‘Into the Woods’ opening at Clear Space May 3
David Button, artistic director for Clear Space Theatre, will step back onto the Clear Space stage for “Into the Woods,” opening Friday, May 3.
Button said, “I became familiar with ‘Into the Woods’ when I was in high school, and immediately fell in love with both the artistry of the interweaving stories and its musicality. This show demonstrates that musical theatre – no matter how frivolous at times – can have a heart and substantial meaning. How could I resist being in such a show?”
Those interweaving stories feature many characters familiar to audiences: Cinderella, Jack (of beanstalk fame), and Little Red Riding Hood are among them. All have a familiar wish they are seeking to fulfill, be it to attend a ball, get milk from a cow or provide bread to a grandmother.
But these fairy tale friends are not the only wishful folk going “Into the Woods.” On their own quest are a baker (Button) and his wife (Erin Bobby) who seek the ingredients for a spell to break the witch’s (Lorraine Steinhoff) curse which has left them childless. The ingredients, which include a red cape and a slipper, may well be items those fairy tale characters could help out with.
As Button is directing as well as appearing in the show, there are challenges. But they are ones he is well prepared to meet: “I’ve actually directed many of the scenes of ‘Into the Woods’ multiple times over the years. For example, the Spotlight on Young Performers ensemble presented the junior version of the show in 2016. I’ve also seen many productions of it, and immersed myself in the Bernadette Peters/Joanna Gleason film version for years. I know this show inside and out.”
He said, “It also helps enormously that this cast is one of the strongest ensembles which will ever grace the Clear Space stage. And, I’ve got a great team that serves as a separate set of eyes when needed.”
Sponsored by Jeanine O’Donnell of State Farm, “Into the Woods” runs weekends from Friday, May 3 to Sunday, May 19. Friday and Saturday performances are at 7 p.m., and Sunday performances are at 3 p.m. There also is one Thursday performance, at 11 a.m., May 9. Tickets for all shows are $17 to $32.
For more information, go to www.clearspacetheatre.org or call 302-227-2270.
