Feel the Magic of ‘Into the Woods’ – Villa Rundle Amphitheatre 13 September 2023

Feel the Magic of

‘Into the Woods Jr’

What a fabulous production of the Broadway version of Stephen Sondheim’s musical

‘ Into the Woods Jr.’

(licensed by Music Theatre International NY) presented on Wednesday 13 September, 2023.

The production featured :

Chorus Urbanus Junior Choir (Maureen Zerafa, Hilda Grima), in collaboration with

Beta Entertainment Theatre Academy, (producer: Jamie Camilleri),

Choreography and Movement: Hilda Grima,

Scenography: Paul Cassar,

Sound by ProStage

Lighting by Chris Gauci ( Beam Lighting)

in the green ambience

of the Villa Rundle Amphitheatre.

Synopsis:

“Into the Woods JR.” is a captivating musical adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s groundbreaking fairytale. The story weaves together classic Brothers Grimm fables, featuring beloved characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch.

The central plot revolves around a baker and his wife who desperately wish for a child. Cinderella dreams of attending the King’s festival, while Jack hopes his cow will produce milk. However, their wishes become entangled in a web of magical curses, leading them on an extraordinary journey to break the spells.

Chorus Urbanus Productions, in collaboration with the talented Chorus Urbanus Junior Choir and Beta Entertainment Academy, brought “Into the Woods JR.” to life with great finesse and dynamism. The performance excelled in several parameters, most especially ensemble performance, where the medium-sized ensemble of singers and actors delivered unforgettable roles. Their heartfelt performances resonated with the audience, capturing the essence of each character.

The sophisticated score has been thoughtfully adapted to suit young performers. The music remains enchanting while allowing the talents of the cast to shine. Since “Into the Woods JR.” focuses on storytelling rather than elaborate choreography, this approach allowed the audience to immerse themselves in the characters’ emotional journeys.

The production team’s creativity shone through in the minimalist but colourful set design. Whether it’s the eerie woods or the cozy baker’s cottage, the visual elements enhanced the storytelling.

The seamless collaboration between Chorus Urbanus Productions, the Junior Choir, and Beta Entertainment Academy ensured a cohesive and delightful experience for the patrons that packed the stairs of the Villa Rundle Amphitheatre. In summary, “Into the Woods JR.” is a magical journey that reminds us to be cautious about our wishes and the choices we make. Kudos to the entire team for bringing this enchanting tale to the stage!

This was a truly polished performance where ears and eyes feasted beyond measure to the captivating music and rhythms of a vibrant score! A huge well done to the 22-strong cast that sang their hearts out while bringing out the various nuances of the musical score and the magical libretto.

Feel the Magic 2022-24 (Artistic Director: John Galea) is sponsored by Arts Council Malta, Ministry for Gozo, Cultural Heritage Directorate, PROStage and Beam Lighting.