Little Red Riding Hood and explain the things she knows now with a stunning voice and great acting choice. Mikyah Mott, the Witch, took this evil character and pushed it to be wickedly amazing with some crazy vocal chops. Josh Butler did a great job with the genuinely kind character of Jack and had a fabulous voice to

boot. The duo of the Baker and his wife (James Clark and Colleen Mahoney) had great chemistry and performed their roles very well acting and singing wise. Rapunzel, played by Sarah Messina had an absolute stunning voice, hitting the soaring soprano notes with ease! Looking at the more technical side of Ridley's production, this was the first year that Ridley's sound was student run, but you would have never guessed. The sound sounded almost professional and every character could be heard during every one of their solos. The marketing team did a fantastic job with their posters made for the production, giving a "movie" feel to the high school musical. Blake Eckert did an astounding work with the makeup for the characters, working with prosthetics and all different types of makeup. Also props to the stage crew for having super tight and quick scene changes throughout the show! Into the Woods was a show that pleased many audiences and truly took the show and molded it into something special and astounding, Ridley should be proud of the spectacular production they created! by Stacy DiCandilo of Springfield High School -------------------------------------------------- Into The Woods at Ridley High school brought to life the stories of many old fairy tales and jumbled them all together on stage. Characters such as Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and more all came together and their stories were told as they intertwined. The group all goes "into the woods" in search of something they wish to acquire. As the first act ends, everyone gets their wish but as the second act continues, everything goes haywire and only few are left to survive and must go on. Many of the performances onstage were entertaining to watch. James Clark (the Baker) was pleasure to watch. With an exceptional voice, he helped carry the show and gave a little something extra to the character. Cinderella played by Lauren Myers had a beautiful voice. She had a grace

to her and embodied the role of Cinderella; from her acting to singing she showed her talents. The two princes (Jake Mergott and Ben Mergott) had a great chemistry between them and are real-life brothers, causing their song Agony to bring the comic relief of the show. Everyone in the cast seemed to connect fairly well. The ensemble numbers were well executed and the vocals were spot on. Each cast member put their all into their character and it clearly showed. Some songs stood out more than others. For example, the song No One is Alone sung by Jack, Baker, Cinderella, Little Red Riding hood (Josh Butler, James Clark, Lauren Myers, Francesca Murgidi) was a song that stood out for the vocals and acting moments shown throughout it. The Act 2 Finale which featured the whole cast was another song that captivated the audience and really wrapped up the whole show. As a whole, the production was well thought out with great vocals and good acting skills. The cast worked well together and gave their all to put on a good show. by Zoe Hunchak of Springfield High School -------------------------------------------------- Ridley Drama Group's production of into the woods was very ambitious and was performed very admirably. Into the woods is a story about the most famous story book characters and how they got to be who they are but there's a twist what if it isn't happily ever after what if things went wrong well that's what this aims to tell. Cinderella played by lauren myers had a very nice voice and did a good job with her role .

James Clarke played the baker and while his voice was more on the meek side he still did a really good job at portraying the baker. Jack's mom was played by Blake Eckert, she did a truly fantastic job at bringing to life an old mother who works hard every day just to live and make ends meet. Jack played by Josh Butler had excellent vocals and managed to make his lines and the story flow very nice throughout the entirety of the show . The set design for the show was absolutely beautiful and all the the set pieces came together really well to create the illusion of a forest all of the houses were created very well from the lively bakery to jack's old crumbling. The lighting was also very nice and added a mysterious tone to the show. The makeup for everyone was done by Blake Eckert and all of it was absolutely stunning especially the witch and the wolf, you could really tell that she took her time and payed close attention to detail and it paid off. Overall I would say that Into The Woods is a very hard show to preform and Ridley Drama Group did nice job at preforming it by Connor Gillies of Sun Valley High School -------------------------------------------------- Ridley Drama Group brought life to her take on the whimsical, musical production of Steven Sondheim's "Into The Woods". "Into The Woods" includes various tales in a musical format, intertwining with one another to create one large story. The musical includes Little Red Ridinghood, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and more. It all focuses around a baker and his wife and her desire to start a family. The

trouble they must go through and the people they meet along the way generate a wonderful, yet tragic story. Standout roles include Cinderella, played by Lauren Myers, and The Witch, played by Mikyah Motts. As the show began, I felt as if Myers was too timid. I wasn't convinced until the show progressed and she grew into her character. In the second act, I noticed a change in her singing voice. It was stronger than before. Motts also did a wonderful job at portraying The Witch. She glided across the stage, carrying herself in a strong, sassy manner. "Agony" was a great contribution to the production, proving to be a showstopper. Both Jake and Ben Mergott sang their hearts out with a longing desire for the girl of their dreams. Not only did the actors do a great job, but the behind the scenes aspects of the show really helped create a wonderful product. The makeup done by Blake Eckert was one of my favorite things to focus on when I was watching the show. She created these incredible masks for The Wolf and The Witch, looking almost real. The marketing/publicity team also did an awesome job with the posters of each character that they created. Overall, Ridley Drama Group gave an enchanting performance of "Into The Woods", with enough energy and effort. by Eric Kennedy of Sun Valley High School -------------------------------------------------- It was a deep. It was dark. It was fearful. It was... Into the woods at Ridley High School! Full of exciting moments, unforgettable performances, and a whole lot of complicated harmonies, Ridley Drama Group brings the Stephen Sondheim masterpiece to life!

The Sondheim/Lapine piece has been hailed as one of the most influential musicals in the modern era, metaphorically sending dozens of messages set to a masterful score. The show set sail in 1987, with its Broadway debut, where the musical won several Tony awards. It was then revived in 2002 and also enjoyed a 2010 london revival. More importantly, however, is it has been a beloved piece of literature for over 25 years. Because the show is a true ensemble piece, it is difficult to distinguish one performance more recognizable than another but a few standouts in my mind were Jake Mergott and James Clark, who both showed off their melodic voices, especially in their respective renditions of "Agony" and "No More." Lauren Myers also delivered beautiful vocals and took control of the audience with her kindness as the ever so familiar Cinderella. Blake Eckert was a true standout as well, taking over the character of Jack's Mother, asserting her dominance over the stage and wowing each and every audience member with her powerful vocals. Ridley Drama Group crew also deserves a pat on the back, as they maneuvered tough changes and were up for the sound category for the first time! Bravo to all lighting/sound technicians as they did a marvelous job setting the mood throughout. More recognition should be given to the pit orchestra; although it was not student organized, playing a Sondheim score is no easy feat, and they tackled the challenge with pure professionalism. Come on down to Ridley High School and learn that no one is ever alone and that contrary to popular belief, the slotted spoon CAN catch the potato.

by Gianni Palmarini of Sun Valley High School -------------------------------------------------- Ridley High School Drama Group wants you to join them on an epic adventure into the dark woods; where wolves, witches, and other mysterious creatures await you. With this school's production of the musical Into the Woods, they take you on the wild journey of many different characters as they make their way into the unknown forest. The origin of Into the Woods goes way back to a musical by Steven Sondheim and book by James Lapine. The musical had a Broadway appearance in 1987, and won various Tony awards for Best Score, Best Book, and Best Actress in a Musical. Since then, the musical has been made into a movie in 2014 and become a classic. At Ridley High School, they took this show and made it their own. Each performer got involved in the show and became their character. A great example of this was the portrayals of the Baker and the Baker's Wife, played by James Clark and Colleen Mahoney. Their chemistry on stage was strong and didn't falter once. This was especially shown in "It Takes Two", in which they sang and danced with each other. Another strong actor was the Witch, played by Mikyah Mott. Mikyah really helped pull together the storyline of the show and convey the message that "children will always listen" The vocal skill shown by Ridley was also extremely impressive. One of the more noteworthy vocalists was Jake Mergott, who played Cinderella's prince. His skills were shown particularly in "Agony", which also showed a bit of a comedic aspect to the show. Strong female singers included Cinderella, played by Lauren Myers and Rapunzel, played by Sarah Messina. Both females definitely improved over the show in their vocals and became solid by the end. Lots happened behind the scenes to make sure what was happening on stage went smoothly. The stage management proved effective by Richie

Moore and Tom Reilly helping make the set changes as great as they were. Another important part of the show was the makeup design and creation by Blake Eckert. Making the witch's face mask and the wolf's snout, she really did a great job at bringing the spookiness to life! Although the sound and microphones sometimes weren't balanced well, the cast did a good job of projecting and it didn't take away from the show much at all! Into the Woods is a long and difficult show to take on, but Ridley Drama Group really pulled through! Congratulations to the cast and crew on a great performance! by Hayley Moore of Sun Valley High School -------------------------------------------------- Ridley High School's production of Into The Woods was an exciting and lively version of a show about mixing and matching fairy tales, and always kept the audience wondering what classic fairy tale character they would find next on their journey into the woods! Into The Woods is a famous musical that debuted in 1986 and premiered on Broadway in 1987. The musical takes different famous fairy tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Cinderella and mixes them together in a way that is both very similar to their original stories, but also very different. All the characters eventually meet in the woods, where they are all trying to accomplish different quests. Ridley's take on this mash of fairy tales was very interesting and exciting. The actors exemplified these classic characters that we know and love in a very accurate way. The music was spot on for the most part. Even though many of the songs were pretty tough, the cast performed them very nicely. The energy of the cast was spectacular, and greatly added to the enjoyment of the show.

The leads of the show, such as the witch, the baker and his wife, Cinderella, and Jack all portrayed their characters excellently. They had the audience being sucked into the show, feeling worried, happy, and scared for all the characters fates throughout the musical. They portrayed the famous characters very well, stayed true to their personalities. The smaller characters, like the princes, Jack's mother, and Rapunzel, all kept the show exciting and enjoyable with a new character always showing up and playing a part in the plot. Although the ensemble of the show wasn't featured that much, some of the best moments were when all the fairy tale characters were on stage, and the audience was trying to figure out who they all were. While this was the first year Ridley had students running the sound, it was pretty good throughout the whole performance, with no huge errors or issues. The sets for the show also greatly boosted the things the characters were able to do for many scenes, and made for many comedic moments since they were so versatile. The costumes and makeup especially made the characters come to life, such as the wolf's face and Cinderella's ballgown. Ridley High School definitely did not get lost in the woods with this musical. They put on a performance with very skilled actors who were really about to experience the characters they played. This was not an easy production, but Ridley tackled this challenging show with great success. by Justin Balchiunas of Sun Valley High School -------------------------------------------------- A cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold can only mean one thing: Ridley High School's recent production of "Into the Woods" was a compelling adventure!

Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods" debuted on the Broadway Stage in 1989. It follows The Baker and The Baker's wife, a married couple that was cast under a spell by The Witch. In order to have a baby, they must gather unusual items from Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Cinderella. Magical, mysterious, and moving, this fairytale medley puts an exciting twist on traditional stories. The overall production of "Into the Woods" was outstanding. Although the show runs three hours long, the energy never fell flat. Not to mention, each actor did a phenomenal job developing his or her character. The dedication among the leads was clear to see. James Clark and Colleen Mahoney displayed outstanding chemistry as The Bakers. Their endearing relationship as well as their determination to conquer the quest had the audience rooting for them the entire show. Lauren Myers portrayed Cinderella perfectly. Her lovely soprano resonated throughout the auditorium during "On the Steps of the Palace". Josh Butler as Jack and Francesca Mugidi as Little Red both gave unforgettable performances as well. The supporting cast provided strong foundation as they complimented their leads. Jake Mergott as Cinderella's Prince displayed outstanding comedic timing as well as impeccable vocals. His chemistry with Rapunzel's Prince, portrayed by Ben Mergott, was exciting to watch, especially during "Agony". The overall technicality of "Into the Woods" was successful. Every incorporated detail added to the show's dark, mystical atmosphere. Both the sound and the lighting were impeccable, and Blake Eckert's makeup and mask designs were a noteworthy addition. Ridley High School's "Into the Woods" performance ended happily ever after. Congratulations to the cast and crew on a job well done!

by Sydney Lamoureux of Sun Valley High School -------------------------------------------------- Do all fairy tales end happily? The Ridley Drama Group explores this question in their production of Into the Woods. With a talented and organized production, Into the Woods came to life on Ridley's stage. Written by Stephen Sondheim in 1986, Into the Woods premiered in a pre-Broadway production in San Diego. Having a successful 50 performances in San Diego, the show moved to Broadway, along with the majority of the original cast. The show closed after doing 765 original performances on Broadway, but would appear once again in a Broadway revival, 3 West End revivals, and the 2014 film adaptation. Following the main characters of "Little Red Riding Hood", "Jack and the Beanstalk", "Rapunzel", and "Cinderella", this is not your typical fairy tale. The first act is based off these typical stories occurring in the same world, while the second act is what happens when these characters are not in the story, and how they interact with each other. While much of the show consisted of group numbers, there were a few individuals that really made the show come to life. These included PJ Williams as the Narrator, Mikyah Mott as The Witch, James Clark as The Baker, Colleen Mahoney as The Baker's Wife, Lauren Myers as Cinderella, Josh Butler as Jack, and Francesca Murgidi as Little Red Ridinghood. With the combined efforts of these actors, the show moved at a good pace and the audience was able to form connections to the characters.

Another impressive aspect of the show was the tech. Sound Technicians Ben Iacona and Freddy Fischer had a massive job with the sheer number of actors and entrances in the script. However, through all this, they were nearly perfect in getting the appropriate mics on at the right times. Into the Woods is a fun-loving and adventurous show meant for family fun, and Ridley High School's Production has succeeded in making it fun for all ages. by Matthew Mahoney of The Haverford School -------------------------------------------------- This weekend Ridley High School wowed a packed house with their performance of Into the Woods. The cast tackled the difficult musical with ease, showcasing the immense talents of the leading actors as well as the consistent energy from the ensemble. Into the Woods was written by Steven Sondheim and James Lapine and debuted on Broadway in 1987. The musical combines the plots of several Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales and explores the consequences of the characters' wishes and quests. The storylines are tied together by a story about a childless baker who must go on a quest with his wife to lift a spell put on their house by the witch who lives next door. Jake Mergott brought the house down with his hilarious performance as both the Wolf and Cinderella's Prince. His physical acting complimented both roles well and he truly commanded the stage as a prince would. He teamed up with Ben Mergott (Rapunzel's Prince) for a masterful rendition of "Agony." The performance was equal parts beautiful and hilarious, with both actors showing off their capable singing.

Simply put, James Clark was phenomenal as The Baker. He portrayed the unassuming baker incredibly well. The growth and transformation of his character was brought to life by his acting and ability to capture the nuance of his lines. His vocal talent was also off the charts. Clark's singing was strong throughout the entire show, but it was not until Act 2 that he was able to show the audience what he could really do. He really shined in "No One is Alone." PJ Williams as the Mysterious Man was an immediate audience favorite. His physical acting made a small part truly shine. While Williams was also the Narrator, he will truly be remembered for his portrayal of the seemingly-crazy bearded hermit. Ridley High School's production of Into the Woods had the audience on the edge of their seats until the final curtain. by Ryan Conway of The Haverford School -------------------------------------------------- New retellings of old stories has always been popular. "Into the Woods," performed at Ridley High School, did just this, connecting multiple fairy tales like Rapunzel and Cinderella, but with unexpected intertwining. The show follows several fairytale characters as they wander the woods, each with different goals. A baker and his wife need to find ingredients for a spell to allow them to have a child. Red Riding Hood needs to deliver food to her granny, and Cinderella is running away from a prince. Their stories become tangled as each character wanders through the woods. Originally opening in 1987 on Broadway, "Into the Woods" won several Tony awards and ran for over 700 performances.

Ridley High School's production was solid overall. The characters engaged one another and worked well as a unit. The fast lyrics proved to be no difficulty, as the actors juggled the focus back and forth between them. The show featured many well-developed characters. The Baker (James Clark) and The Baker's Wife (Colleen Mahoney) both provided excellent vocal performances, as well as fully expressing the range of emotions that both of these characters experience throughout the show. Jake Mergott played both the parts of Cinderella's Prince and the Wolf, with equal mastery. As the Wolf, he was powerful and frightening. Both he and Rapunzel's Prince (Ben Mergott) played vocally impressive and charismatic princes. The supporting ensemble also contained developed and energetic characters. Other fairy tales leaked through, like Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. These characters each had their own moments, as if their own stories were peeking through into the story told onstage. Each ensemble number was bright and lively. The technical aspects of the show were consistent and solid. Set changes occurred quickly and quietly. The sound allowed the actors to be understood, even during complex group numbers with many parts. An impressive and detailed prosthetic and makeup job completed the Wolf's terrifying appearance. "Into the Woods" is a complex and fast-paced musical, but Ridley High School took the challenge well. A solid cast, featuring a few excellent voice talents, maintained their energy throughout. The cast took the audience on journey they will not soon forget. by Alexander Lowry of Upper Darby High School -------------------------------------------------- The Cappies Automated E-mail System

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