Familiar Fairy Tales Delight In APA’s ‘Into the Woods Jr.’

Spending a snowy afternoon with the incredibly talented cast of “Into the Woods Jr.” was a delight. The cast of young performers is packed with so much dedication and wit. 

With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and the original book by James Lapine, APA’s production is directed by Judy Hamer. The show only features the first act of the original Broadway show, which is perfect for a younger audience. The musical is suited for all ages and is perfectly timed, running at just about an hour.

“Into the Woods Jr.” blends together the best of several Brothers Grimm Fairy Tales, and the result is a reimagined story with twists and turns and too many laughs to count. Main characters are taken from familiar stories like Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Cinderella, and the fun and action take place when these characters collide on a magical journey. 

Narrating the whimsical tale is Andrew Breda, who also pops in and out of the story as the hysterical Mysterious Old Man. Comedic duo Lucas Almeida and Esme Van Buskirk play the Baker and the Baker’s Wife, who find themselves longing for a child. They are cursed by a vengeful witch, played by Erin Walsh, and the couple are tasked with finding four treasures to break the spell: a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, golden hair as yellow as corn and a slipper as pure as gold.

Playing the role of Cinderella is the enchanting Mia Nadeau with her evil stepsisters, Gabi Castro and Naomi Betts, and Gia Popov as Cinderella’s stepmother rounding out that story’s characters. 

Charlie Tobin not only plays the scheming Wolf but also portrays one of the charming princes alongside Will Olean. This duo is not to be missed!

Cora Goers plays the adorable little white cow, Milky White, who gets bartered and traded throughout the show. Rounding out the cast are Zoey McBride as Little Red Riding Hood, Toby Goers as Jack and Chiara Castro as Jack’s mother. 

It is clear watching this cast of kids flawlessly execute “Into the Woods Jr.” how much value is placed on the education program at the Academy of Performing Arts. It was the perfect way to spend a winter day!