Haverford High School Theater Runs 'Into the Woods'

Great performances, impressive technical design and a live orchestra highlighted last night’s opening of “Into The Woods,” performed by students at Haverford High School under the direction of veteran HHS director Leigh Ann Brienza and faculty producer Teresa Medaglia.

“Into the Woods” is the award-winning Stephen Sondheim musical that features familiar fairy tale characters revealing the “behind the scenes” decisions they make to get to the “happily ever after.”

Throughout the play, the characters are forced to explore the moral consequences of their actions as they move through the woods and confront issues of growing up, personal accountability and the values passed down to children as they try to achieve their own “happily ever after.”

The play opens with the introduction of three stories:  Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk and the Baker and his Wife.  Sophomore Tristan Horan plays the Baker, and his classic character-style acting carries the play expertly, tying all the fairy tale characters together throughout the play. 

“I can see him going all the way to Broadway.  He was that good!” audience member Janice Roberts of Drexel Hill said.

Senior Rachel Medori plays the Baker’s Wife, and she mezmorizes the audience with her soprano singing voice and her well-timed comedic skills.  Her expressive face tells the audience exactly what’s going on without overplaying a line.

Once in the woods, the Baker and his Wife encounter other familiar fairy tale characters.   The Witch is well played by senior Veronica Gottsch.  Her make up and “flying” scenes show off the great set design and lighting expertly coordinated by student stage manager Mike Donnay.

Cinderella is played beautifully by senior Devin Lloyd, whose amazing voice is matched only her ease on the stage.  Her stepmother, played by senior Kate Milliken, and her stepsisters, played by senior Annie Murphy and junior Emily Moylan, provide consistent comic relief throughout the play.

Little Red Riding Hood, played by junior Sondra Goldschmidt, has a style and timing that  engages the audience in every scene. Her scene with the Wolf, played by senior Chris Angell, is both charming and alarming as Chris plays the small but crucial role wonderfully, lusting after the innocent Little Red Riding Hood.

The pit orchestra, conducted by Eric Thompson, and the outstanding set design, supervised by technical director Michael Armine,  give “Into the Woods” a true Broadway feel.

The last performance is Sunday, March 27, at 2 p.m. Tickets are $8 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.