Memorial Theatre in the spotlight

Editor’s note: Alden originally wrote this piece for our School Buzz blog. 

This semester, Memorial High School Theatre put on an incredible rendition of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods. The show was an emotional and spectacular performance. The combination of humor and raw talent left a dazzling scene on the auditorium stage. 

The show centers around each character’s deepest and most passionate “wish.” Throughout the musical, they do everything in their power to grant that wish and they are either rewarded or punished. The characters’ plot lines, based on traditional fairy tales, intersect to create a complex story.

The long and testing months of rehearsals and preparation were absolutely worth it. From impressive sets made by the crew, to true-to-character costumes by the costume department, the story was beautifully performed. The hardworking cast and crew reflected on the process of preparing and performing Into the Woods in an interview.

“Watching the actors have breakthrough moments on stage, whether they embody their character or get lost in a song, I am grateful to witness each moment,” stage manager Natalie Lopez said.

Into the Woods is especially a favorite among the cast. “Sondheim’s music is incredible. There isn’t a musical that has the same kind of magic that Into the Woods has,” Henry Morrison Coffman, who played the Steward and Giant, said. However, his favorite part of preparation for the show was watching the set being slowly brought to life. The set crew worked especially hard to meticulously craft a magical set. Their passion and hard work were evident in the finished product.

Emma Vogelsang, who portrayed the character The Witch, was as in love with her character as the audience was. “My favorite thing about The Witch is that she is always right. She tells the truth in this world full of ‘wishes’ and delusions. She enforces the moral of the story as well, and that proves that she is one of the more reasonable minded characters in the story,” Vogelsang said.

The months of preparation led to a phenomenal performance. Into the Woods was truly a remarkable show fueled by the passion and dedication of each member of the cast and crew.

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