'Into The Woods' Performed This Weekend in West Nyack

With butterflies in their stomaches and wonderment in their eyes backstage, performers mesmerized their audiences Friday and Saturday night with their production of Into the Woods. First debuted in San Diego, this intertwining plot was written by James Lapine with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

“I have to admit that I am a little nervous,” stated Cinderella (Taylor Rizzotti) “Sondheim is a tough one, a bit harder than what I am used to performing.”

The plot revolved around many fairytales. These tales took stage as vignettes at times but at other times were twisted together and
displayed at once to show its audience what happens when wishes are asked for and fulfilled.

“I was a little confused,” admitted Rebecca Zeller who will be attending seventh grade at Felix Festa Middle School in the fall. “There were so many stories to follow at once. But I still think all my friends did a great job and I thought that Cinderella, The Baker’s Wife, Milky White and Jack really shined.”

The Youth Theater, owned and operated by Danielle Rudess normally performs at Riverspace Theater in Nyack (the former Helen Hayes Theater).  After the recent flooding of that theater, the Youth Theatre was lucky enough to be able to use Clarkstown High School South’s stage in West Nyack.

This production was directed and choreographed by Lexie Frare. Musical Director was Anthony Travaglini. Associate Director was
Amy Griffin. Scenic and Lighting Deisgn was Newell Kring. Costume Design was On Cue Costumes, Dan Schultz. Sound Board Operator was John Guth. Production Stage Manager was William Rich. Production Assistants were Julia Castle, Bryan Jager and William Rivera. Lighting Board Op was Adam Kapliow and Producer was Danielle Rudess.

The Cast:

Jack: Quiana Iacobellis; Baker: Scott Weiner; Cinderella's Stepmother: Kasey Kelly; Lucinda: Madison Deming; Little Red Riding Hood: Victoria Mulligan; Cinderella's Mother: Jesse Blackman; Wolf: Emma Sundvik; Rapunzel: Catherine Macleod Daigle; Conderella’s Prince: Christian Conway; Milky White: Katie McGeorge; Cinderella: Taylor Rizzotti; Jack’s Mother: Torie Ioppolo; Baker’s Wife: Elizabeth Kantor; Florinda: Jennifer Brooks; Cinderella’s Father/Mysterios Man: Ben Daniel; Witch: Risa Castro; Granny: Genevieve Henderson; Rapunzel’s Prince: Jaylin Remensperger; Steward: Iris Amico

• Little Red Riding Hood Narrators: Genevieve Henderson and Isabella D’Amico
• Witch’s Narrators: Jessica Filare, Dana McGuire and Brooke Van Aulen
• Cinderella’s Narrators: Alexis Miller, Rachel Kaufman and Jesse Blackman
• Jack’s Narrators: Hannah Levin, Alexa Teital and Cassie Galletta
• Baker’s Narrators: Leigh Daniel, Caroline Higgins and Angela Licht