A message from the Director
As I approach the opening performance of my 25th musical I am astounded by how amazing talented high school students are. “Into the Woods” is a musical written by Steven Sondheim. This is music that is not easily learned. Most students would steer clear but this year the cast and chorus have embraced this story and all of its challenges.
So what is my reasoning for adding this musical to the great Sands tradition? As always, the music moves me and reaches down into my heart and pulls all the right strings. Fairy tales are lessons we teach our children, but Sondheim’s take is a little different. Here a walk through the woods, is a walk through life and all its challenges. It is not just the lives of children. Sondheim reaches to teach the parents as well. “Careful the things you say children will listen”. Sometimes life goes astray and we have to face difficult roads. Sometimes your greatest wish can also be a curse. We must carry the good and the bad equally and shoulder the blame as much as the joy.
The baker and his wife set out to undo the sins of the past. Cinderella wishes for the grass that is greener on the other side and Jack’s mother just needs to survive. Red is off to Granny’s but strays from the path. Rapunzel is locked in a tower and longs to be free. The Princes are seeking their true loves, and the witch wishes to reclaim what was taken from her. Their paths become intertwined and each has an impact on the other. They all discover that happily ever after isn’t always what it seems. Real life is very different from a fairy tale. True happiness doesn’t come from the material things we seek out. Even the princes tell us their tale of woe and how “Agonizing “ it is to be a prince.
The baker and his wife discover that a family is hard. The witch discovers that parenting is hard. Rapunzel discovers that freedom is hard. They all suffer losses but find comfort knowing that even in the darkest times they are not alone. This story weaves together the lives of many different people and shows them the truth in what they wish and reminds them that they can survive and work together and care for one another. Even though people leave them part way through their journey those that leave are not lost forever. They remain with them. I hope you will enjoy this once upon a time on the tales you thought you knew. Careful on your journey through the wood because there are always wolves, there are always spells, there are always beans or a giant dwells there………
I would like to personally thank, Debbie Kabesh and Susan Deane for their endless work on this production. They saved me from myself numerous times and have elevated this musical to the highest level with their creative artistic talents. The Costumes are AMAZING!!!! I would like to thank my stage manager Bradley Thiessen for working so hard and for always bringing coffee. Thank you to all students that gave up their weekend time to help with the set construction and painting. I would also like to thank my family especially my wife Erica Maller, for set construction help and for their love and support through this process.
Finally to the grade 12 students who have been working with me for many years. It has been my honour to work with you and be your teacher. God Bless you in your future plans. Always remember the great gifts you have and share them often.
NOW! To the cast and crew of INTO THE WOODS your journey begins. BREAK A LEG!
Justin Maller
Artistict, Technical, and Musical Director
Sands Secondary Theatre Production of "INTO THE WOODS"
