Absurdism
was the word of the day at Chino Community Children's Theatre
production of "Into the Woods," a classic fairytale mash-up by James
Lapine, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. About two decades
before Shrek, Lapine and Sondheim created an entertaining world where
the larger-than-life characters and the logic-bending, natural
law-shattering plot devices of numerous fairytales collide, conflict and
eventually coalesce against a common threat.Aptly directed by Jenn McHugh, the production works best when its young cast (14-22 years old) is fully commited to the ridiculousness of their characters and situations.
Whether chasing after Jack's stuffed castor-riding cow, yanking at Rapunzel's lengthy yarn locks, pulling Red Riding Hood cloak and make up intact from the disembowled Wolf, or cutting off plastic phalanges to fit into Cinderella's gold high-heeled slipper, the juvenile players bring the funny with fearless dedication to the text.
There are several standouts among the motley crew of fantastical friends. The smooth dancing Big Bad Wolf and the sassy sprite Red Riding Hood have great exchanges, from their well-choreographed first meeting to her mess-free resurrection from his nightgowned carcass. The smarmy dynamic duo of Princes -- one wild-eyed with an Ace Ventura pompadour, the other face pinched with a stuffy Ivy League drawl -- never fail with their aisle-rushing, maiden-ravaging antics.
Then there's the black-clad disgruntled Stage Hand who manages to steal scene after scene with dispassionate prop schlepping, plot-assistng cue cards and brazen stuffed animal abuse -- all without saying a word. Then there's the Baker's Wife, who certainly deserves a name of her own. Her well-trained voice, expert comedic timing and subtle poignancy are award-worthy.
LA theater reviews by LA Theater Critic.
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