Review: INTO THE WOODS at Candlelight Dinner Playhouse

Sondheim. A name which can instill both fear and awe in the mind of any actor. Of the three shows with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, Into the Woods has always been the most popular with theatres across the country, and also the most problematic. Many people would say the problem with the show is that it has a punchy first half, followed by a preachy second. This is a problem with Candlelight Dinner Playhouse's current production of Into the Woods, running now through July 10th.

A narrator (David L. Wygant) begins the show as any good fairytale would start, with "Once upon a time." He guides us through the story of The Baker and His Wife, (Matt Lafontaine and Tracy Warren) who want to have a child. Unfortunately, a Witch, (Debby Boone,) who lives next door has placed a curse of infertility on their family. She offers to lift the curse if they bring her four items: a white cow, a red cape, hair as yellow as corn, and a golden slipper. They set off "into the woods" in search of the items and encounter: Cinderella (Rachel Turner), Jack (Kalond Irlanda), and Little Red Riding Hood (Sarah Grover.)

This production was advertised as Into the Woods with Debby Boone. Debby Boone shot to instant fame in 1977, with the hit song "You Light Up My Life." A lovely woman who stayed long after the show was over to make sure everyone who wanted a picture and an autograph got one. June 5th was her last performance, but that doesn't mean the show is over. Northern Colorado staple Beth Beyer will be stepping into the role of the Witch for the rest of the run.

Ms. Boone may have been billed as the star of this show; however, the leaders were Matt Lafontaine and Tracy Warren. In a show where you can easily fall into the trap of playing over the top caricatures of these stock characters, Lafontaine brought a wonderful sense of realism to his character with one of the most poignant moments being "No More" a duet well into Act II, sung with the mysterious man, the unwavering David L. Wygant. Together Lafontaine and Warren balanced each other out brilliantly and they both had fantastic comedic timing. Also not to be left behind was Kalond Irlanda as the spirited Jack, whose Act I number "Giants in the Sky" was smile inducing and vocally impressive. Also both Alisha Winter-Hayes as the Stepmother and Eric Heine as the Steward made a notable use of the little time they had onstage and really left a lasting positive impression.

Also worth mentioning is Michael R. Duran's brilliant scenic design. As soon as the curtains opened, you were transported to a far off fairytale village and forest. However, the fun part was even before the curtains opened and you could hear the sounds of the forest, i.e. birds chirping. Mark Derryberry's sound design really helped the audience transport into this other world.

To be honest, as a show it's too long, the gorgeous melodies are too oft-repeated, and it's kind of a downer. But that is not Candlelight's problem...it is probably something that ought to be taken up with Mr. Sondheim. But as I said earlier just the mention of his name instills fear in many, including myself. But you should decide your thoughts on the show. Into the Woods runs now through July 10th. Tickets are available at www.coloradocandlelight.com or by calling 970-744-3747.

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