Review Highlights: INTO THE WOODS - ASU Music Theatre and Opera

The Cast
photo by Reg Madison Photography

highlights from local critics reviews - (click link at bottom of each review to read complete review)

Click here for more information on this production that runs through April 23

"...the beloved Into the Woods, in which Sondheim's intricate score and the imaginative book by James Lapine come together beautifully in a winning production from ASU Music Theatre and Opera...This cast, under Kate Leonard's sharp direction, deliver rich portrayals and navigate well through both the comedic and the dramatic requirements of the show. As Cinderella, Saylem duPont has a singing voice with perfect diction and clarity. Liam Boyd and Maggie Barry as the Baker and the Baker's Wife, respectively, make a winning duo... As the Witch, Jazmin Noel Moehring has a wonderful stage presence and powerful singing voice that make the character an audience favorite...With an exuberance that works well for the energetic Jack, Roosevelt Tre Moore is a knockout...Jena Allen is appropriately sweet but also very sarcastic as Little Red.,,,Leonard's direction is good, with fun use of the child-like playground set by Dane Burk that incorporates swings and a slide in the action. Brent Mauldin's music direction achieves lovely notes from the cast and large orchestra and Sara Bruton's choreographer is simple but good. However, there are a couple of times when the choreography and the use of the swings and other playground elements distracts from the intricacy of Sondheim's lyrics. ...Into the Woods is an excellent musical and even with a few small quibbles, ASU Music Theatre and Opera's production is wonderful."  - Gil Benbrook, TalkinBroadway.com (click here to read the complete review)