Into the Woods is unique in my passion for musical theatre because it is classic storytelling with a fantastic score. I was driven to keep the original Broadway director's vision, James Lapine's magical production with slick movement and vignettes that capture and highlight the characters' emotions, wants, and humanity. My goal was to challenge each student to journey into themselves to find what they are truly looking for as a character. The driving apex of each character is removing the creation of fear they dwell in and replacing it with a perspective of love.
Who would have guessed that after ninety D99 students auditioned in January, forty-two of them, some brand new to musical theater, could come together and become a community of thespians, friends, and FAMILY!
I am truly honored and so proud of all of our cast members who have diligently showed up for rehearsal 4 to 5 days a week, trudged through countless times of singing, dancing, and line practice. They have had to hear our team at various times saying, “We need you to be louder,” and “Be your character!” “What in your life has made you feel the way your character feels right now? but the kids listened, and here we are, set and ready for District 99’s production of "Into the Woods, Jr."
I give a huge THANK YOU to all the families who made sure their children got to rehearsal these last four months. We know it was asking a lot, and we are very grateful you were there to help your child keep the discipline of theatre commitment a high priority in your busy lives.
To my production team, Mr. Ansani, Mr. Green, Mrs. Morales, Mrs. Cornier, Ms. Mendez, and Mr. Henley...I could not have asked for a better team to create this show and to bring the best out of our students. I have directed many musicals for students, and our Into the Woods, Jr. is at the top. Thank you for it.
Finally, to my most beautiful, dedicated, and talented cast of Into the Woods...You each have a part to play in the story of my heart for musical theatre: I love you for that. Thank you for exceeding my expectations of what each character could be as you played your part. I hope that when you looked to me, I gave you a direction for which way to turn and learn what to be, and I never said, "Listen to me!" If and when our audience applauds me, please know it is because of each of you.
You have a beautiful show; thank you for making magic. Break a leg!
Joel Duran
Director
