Into the Woods

Last night I went to see a good friend of mine in his end of year production of Stephen Sondheim's "Into The Woods". I am relatively new to Sondheim, only having seen "West Side Story" until seeing "Merrily We Roll Along" at the Derby Playhouse last week; I am now a new Sondheim fan and have a thirst for his music.
As I say a good friend Rick Tolley (or Richard Tolley as he appeared in the programme) was in a production of "Into The Woods" playing the lead role of the Baker, in a show that involves many recognisable fairy-tale characters including; Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Jack the Giant Killer. It was a fantastic production and Rick played his role with great competence. Rick and I came to know each other when he joined Hessle Theatre Company to play Charles Clarke in our production of Titanic the Musical, where he showed a wonderful depth of character, continued in last night's performance. My only regret is that I was unable to give Rick any constructive criticism (or any other criticism for that matter) when he asked me for it!
Some of the singing voices in last night's show were not great, however, that was easily forgotten in the wonderful characterisations. My friend Katherine and I (my wife was gutted that she couldn't make it) were giggling from beginning to end.
If you can get to see this production it is on again tonight and tomorrow (17th & 18th May 07) at the Freedom Centre on Preston Road in Hull, tickets are only £4 (and there is a bar IN the theatre!). If you are not in the Hull area and cannot make it, I recommend that you catch a production of "Into The Woods" when it is in your area.