I wish...
Since being hired at Manasquan, I have always wished to someday produce Into the Woods on the Jack Nicholson Stage. The first time I stepped foot into the theatre in 2020, I was welcomed by the well-known characters of Jack, Cinderella, Little Red, and the Witch as they adorned the walls on canvas. I remember thinking it was a sign. Into the Woods was one of my favorites and, at the time, the only musical I had been a part of outside of my high school theatre experience. Of all shows to be represented in a theatre, the images of this musical comforted me during a time where everything and everyone was new and unknown.
As you walk into our library, nestled in the woods, you might remember hearing the beloved "No One is Alone" sung on this stage in 1996 or as recently as 2021. When devising Silver Linings in the 2020-2021 school year, we created a show about hope, fun, and love when suffering and loss surrounded so many. There was never a doubt that the iconic song "No One is Alone" should be a part of that story. We never would have thought Silver Linings held another easter egg like it did with "Dancing Queen" and Mamma Mia!
I lost track of how often I was questioned about our intentions with ITW. It has always delighted me when I assure people, "Yes, we are performing both acts of the musical!" This story is rich, hopeful, complicated, and more relevant to our high school students than one might think.
Act 1 is a colorful depiction of what the woods might look like when all of your favorite characters from childhood cross paths. Act 2 takes on a different palette. The fairytale creatures' lives start to mirror our own. Suddenly, we are no longer distracted by fun and wonder. As an audience member, we are reminded of our first heartbreak and how it is merely a moment to us now. We might think back to the joy and stress of bringing our newborn baby home, loving them more than anything, yet wishing for hours of sleep. We think of the those who passed too soon, "halfway through the wood." The characters are suddenly relatable through their grief, mistakes, and misfortunes. ITW demands to be shared at the High School level in its entirity. As our students journey into their futures, they will face heartbreak, loss, and the choice between what is right and what is easy. It will soon be up to them to decide if nice is different than good.
The characters teach us that it is okay to be flawed, that we can own up to our mistakes, and that we cannot let our pride stand in our way. As we travel through life's most difficult moments, we can advocate for ourselves, rely on our friends, and persevere. Everyone can find a lesson within the pages of this story and leave the theatre with questions, answers, and comfort knowing that you are not alone in your feeling.
My seniors... the brave, dedicated seniors. Many of you took a chance on a club, on me, to lead you through a show with no name, no script, and no budget. You are the reason that Into the Woods is possible today. Without your hours in the dance and choral classroom, dedication toward dialogue and character work, and the selflessness of those who work backstage, we could not take on a force this great. Thank you for always remembering the lessons from freshman year. You are never alone and have helped forge a drama club where no one feels as if they are. Your collaboration, innovation, tenacity, flexibility, and talent have inspired me to dig into directing and to believe in myself. I can never thank you enough. Please never forget your home here with the Mansquan High School Drama Club. You are a part of this family forever.
"Sometimes people leave you, halfway through the wood. Do not let it grieve you, no one leaves for good. You are not alone. No one is alone."
Miss Maddi Schille
Director
