“Life is a journey, not a destination.” Ralph Waldo Emerson
On the surface, Into the Woods is a creatively blended story of some of the most beloved fairy tales set to the magnificent lyrics and music of world renowned composer, Stephen Sondheim. But like all great fairy tales, it contains light and darkness, becoming a metaphor for our own personal journeys in life: what paths we take, what wishes we make and ultimately what we discover along the way in regards to love, loss, values, choices, and responsibility. Each or our journeys can have a profound effect on everything around us. And of course our journeys never truly end. Past decision and actions, both large and small, can come back to haunt us. Like the characters in the show, in life, we continually find ourselves having to return to the woods, faced with new challenges, new perspectives and choices.
Stephen Sondheim’s beautiful lyrics and powerful message are what drew me to this script and I’m very fortunate to have such committed and passionate students to have on this journey. There is nothing that compares to the dedication that high school students have for their art and I wish everyone could witness the growth, passion, and magic I’m lucky enough to be inspired by each time I direct.
I would like to thank all parents that helped in any way to make this show a possibility; without you I would have lost my mind a long time ago. I would also like to thank my family and friends for being so supportive of the hours I work and for pretending to listen to all the funny stories about the teenagers I work with.
Last, but definitely not least, I would like to thank you, the audience. Without you there would be no show and our lives would not be the same. We owe all our memories, friendships, and lessons learned to those sitting in front of us tonight. As Stephen Sondheim has said, “Musicals are plays, but the last collaborator is your audience, so you’ve got to wait ‘til the last collaborator comes in before you can complete the collaboration.” We hope you can take something along with you as you leave the theatre tonight and venture back onto your journey through “the woods”! Enjoy the show!
- Michelle Moll, Director
