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12/05/2019 11:00 PMBranford's Walsh Intermediate School (WIS) Musical Theatre Presents "Into the Woods," for three musical performances including Friday, Dec. 13, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, Dec. 14, 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. at the school, located at 185 Damascus Road.
"Into the Woods" will be the final musical performed by students on the historic WIS stage before construction begins on the new auditorium in 2020.
A talented cast of WIS student performers are preparing to tell a story through fairy tale characters. It's a story that speaks to appreciating what you have, realizing what you want, accepting what you can't have, and discovering what you are capable of.
This modern musical twist on the beloved Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. They are all intertwined by an original story involving a baker and his wife, who wish to begin a family, but their interaction with the Witch has put a curse on them. "Into the Woods" is a humorous and heartfelt musical that explores the consequences of each of the characters' wishes and quests.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, this musicial premiered on Broadway in 1987 and won several Tony Awards including in Best Score, Best Book, and Best Actress in a Musical. A Disney film adaptation, released in 2014, received three Academy Award nominations and three Golden Globe Award nominations.
More than 50 WIS students are involved in the production of this year's show. The cast and crew are comprised of students between the ages of 10 to 14. While the actors are performing on the stage, Tech Crew members shine the spotlights and create the sound effects, while the Stage Crew is responsible for the quick scene changes.
Director/Choreographer Jeffrey Rizzo is in his eighth year directing the WIS musical.
"Into the Woods is a show that tells the story of the things we wish for and the obstacles we must overcome to make those wishes a reality," said Rizzo. "The students in our production can relate to the characters in the show, because, they, too, must work together to reach the goal of creating a beautiful musical for the town of Branford. I'm proud of the dedication that our cast and crew put into our shows each year, and this year is no different. They've challenged themselves to find the arc of their characters and deliver the message that we can find strength and support in each other."
Joining Rizzo in guiding the students are Music Director/Pit Orchestra Conductor and Choreographer Gavin Hartney, and rehearsal accompanist Cathyann Roding. Chris Guandalini and Kelly Robison, along with help from Jim D'Addio, have designed and constructed the set. Costumes are designed by Allison Nerone with committee co-chair Anthony Festa. Tracy Izzo is the show's Producer.
Walsh Intermediate School presents three performances of Into the Woods: Friday, December 13, 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, December 14 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. in the WIS auditorium, 185 Damascus Road. Reserved seating (auditorium floor) and general admission (lecture hall) available. All tickets, $10, can be purchased by calling (203) 418-PLAY (7529).