More than 40 students participated in the recent production of Into the Woods Jr. at Patrick M. Villano School. The musical included singing, acting, dancing, and stage performances from students in many different roles. The production featured more than 30 musical numbers, including “Hello Little Girl,” “Giants in the Sky,” “Agony!,” and “On the Steps of the Palace.” Students practiced for months to prepare for the performances.
“I practiced for a really long time, and the whole cast practiced for like three months, and it was really worth it, and I practiced a lot at home singing like all of my songs and practicing my lines,” Maya Pineda, who played Little Red Riding Hood, said.
According to the play materials, Into the Woods was created by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine. The musical is based on fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm. The story follows a baker and his wife as they go into the woods to break a witch’s curse. Along the way, they meet characters such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, and Rapunzel. The play shows that wishes do not always turn out the way people expect. Pineda explained what motivated her to participate in the play.
“I was really excited … I kept telling myself, ‘This is going to turn out awesome.We’re going to do amazing,’ and when it finally came down to showtime, it was absolutely amazing,” Pineda said.
“I practice sometimes outside of school and maybe sometimes in school and maybe sometimes … with my friends,” Shah said. “I really love doing theater, acting and dancing.”
She also offered advice for future performers.
“My advice for people who want to do theater: If you want to do theater, do it. If you don’t get a part you want, you can probably join the stage crew when you’re in sixth grade,” Shah said.
