Caswell LaRose has always been a fan of “Into the Woods” and now will have the opportunity to perform in the Rhinebeck Drama Club’s production of the musical. Show times in the high school’s Joseph L. Phelan Auditorium are 7 p.m. on March 20, at 2 and 7 p.m. on March 21 and at 2 p.m. on March 22.
“I’m really excited to do this show. I’ve loved this show since I was little and I have the soundtrack in the car on CD,” said LaRose.
LaRose has one of the lead roles in the play as the narrator and mysterious man. Seamus Hagen, a freshman, is playing the baker and is looking forward to seeing the final product from the months of rehearsing.
“It’s part of the reason I love drama so much because you get to go out there and see what the last months have added up to,” said Hagen. “The prospect of being able to finally see what everything has amounted to, see the true final product, and the musical will take on a life of its own as it is performed in front of a crowd.”
“Into the Woods” is based on James Lapine’s book with music and lyrics from Stephen Sondheim. The show premiered on Broadway in 1987, winning numerous Tony Awards, and was adapted into a movie in 2014 starring Meryl Streep and Johnny Depp.
In the play, a couple goes into the woods and encounters characters from stories such as “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Cinderella” Joslyn Carter, a senior, plays the role of Cinderella.
“We’re all super excited,” said Carter. “They should come see ‘Into the Woods’ because it’s a wonderful story. It follows the fairytales as a base and it expands beyond that. It’s a nice fun show and it’s great for the family.”
Tiffany McGehee, play director, said everything is coming along nicely despite rehearsal cancellations due to inclement weather. She encourages everyone to attend the show to support the cast and crew, saying the cast has worked so hard to learn some very challenging music.
“I think people will enjoy the music, the story, the set and costumes, and mostly the performances. These students have talents to share, and Rhinebeck should not miss out,” she said.