|
Home Before Dark!
26th August
2008
By Melissa Trickey
There’s nothing like a musical that is all happy endings in the
first act and lots of death and destruction in the second act,
right?!? Into the Woods is the brilliant Sondheim gem that teaches
us about choices, moral responsibility and consequences using the
clever device of fairy tale characters to get the poignant messages
across to the audience. A demanding and difficult musical, in the
hands of Limelight and such a talented and respected Director like
Neil Goodwin, the impending production is sure to be a delight.
I
spoke with Michael Butler and Carina Waye, playing the Baker and
Cinderella respectively, about their journey into the “Woods”.
“The message of 'be careful what you wish for' is obvious throughout
the show, as Sondheim and Lapine draw inspiration from the 18th
century Brother Grim fairytales, it is evident that the catch 22
message is woven throughout,” said Carina. “There are also themes
that branch from the characters as a Community- what desperation
does to the characters when the stakes are high and how they turn on
one another when they need to come together the most. The lengths
that we go to in order to achieve our wishes ; the consequences that
our actions have on ourselves and each other; and family values are
all apparent.”
Michael had a different perspective on the show: “I actually think
it is summed up beautifully in the lyrics 'No one is alone'. Even
at your worst moments in life there is always someone you can turn
to. I'm sure this is true for all of us. Friends and family are
always people you should be able to turn to in a moment of need.”
On the topic of characters, Michael gave a very well thought
response. “Well from a performance point of view he is actually much
more real than the majority of the characters. For me this has been
a challenge because I love going crazy and being bigger than life.
In a show with such crazy characters I have loved the challenge of
trying to pull my character back and make him as normal as
possible.”
“And his normality is what I love about him. He makes mistakes, he
is insecure, he is unsure, he tries his best and tries to do right
by people, even though he doesn't always succeed and sometimes can
do the exact opposite. I can really relate to all of those things.
I feel a lot like him in all those respects, I can see myself in the
guy.”
And what girl wouldn’t want to play Cinderella! But Carina goes one
step further in her analysis: “I love that Cinderella can see both
sides of the situation that she gets caught up in. During 'Steps of
the Palace' she really weighs up her options before finally deciding
that she doesn't need to decide. She likes to be chased but isn't
100% sure that she wants to be caught. I love how real she is, how
many times have we all wished and dreamt for something and when it
finally materialises it’s not as great as we had initially
thought?! She’s funny, genuine and warm and gets to wear a
beautiful frock! What’s not to like?!”
One thing this writer would like to know, having travelled into the
musical “Woods” before, is what these two performers think the
‘Woods’ mean in real life? “I think we've all had to go to ‘the
woods’ at one point or another,” said Carina. “For me, ‘the woods’
is the unknown- it’s taking a plunge and a risk and hoping that
you'll come out on top on the other side. It’s about the lessons we
learn and the things we discover through that journey we take.”
Michael has a less metaphorical perspective: “That's a great
question and I actually have a real answer for you. I actually
studied a Bachelor of Science at University. I majored in Zoology
and a lot of what I did was investigate how natural ecosystems work
and the impacts of habitat loss. I am also a keen traveller and
have seen some amazing natural sites through out the world. So you
might say I am always heading into ‘the woods’.”
After such deep insight into the show and their characters, when
asked to comment on their ‘woods’ experience so far, the two had
nothing but good things to say: “Working with the Limelight crew has
been fantastic fun!” said Carina. “All the cast get along so well,
it’s like a little Sondheim family! I’ve really enjoyed working
with Neil especially, he knows how the get the most out of his cast
and challenges us and what we know. “
“The company has been incredibly supportive and everyone,
particularly the amazing cast, have just been a pleasure to work
with. I think Limelight has put together a pretty great show. But
come and judge for yourself on that one!”
You heard the man! Get down to Cranbourne (it’s not as far as you
think!) to check out one of the must see shows of the season.
INTO THE WOODS
Cranbourne Community Theatre
Brunt Street,
Cranbourne
*Friday 29th August, 8.00pm (*Gala Supper)
Saturday 30th August, 8.00pm
Sunday 31st August, 2.00pm
Wednesday 3rd September, 8.00pm
Thursday 4th September, 8.00pm
Friday 5th September, 8.00pm
Saturday 6th September, 2.00pm
Saturday 6th September, 8.00pm
Bookings:
Phone: 9771 5757.
Or Book Online:
www.drumtheatre.com.au
|