This is quite an ambitious project for a new company.  Let's take on a musical with difficult melodies, large cast, a difficult set, not to mention just that fact that is a musical, oh and while we are at it let's have almost half the cast be between 16 and 18 years of age. Ambitious to say the least, and a good jumping-off point for what they have planned in the future.

First and foremost, the music isn't the easiest in the world - as is the case with much of Stephen Sondheim's works.  He gives us notes that appear from nowhere and melodies that run in all directions just like the characters.  Second, the words often get in the way of the story as Sondheim creates difficult passages that would on occasion put Gilbert and Sullivan to shame. Third, this is not an easily designable show for many community settings. Well let me say this: For their inaugural production, I feel Free Reign Theatre manages two of these three quite well and the last... well, it wasn't too shabby.

Musically, this cast - consisting heavily of high school students - carries their own weight as this show unwinds. The meanings were sometimes lost on the younger cast members mainly because this show describes how children learn from what adults say and do. Well, when you are 16 or 17 you can't really say you've learned a lot of life experiences, but the younger cast members still hold up admirably. 

Of these younger cast members, the following stick out in my mind. I'm going to try to mention much of this cast since there were

many fine performances that should not be ignored in a new company.

Little Red Riding Hood was played by MEAGHAN KINNEY, a recent high school graduate, and though she may not be the strongest vocally of this impressively young cast, she definitely has an understanding of comedy and comic timing. PAXTON O'TOOLE (outside of the fact that his name itself is cool) does well as the Wolf vocally - not just musically but in spoken text as well. Physically however, he appears a little stiff as the 'charming' Prince Charming. ZACHARY BRUNBERG as Rapunzel's Prince has a strong voice for a male of only 17 or 18 years of age.

As for the adults in the cast, these are the stand-outs. Jack's Mother played by JACKIE BRUNBERG is just plain funny and has a look of befuddlement that was natural and charming.  What a great role it is and it was well performed.  EMILY DARBY was genuine and amusing as the Baker's Wife and, being a mother herself, understands the true subtext of this show. CHRIS HOGAN as the Baker was good, though possibly a little older for the role and not as vocally strong as some of the other cast members.  He does however help in carrying this show forward in a role that is barely given a break to breathe.

Now there are two people I have not yet mentioned, one who surprised me and one that made me take notice.  First, the one who surprised me is 17 year old ELIZABETH MINIARD who plays the Witch. The Witch, originally performed by Bernadette Peters, is not an easy role to live up to but

Miniard truly creates a character and has a presence that would have rivaled most adults in the role.

Second, 'the one that made me take notice' was ZACHARY BOOHER as the Steward. What a thankless role. I have seen Into the Woods more times than I can think of and the only thing I can normally remember about the Steward is that he kills Jack's Mother, but not in MR. BOOHER'S case. I can recall every moment on stage.  There is something about this young man that makes him stick out in a crowd.

Early on, I mention the three challenging things about this production, the third being the design/technical aspects. This is where the show fell a bit short. The night I saw it there were several late cues or technical fumbles, but that might've been because this was Free Reign's first production and also opening night. Also, I would have enjoyed a set that was a little more elaborate to create the woods for me; it missed the mark a little. As for the lighting only so much can be done in Kaufman Theatre so you really can't blame Free Reign for that.

I must repeat this was an ambitious first production by Free Reign Theatre and Director/Producer Chris Byer, so congratulations. However, it is nothing compared to their next project, A Chorus Line. That's right, another musical with 16 dancers and lots of dancing.  Good luck with it. I hope it give the opportunity for some of this new young talent to shine.