You're Different in the Woods...

So I love Ten Thousand Things Theater, and I even get to consult with them occasionally. But I was anxious to see their newest piece, because they've recently transitioned to new artistic director Marcela Lorca (whose work I've loved in the past, but let's face it, she has big shoes to fill...), and because Into the Woods is one of Beatrix's favorite shows, though she's only seen the movie version. So it's with no small amount of trepidation that we headed through a snowy parking lot into a senior center on University Avenue the other night.

I should not have worried.

Into the Woods is such an unusual piece — where just where you think it's going to end happily ever after, well, it DOESN'T and suddenly most of the cast is dead and you are taking a whole new position on what resiliency actually means.

Mix that with a virtuoso one-man music director (though several talented cast members did play instruments as well), incredible costumes by Sonya Berlovitz, a great set and props, and an audience that was happy to be there, and it's quite a show already. But, as I've come to expect from TTT, it was the extraordinary cast that really took the show over the top. If you mix a simple but nuanced performance style with extraordinary talent, you're always going to do well. Add great voices and it can't be beat.

I'm still human songs, two days later. Beatrix is totally inspired. I loved looking over and watching Patrick smile during the show.

Into the Woods plays starting this weekend at Open Book and also at the North Garden (another venue that holds a special place in my heart). Info here. Do you need to go out and see something that will take your mind from the dumpster fire of current politics, while still reminding you of the role we all play in making the world better? You should go into the woods.

(stole the photo from their website)


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