MichaelNKat

Had the opportunity to see Into the Woods tonight with my wife and D. What an absolute delight. A wondrous journey combining the comedy and humor of Fractured Fairy Tales with existential musings about yearnings in life, dreams that turn out differently than expected and finding contentment when all seems to be falling apart.

The show was held in the Meriam Theatre, UArts very own 1800 seat proscenium theater, that is the equal of the old majestic theaters found on Broadway. The cast, production and stage crews and musicians were all UArts students. The show was directed by Charles Gilbert, head of the MT program, with Owen Robbins, the MT program Musical Director, serving as Music Director for the show and Nancy Kantra, Head of Dance and Movement, serving as choreographer. Simply put, it was just a fabulous professional quality production. It's often been said that if you want to really see what a school is all about, go see one of its shows. Tonight's show exemplified all that UArts has to offer, the talent of the students, the level of the training received and the professionalism imbued through the educational values that are infused in the MT program. What was particularly revealing was that many if not most of the roles were played by graduating seniors (there were some juniors and a few sophomores) and it was inspirational to see just how prepared they are to move on to outside performing endeavors.

I would be remiss not to mention this MT Board's very own sheerviolette who performed triple duty as Cinderella's Mother, the Granny and the voice of the Giant's Wife. You were great with acting that was convincing and true and a wonderful voice. Best wishes to you as you graduate in another month and move off in exciting directions.

sheerviolette

Awww, MichaelNKat, I am blushing and kvelling with everything you say!

It's wonderful to finally get the show on its feet and to be playing to audiences that are larger than we expected them to be. I had a lot of fun with my "triple duty" and your compliments are much appreciated and humbling. Thank you. I can't believe graduation is so soon and that a new set of freshmen will be stepping into the shoes that I remember so well.

I would like to add that the musicians were half School of Music students and half professionals. All are hired when they play in the pit, but since UArts caters to jazz musicians, we are at a loss for any type of string other than an upright bass. We hired the strings section, the piano (Eric Ebbenga, who is a UArts instructor and coach, among other wonderful things) and the synthesizer (Chris Ertelt, who accompanies for many master classes at UArts and is also the Resident Music Director at the Media Theatre).

If anybody is in the Philadelphia area and hasn't gotten the chance to see INTO THE WOODS, tomorrow evening (Saturday the 5th) after the show, there will be a reception and event called the Spring Silver Jubilee, celebrating the 25th year of the School of Theater Arts department at UArts. I encourage you to come see the show and stay for the reception afterwards, as it's just one more step in building Alumni relations within the School of Theater Arts.

Once again, MichaelNKat, thank you for your support of the show and the school. I know your D has only just started here, but she's a shining star and soon enough will be in my shoes and ready to graduate.

bktheater

It sounds wonderful and I am so sorry my D. will miss it as we don't arrive until Wednesday the 9th. I found out too late. Sigh.

shellipearl

BKtheater, will you get to see The Dinner Party? If so maybe I will see you there.

kimoki

I saw Into the Woods on Thursday with my daughter. Loved it!! I laughed throughout the whole 1st act. It was also nice to see how the other students were so supportive. We sat surrounded by young people and they were definitely enjoying the performance.

Sheerviolet you were wonderful. My D pointed out your performance as soon as we walked out of the theater. She goes to Forrest so you have something in common.

What's really funny is that the only other time I saw the play in person was when my daughter was 13. It was her 1st show and since it was almost all girls she was the Prince/Wolf. It was also the 1st time I heard her sing. I didn't even know she could. ....think about it.... a 13 year old girl singing Agony!! So funny how it all came back to me. She was really tall for her age (5'6") and the other Prince was a very little boy maybe 4'10". So when they sung together she had to kneel. Hysterical!!!

My D will be down at UArts on Tuesday for the day. She is so excited to sit in on some classes!! She just finished her 4th show this school year (whew!) and now the only performances she has left are choir and graduation. I think senoiritis is just about to set in. I hope I survive.

Mainstage

MichaelNKat,
I always enjoy your theatre reports...keep'm coming! Thanks.

bktheater

Shellipearl, My D and I will be arriving this coming Weds, and we are seeing the Dinner Party on Thurs. night. We are leaving some time on the 12th.

sheerviolette

Well, we just finished our final show. There are 22 cast members, and 19 out of that are juniors or seniors. It's a scary thought for us 9 seniors that this is our last school show ever. Many of my friends in this show have jobs lined up after this, and they're taking steps in the right direction. For the majority of the cast, it was an emotional experience and there were lots of tears.

I always tend to view shows closing slightly differently though. Yes, we pour our hearts and souls into a show, so it's sad when it ends. But I just can't wait to pour my heart and soul into other material.

Thank you for the kind words of those of you who saw it. I certainly hope that I will be fortunate enough to meet you in the future and have the pleasure for performing for you again.

P.S. Kimoki - I hope your D just loves him, like I do. He is such a positive, helpful force in the lives of all of the students who are graduating this year, and I cannot imagine what my outlook on the big scary "Woods" that I'm off to next year would be without his input.