Stages are being set, actors are learning their lines, and songs are being sung. Play practice has started for the Patrick M. Villano production of Into the Woods Jr. Each year, fifth and sixth grade students perform in the school play. This year, they are performing Into the Woods Jr., a show that combines several classic fairy tales into one story.
“I’m in the ensemble. I am learning new things about how a play works,” Alexa Samuels, a fifth grader, said. “I will use my emotions to give the best performance possible. I also like that Ms. [Rayna] Fox has joined the production. We have someone new to help us.”
Fox is the school’s new chorus teacher. For many fifth graders, this is their first time being in the school play. They are learning about acting, singing, and working together on stage. Sixth graders who were in the play last year are returning with more experience.
“I am the steward,” Dean Vitale, a sixth grader, said. “The steward is the prince’s assistant, and I help the prince find his princess. We practice a couple of times each week. There will be more practices as we get closer to the show. I have solo lines and a song this year. Last year, I was a background character.”
Another student, Maya Pineda, is playing Little Red Riding Hood. “I am excited because I have a lot of funny parts,” she said. “Last year I was in fourth grade, so I could not join the play. Now, I am happy to be part of the production.”
Students will continue practicing over the next two months as they get ready for the performance. The 2026 production of Into the Woods Jr. will be presented in April 2026 at Patrick M. Villano School.
