As I wait, I think back to the first time I saw this play. New York City, Bernadette Peters. I'm with my husband and his friend who adores Sondheim. At this point in my life, I was still on the fence about Stephen S. I'd grown up immersed in Rodgers & Hammerstein and Lerner & Loewe and was still not sure about this modern musical maker. But by the end of the show, I was hooked.
Since then, I've seen many a community theatre production of this fractured musical fairy tale. Last year, my son's high school performed it with my son as The Baker, so I had to let go of a lot to be able to enjoy the production ahead of me.
Sunny Rozakis is the director as well as the onstage Cinderella. The cast is all local folks, many of whom I know personally, with some of Saranac Lake's Pendragon Theatre artists sprinkled in. Angel Marvin is The Baker's Wife. Over the years, I have directed her, she has directed me, and we've even shared the stage on occasion. Her scene with Cinderella's Prince in this production is especially lively and fun.
The actors are well cast and the audience is eager to stay and meet cast and crew afterwards at the opening reception in the lobby of the LPCA. The food is catered and it is delicious. I can tell others share my opinion because the crowd doesn't thin out for another 20 to 30 minutes.
There are three more performances of CTP's Into the Woods at LPCA next weekend. It is wonderful entertainment and beautifully produced.
For more information and upcoming arts events, call the LPCA at 518-523-2512 or visit online www.LakePlacidArts.org
--Kathleen Recchia has been enjoying the arts in the Adirondacks for about 20 years—both as observer and participant (acting, directing, and producing). She also enjoys cross-country skiing, juggling, and hosting visitors to the area at her bed & breakfast in Jay.
