By Nora Paine Producing Creative Director New Tampa Gamers
On Mar. 28, the New Tampa Gamers (NTP) theatre troupe as soon as once more took the stage on the New Tampa Performing Arts Middle. This time, NTP is presenting Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical “Into The Woods,” which intertwines traditional fairy tales with deeper themes of human wishes and penalties, is taking heart stage in a brand new manufacturing that’s certain to enchant native audiences. Nominated for ten Tony Awards (successful three) in 1988, this Sondheim masterpiece has been praised for its advanced characters, stunning rating, and profound narrative.
Directed by Karissa Barber, the NTP manufacturing is showcasing the skills of native actors, a dwell orchestra led by musical director, G. Frank Meekins, and greater than a dozen unseen costumers, designers, painters, builders and crew members, all working collectively to deliver this timeless story to life.
Set in a fantastical world the place characters from completely different fairy tales — equivalent to Cinderella, Jack (of Beanstalk fame), Little Purple Driving Hood and Rapunzel — reside in the identical village and cross paths within the mysterious forest, “Into the Woods” explores themes of want achievement, ethical decisions and the sudden penalties of pursuing one’s wishes. The present’s wealthy rating, which incorporates songs like “No One Is Alone” and “Youngsters Will Pay attention,” is extensively thought of one in all Sondheim’s biggest achievements.
The manufacturing’s leads, Richard Brown and Hope Lelekacs, are taking over the roles of the Baker and the Baker’s Spouse. These two characters are central to the story, embarking on a quest to search out substances for a potion that can elevate a curse positioned upon their household. Their journey via the woods is crammed with challenges, but it surely additionally brings them nearer collectively as a pair and forces them to confront the deeper questions on their lives and desires.
“I see the Baker as somebody who’s stepping out of his consolation zone and placing all of his household’s burdens on his shoulders,” says Brown, who most just lately was seen as Seymour in NTP’s fall manufacturing “Little Store of Horrors.” “[The Baker] has no thought what he’s doing however he’s doing it anyway as a result of he feels he has to. So, though he will be humorous, I feel the sincerity and vulnerability of somebody who desperately desires a household also needs to be there.”
Lelekacs, a latest graduate of the College of Tampa, is worked up about taking part in the Baker’s Spouse, a dream of hers since she noticed Brianna Filippelli play her on the New Tampa Gamers’ stage in 2016.
“The Baker’s Spouse is advanced and hopeful,” Lelekacs says. “The driving drive in her relationship is balancing love and longing with a contagious perception that life holds extra than simply routine and work. I love how she stays sensible and grounded, but isn’t afraid to take dangers.”
Theatergoers can count on a really community-driven efficiency, with all the solid members and manufacturing group hailing from Hillsborough County and surrounding areas. The present has been months within the making, with rehearsals starting in early January and manufacturing design and staging evolving all through February.
If you happen to’re on the lookout for a magical night crammed with laughter, tears, and unforgettable music, “Into the Woods” guarantees to be the right outing. It’s an opportunity to expertise the magic of theater whereas supporting native expertise, and the solid and crew of your not-for-profit neighborhood theater, the New Tampa Gamers.
“Into the Woods” will probably be carried out Friday-Sunday, March 28-30, and April 4-6, at NTPAC (8550 Hunters Village Dr., New Tampa). For more information or to buy tickets on-line, please go to NewTampaPlayers.org.
