BWW Reviews: Emery's INTO THE WOODS is Absolutely Bewitching

Houston's Emery High School presents a charming and sincere production of a true Sondheim classic. INTO THE WOODS, written in 1987 was penned soon after composer/lyricist, Stephen Sondheim and librettist, James Lapine celebrated their previous collaborative success, SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE. A favorite of school and community theatres nation-wide, INTO THE WOODS is thought of by many as Sondheim's most accessible and oft-produced show.

INTO THE WOODS is an intertwining story of characters originally from classic fairy tales illustrating the themes of parents and adolescence as well as wishing and what happens after the happily ever after. Jack, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, along with the childless Baker and his Wife (characters created by Lapine) journey into the literal woods to perform their own respective tasks.

I consider myself a pretty solid INTO THE WOODS aficionado. I've watched the video of the original Broadway production countless times, I know all the lyrics, and of course, saw the recent star-packed movie. I've also seen numerous school productions either online or in person, which I've enjoyed to varying degrees. That being said, I've never seen a non-professional production that has invested me in the lives of these characters so deftly as the recent offering at Emery High School.

Bram Lowenstein stars as the pivotal Baker, giving an extremely heartfelt performance, switching beautifully between moments of gentility and fear, to those of strength and resolve. With a singing voice to match, sounding like a young Chip Zien (the original Baker), Lowenstein also serves as a very worthy harmony partner. Dramatically, Lowenstein lays out a very believable and endearing character as he learns that he might just need a little help getting the baby he so desperately wants.

Playing alongside Lowenstein is Rachel Goodman, as the Baker's Wife. I usually assess all the Baker's Wives that I've seen the same way - Am I upset when she dies? Here, the answer is a hearty yes. I was upset. Not only because I instantaneously loved the character Goodman created, but also because I knew that meant less of Goodman on stage (until the end, that is). The Baker's Wife is very much a conflicted character. On one hand she just wants to have a baby and love her family, while on the other side she's not so content with the idea of having of a settled family and looks for more. Goodman masterfully takes the audience back and forth between the two, all the while injecting perfectly timed bits of humor.

Liam Faigen plays Jack, of beanstalk fame. Faigen gives the audience a very endearing Jack whom you can't help but love. As he sings "Giants in the Sky," you get swept up into the adventure of what's up the giant plant and are intrigued to learn more. Faigen's Jack wears his heart on his sleeve and skillfully conveys a broad range of honest emotions.

Lauren Weinberger delights as Cinderella. To be honest, I never really cared for the Cinderella character, but Weinberger's take on the young maiden got me rethinking. In terms of voice alone, Lauren is one of most melodic and enchanting princesses I've seen. She makes singing to birds and her numerous quick costume changes look effortless, all the while maintaining her bubbly and resilient personality. During her songs, I'm pretty sure I forgot to breath a few times.

Carly Tiras also made a convert out of me as Little Red Riding Hood, a role I've previously found annoying. I don't think possibly could be a more loveable Little Red than the one in Emery's production. Tiras demonstrates incredible stamina and a very pleasant voice as she sings and skips around the stage simultaneously. She also does exceptionally well with the funny aspects of her character.

Perhaps the strongest cast member is Amanda Atzil, as the Witch. Those who know the show know how extremely difficult this character is to play with her constantly contrasting emotions and fast-paced and powerful songs. Amanda steps into this role and goes miles with it. At times I couldn't tell whether to be scared or to laugh because her character work is so all encompassing. She sings a "Last Midnight" that's like a punch in the gut while later offering a "Children Will Listen" that could sooth you to sleep. Her willingness to give this role her all is the very foundation of the production.

Cinderella's Prince and Rapunzel's Prince as played by Avery Tiras and Ryan Bronston, respectively, are both sung and performed stalwartly. While the two princes are very different, the actors are equally talented. Bronston also plays the Wolf, giving us a completely separate character to enjoy.

The remainder of the cast is equally strong and gels together solidly, for the most part. Supporting roles that sometimes tend to fall through the cracks in favor of the more pronounced characters were fully realized, which made the overall show that much more enriched, whether it be by adding laughs or by acting as springboards off of which their fellow performers can play.

Visually and aurally, the show is just as marvelous. David Berthold's set has a very beautiful storybook-like quality that immediately draws us into the show, while Adam Stout's musical direction is fluid, confident, and a pleasure to listen to. Finally, Jen Bauer-Conley wears numerous hats as director and choreographer as well as costume, wig and make-up designer. All of her designing is well thought out and blends in seamlessly with the world that Berthold creates. While INTO THE WOODS is not dance-heavy, the few musical staging is graceful and lovely. Bauer-Conley's success as a director shines radiantly through the surety and stage presence of the cast and production crew.

While the last performance is February 9th at 7:30, their next show of the year is SEUSSICAL (April 23, 26 and 27), which if this show is any indication, will be just as enjoyable.

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