The Hamilton Preparatory School Drama Department, under the direction of theater teacher Ms. Rebecca Sterling, is in full swing preparing for the spring musical production of Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods." The ambitious production represents months of preparation and features a cast and crew of 65 students from grades 7-12.
## The Production
"Into the Woods" intertwines classic fairy tales including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel, exploring themes of wishes, family, and community. The Sondheim musical is known for its complex harmonies, sophisticated lyrics, and challenging musical arrangements.
**Performance Information:**
Multiple performances will be held in the school's 400-seat auditorium. Tickets are $12 for adults and $8 for students/seniors.
## Cast
**Lead Roles:**
- **The Baker:** Marcus Johnson (Grade 12)
- **The Baker's Wife:** Emma Rodriguez (Grade 11)
- **Cinderella:** Sophia Williams (Grade 10)
- **The Witch:** Isabella Martinez (Grade 12) - remarkable vocal range spanning two octaves
- **Jack:** Tyler Chen (Grade 9)
- **Little Red Riding Hood:** Emily Park (Grade 8)
- **Rapunzel:** Aisha Mohammed (Grade 10)
- **The Wolf/Cinderella's Prince:** David Kim (Grade 11)
**Supporting Cast:** 28 additional students in roles including Cinderella's Stepmother and Stepsisters, Jack's Mother, Rapunzel's Prince, the Narrator, mysterious man, and various forest creatures
**Ensemble:** 22 students creating the magical forest atmosphere through movement, vocals, and scene work
## Production Team
Behind the scenes, 15 students work on technical theater elements:
**Stage Management:** Sarah Thompson (Grade 12) - coordinates all technical elements and maintains rehearsal schedules
**Set Design Team:** Led by Kevin O'Brien (Grade 11) - creating magical forest with 15-foot trees, Cinderella's castle, witch's cottage
**Costume Design:** Maria Santos (Grade 10) and team of 4 - designing and creating 40+ costumes including elaborate period pieces and fantastical characters
**Lighting Design:** Alex Rodriguez (Grade 11) - programming 85 lighting cues to create mood and magic
**Sound Design:** Ryan Patel (Grade 10) - managing wireless microphones for 18 cast members plus sound effects
**Props Team:** Led by Jordan Foster (Grade 9) - creating magical beans, glass slippers, Rapunzel's hair, and dozens of period props
## Rehearsal Process
The cast and crew have been rehearsing for several months, dedicating significant time to bringing this complex musical to life:
- **Multiple weeks of rehearsals** - Regular after-school sessions plus weekend workshops
- **Over 150 hours** of rehearsal time logged
- **Vocal coaching** with Music Director Mr. Gregory Thomas - mastering Sondheim's challenging harmonies
- **Choreography sessions** with Dance Instructor Ms. Yuki Tanaka - creating movement for musical numbers
- **Character development workshops** exploring motivations and relationships
- **Tech week** - full run-throughs with costumes, lights, sound
"Sondheim's music is technically demanding, but our students have risen to the challenge," noted Music Director Mr. Thomas. "The harmonies are tight, and the students truly understand the emotional depth of the piece."
## Set Construction
The technical theater students have transformed the stage into an enchanted forest:
- 12 hand-painted trees ranging from 8 to 15 feet tall
- Multi-level platform system creating depth and dimension
- Painted backdrop depicting mystical forest at twilight
- Practical elements including working well, fireplace, and tower for Rapunzel
- Trap door effect for magical appearances and disappearances
Set construction took place over six weekends with support from parent volunteers and Theater Booster Club. Art teacher Mr. Anthony Russo supervised the painting of scenic elements.
## Costume Magic
The costume team, with support from parent volunteers, has created an impressive wardrobe:
- Period-appropriate peasant clothing for Baker and Wife
- Elaborate ball gowns for Cinderella (three different looks showing her transformation)
- The Witch's transformation costume (revealing costume change from haggard to beautiful)
- Little Red's iconic red cape (and wolf costume for the predator)
- Royal costumes for the two princes with regal details
- Rapunzel's golden hair piece (12-foot braid)
Many costumes sourced from theatrical rental companies, while others were created by student costume team working with industrial sewing machines in the costume shop.
## Learning Through Theater
Director Ms. Sterling emphasizes educational value: "Theater teaches skills that transfer to every area of life - public speaking, collaboration, creative problem-solving, time management, and resilience. Students learn to support each other and work toward a common goal."
Cast members report significant growth:
- Building confidence through performance
- Developing stronger vocal technique
- Learning to work collaboratively
- Understanding character development and storytelling
- Gaining technical theater skills
Senior lead Isabella Martinez, playing the Witch, shared: "This role has pushed me vocally and emotionally. The Witch's journey from bitter and vengeful to ultimately caring is complex, and finding that truth has been transformative for me as a performer."
## Community Involvement
The production receives generous support from:
- **Theater Booster Club** - parent organization raising $8,000 for sets, costumes, rights, equipment
- **Local Theater Company** - lending props and providing professional consultation
- **University Theater Department** - Guest workshop on Sondheim's work
- **Parent volunteers** - building sets, sewing costumes, organizing concessions
The Boosters will operate a concession stand during performances, with proceeds supporting future productions.
## Awards and Recognition
Hamilton Preparatory School's theater program has strong track record:
- Multiple awards at State Drama Festival including Best Production
- Several students accepted to prestigious summer theater intensives at major drama schools
- Student-directed one-act festival showcases emerging directing talent
- Technical theater students won Best Set Design at regional competition
## Previous Productions
Recent Hamilton Preparatory School productions include:
- "The Crucible" by Arthur Miller
- "Mamma Mia!" musical
- "A Midsummer Night's Dream" by Shakespeare
- "The Addams Family" musical
## Ticket Information
Tickets available for purchase:
- Online through the school website
- At the door (subject to availability)
- School office during school hours
Reserved seating. $12 adults, $8 students/seniors. Group rates available for 10+.
## Join Theater Program
Students interested in participating in theater (onstage or backstage) can enroll in Drama class or join after-school productions. No experience necessary - training provided. Fall production auditions and spring musical auditions held throughout the school year.
The spring musical promises to be an enchanting evening of theater, showcasing the remarkable talents of Hamilton Preparatory School students. "Into the Woods" reminds us that "no one is alone" - a message brought to life through the collaborative magic of theater.