F.T. Reviews Act I of "Into the Woods" at the Woodlawn Theatre
The Woodlawn Theatre gave me some tickets to Into the Woods so my kids and I could see the Sunday matinee and report on our experience. Nosotros thoroughly enjoyed Deed I, just left at break because I felt that Act II would not be suitable for children as immature equally mine (ages 4 and half dozen). (Learn more than: Is this show good for kids?) Human action I is a satisfying slice of entertainment, and I would recommend that other families with young children apply the same strategy we did.
The Woodlawn was a movie house from the 1940s to the 1970s (highlight: hosting the the 1960 premier of John Wayne's The Alamo), and is now an ballast of the Deco Commune, offering live theater and education programs.
Into the Wood, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, is a sly musical mash-up of several traditional Brothers Grimm fairy tales. The Woodlawn's production features a talented local cast, a live ring, and impressive sets. The show runs through March 16, with shows on Friday and Sat nights and Dominicus afternoons, and a teen production on March 3-five.
My six-year-old son, F.T., was totally engaged during the testify and kept asking me questions about the action—in a full speaking vox, non a whisper. (Apologies to my swain adult patrons.) In particular, during the ruckus between Little Cherry-red Riding Hood, Granny, and the Wolf, F.T. wanted to know who was winning. He did not desire anyone messing with Rapunzel'due south hair. As well, F.T. was concerned for the fate of Cinderella's evil stepsisters.
F.T. also enjoyed the theater magic. As the lights dimmed, he said:
The woods are spooky.
He also enjoyed the special effects during the witch'south spellcasting. Lately, he'due south been asking a lot questions about "existent" and "pretend".
The themes of Act I are accessible for kids. Each set of fairy tale characters—Cinderella and her prince; Cerise Riding Hood, the wolf, and her granny; Jack (of beanstalk fame); etc.—has their own hero journey, with bumps in the route. The music brings the characters together in rousing ensemble numbers, including the championship song, which describes the woods as a place to examination ourselves and grow.
At pause, when the firm lights came up, F.T. asked,
Is the movie over?
And for us, information technology was. Act I stands on its ain and is long enough for an afternoon's entertainment; staying for Act II would have taxed my children's capacity for good beliefs. Also, I would have had more explaining to do: Act II has more developed themes, because "happily e'er afterwards" is not and then happy after all. Be careful what you lot wish for, indeed.
After the evidence, we walked down the sidewalk to our motorcar, by the band members enjoying paletas from El Paraiso. On the style home, I asked F.T. almost the bear witness. He summed it up:
Those people make bad choices.
Ah, he gets it. Drama.
Read more than:
- "Commencement impression: 'Into the Woods'", Deborah Martin, Fine art Beat, February xv, 2014.
- "Three Sondheim shows are playing on S.A. stages", Deborah Martin, San Antonio Express-News, February fourteen, 2014.
- F.T.'due south previous review, of Observe "New Earth" Symphony
Disclosure: The Woodlawn Theatre gave me a set up of free tickets then my kids and I could see Act I of "Into the Woods"; all opinions are my ain (and F.T.'s).
Source: https://sachartermoms.com/f-t-reviews-act-i-of-into-the-woods-at-the-woodlawn-theatre/