As the premiere of a new performance season dawns on the Tower Theater, the cast and crew have been working in tandem with the Alluvion Stage Company to bring audiences “Into the Woods,” which follows the whimsical journeys of classic fairytale characters as they work to achieve their personal desires.
Written by James Lapine, the 1986 musical premiered on Broadway a year later, garnering three awards at the 1988 Tonys. This narrative draws from the classic Grimms’ fairytales including: “Cinderella,” “Rapunzel,” “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Jack and the Beanstalk.”
Since 2013, director Scott Hayes’ background in theater has allowed him to direct various Liberty productions, in tandem with being the dean of the School of Communication & the Arts.
Hayes said Alluvion’s “Into the Woods” provides an opportunity for students to work with professional actors, teaching them the first-hand responsibilities of preparation and effective acting choices.
“The goal of a director is sort of the same role as a teacher,” Hayes said. “Where at the end of it, you are not necessary … you’re actually directing their good choices and they’re not waiting for you to make choices. … When you watch that lightbulb go off and watch the students take care of themselves, that’s really exciting.”
Although “Into the Woods” is a blend of secular tales, Hayes believes that the conclusion of the narrative goes beyond the plot of the show. He explained that the production leaves audiences with the impression that there’s something more than what the characters originally strive for.
Senior Kylie Kennard, who plays the role of Lucinda, also agrees that the underlying spiritual truths are profound.
“It’s all this big analogy with ‘Into the Woods’ because the woods make things unclear and difficult,” Kennard said. “So, I think it’s a great parallel for what we face in life when we find ourselves in our own woods with all of these temptations that cause us to stumble but then getting out of that to follow the Lord.”
The roots of these fairy tales date back centuries, often founded in ominous origins reflective of the time period. Although this production has darker moments true to the original stories, the vivid production design sets the stage for a narrative that is not without its humor and heartwarming moments. Throughout the adventure, one of the themes is the importance of leaning on others to resolve conflict.
“In these shows here at Liberty we always try to find God in them,” said senior Jesse Wilkerson, who plays Rapunzel’s prince. “Even in the midst of the crazy stuff that’s going on in the show … there’s always that glimmer of light at the end of the tunnel.”
In addition to the in-house student cast, the production also introduces four alumni and five new faces to Lynchburg from all over the country. Throughout the rehearsal process, the Liberty cast members who have been learning the guest roles as understudies will work to prepare the guests for opening night. From choreography to marking on stage, this quick turnaround gives the Liberty ensemble an opportunity to step into a leadership role with their peers in the industry.
“I do think that’s honestly something really cool and fun about the process when it is shorter — to see how hard everyone works and how things come together,” Kennard said.
Although this process can be quite challenging, it impresses upon the actors the importance of time management, memorization and clear communication with castmates.
“When I do a show, I try to make other people feel moved not just by the story but by the Holy Spirit and all the actors,” Wilkerson said. “I hope that they can see God in the show through us.”
Hagen is the feature editor for the Liberty Champion.