“No one is alone,” : the overall theme and song title in the musical “Into the Woods,” put on by the Park Players Theater Company (PPTC) this fall. It was directed by Paul Bird. The show dates were Nov. 17, 18, 24 and 25. The musical is a story about many fairytale characters from commonly known Grimm fairy tales. Some of the characters were Little Red Riding Hood, Jack from “Jack and the Beanstalk,” Cinderella, Rapunzel and many more.
Dalton Barthold, Canton senior, Thespian President and actor for five years played the role of the Baker.
“[The show] creates a sense of community,” he said, “No one should leave this theatre feeling alone.” Many of the performers agreed with this “sense of community.”
John Oatney, Salem senior and actor for seven years, played the roles of the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince. He said that this show, and theatre in general, “allows for cooperation rather than competition.”
Shea Dennie, Salem senior and new actress, played Little Red Riding Hood and talked about her favorite parts of the show.
“I like the lessons that the characters learn and the growth you see within them,” she said, and added, “and there’s a part where I get to scream. That’s pretty fun.”
This is the first time the show has been directed by Bird, but Park Players put this show on before in 2006, directed by Shannon McNutt. Vocal Director Jennifer Neumann spoke with pride about the performers.
“‘Into the Woods’ is a Sondheim musical, so it’s mostly singing,” she explained, “they [the actors] really improved their timing. The songs are very complicated and complex, but at every rehearsal they got sharper and improved notes, movements and rhythm. The cast is really strong.”
“Into the Woods” had its final show on Nov. 25, however there is another production being put on by the PPTC this winter. “The Complete Works of William Shakespeare: Abridged” is showing Dec. 7, 8,14 and 15. It is a comedy show that contains all of Shakespeare’s works. It will be in the Canton High School Dubois Little Theatre.