Into The Woods

With its cunning cottages and sequoia-scaled trees -- plus a hardy beanstalk overarching the proscenium -- this Sandra Gray set is the most awesome set I've ever seen at Theater Charlotte. Sandra isn't the only Gray who's responsible for the glitter of Into The Woods. As tech director, George Gray peppers the proceedings with a variety of fireworks to accompany the fits and spells of the resident witch. Lighting designer Hallie Gray brings enchanting color and depth to the wood and dramatically highlights Cinderella's fairy godmother and Rapunzel's various visitors. (It isn't her fault that whoever operates the follow spotlight can't aim.)

Since nearly every word is sung, special credit must go to Scott McKenzie for keeping the large cast on key and on top of Sondheim's often-treacherous score. His seven-piece band maintains brisk tempos and keeps from drowning out the vocalists. Triple threat Billy Ensley doesn't have to call extensively upon his dancing skills, but he's the one person you'd say anchors the five intertwined fairytales as the Baker. He does it with a glowing intensity that looks effortless, ably complemented by the fervid domesticity of Laurie Schneider as his wife.

Flanking this staunch couple in the opening tableau are Ben Roseberry as Jack and Cat Zeggert as Cinderella. Roseberry replicates the fallibility of the beanstalk climber, and I slowly found myself warming to Zeggert as well. Alexandra Ellis has an electric impact ambling onstage as Riding Hood, and Lisa Smith ably delivers the fireworks as the Witch. Candace Sorensen makes no big mistakes directing her large ensemble, who are so tight with the script, I'm encouraged to believe they've bonded with each other.

The sea of white costumes from Lisa Leibering is misguided, but the actors, musicians and scenery supply more than enough color in this exemplary community effort.