The Forman Ensemble Players presented the winter musical Into the Woods in the Visual and Performing Arts Center Jake Cloobeck ’16 Theater on February 21st-22nd. 

Into the Woods is a musical with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim; the book is by James Lapine.

The musical’s description writes, “James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone’s favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece... and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.” 

“Into the Woods is a show about a journey that certain fairy tale characters take through the woods to obtain certain objects they think they need in order to acquire happiness in life,” says Tammy Grella, Arts Teacher and Director of Into the Woods. “Just like the journey of real life, they encounter many obstacles along the way that make it seemingly impossible to get what they want. And, also much like real life, once they get what they want, it often creates a whole new set of problems.” 

"I guess the shorter way is that we spend our lives searching for the thing that will make our lives better or richer or happier, and then when we finally get that thing, then we just start searching for the next thing,” Grella adds.

Below is the list of the cast: 

• Cinderella - Jess Martin ’24

• Baker - Oscar Smith-Freitag ’25

• Baker’s Wife - Ally Spengler ’24

• Jack - Penelope Jackson ’24

• Jack’s Mother - Cecily Cooper ’26

• The Witch - Karissa Huang ’24

• Little Red Ridinghood - Qeiva Grant ’25

• Cinderella’s Stepmother - Ms. Cecelia Cannavo, World Languages Teacher 

• Florinda - Ava Gillies ’27

• Lucinda - Addison Holmes ’25

• The Steward - Nolan Briggs ’26

• Rapunzel - Alden Steinberg ’24

• Cinderella’s Prince - Ben Sanint ’24

• Rapunzel’s Prince - Julian Graziano ’25

• Narrator/Mysterious Man - Mr. Carter Brochu, History and Social Sciences Teacher

• The Wolf - Ms. Cecelia Cannavo, World Languages Teacher

• Cinderella’s Mother - Dr. Stephanie Weaver, Associate Director of Academics

• Cinderella’s Father - Mr. Stephen Sedlak, Building and Grounds

• Milky White - Ms. Megan Cooper, Arts and History and Social Sciences Teacher

• Granny - Ms. Becky Stull, Cognition and Learning Teacher

• Imposter Milky White - Addie Brayton ’24

• Snow White - Jorie Welshans ’24

• Sleeping Beauty - AJ Jimeno ’24

• Voice Of Giant - Ms. Tammy Diehl P’19

“The cast was great to work with. Hard-working from the start,” Grella says. “There were a few new students but mostly returning students. It was a large group of seniors this year and we even had six adults in the cast. Sondheim shows can be extremely challenging, but they persevered, and in the end, it was pretty magical to witness!”

Kelly Munn P’15, P’16, Cognition and Learning Teacher, served as the Choreographer, and Lily Chen, Thinking and Writing Chair, was the Costumer. Abby Everett ’24 was the Stage Manager and Addie Brayton ’24, Anders Domke ’24, Carrington Hawes ’25, Jayme Morse ’24, and Fenan Sloan-Arondeau ’26 were Assistant Stage Managers. Tim Downes ’24 played bass as a member of the band. 

“Congratulations to the very talented cast and crew of Into the Woods for an enchanting and fun performance!” said Charlene Halloran P’05, P’07, Director of Counseling. “I'd be remiss if I didn't mention the amazing set built by Ms. Grella. Thank you for providing those of us who attended with a wonderful experience.”

The Forman Ensemble Players will present the spring play The Importance of Being Earnest by Oscar Wilde on May 16th-17th.