Lizzie Swanson ‘28
Chief News Editor
Holy Cross’ Department of Theatre and Dance is currently showing Into The Woods. The cast and crew have been working on this production for months and The Spire was able to gain backstage access for the opening night of the show and experience the various insights into the technical side of the production. Running eight performances, students, faculty and community members alike are invited to visit the Prior Performing Arts Center, Luth Concert Hall. On Feb. 5-7 and 12-14, the production shows at 7:30pm. On the 8th and 15th, it shows at 2pm. The cast consists of 20 actors, ranging from first-years to seniors. Accompanying the actors are the talented backstage crew, orchestra in the pit and the light and sound technicians. Producing such a complex and talent filled show took months of preparation. Directed by Meaghan Deiter, a professor of Practice and Music Theory in Holy Cross’ Theatre and Dance Department, Deiter spoke to The Spire about where she drew her creative inspiration from. Last year the department put on Sweeney Todd. In an effort to switch up their creative direction, she chose Into The Woods. “Let’s go fairytale and as light-bright and fun as we can and not just do a traditional big brown Into The Woods. Woods can be whatever you want them to be, and they don’t have to be literal, which is kind of what the show is about.” Discussing the symbolism behind the production, Deiter continued, “We all go on these journeys and we discover things. Our set is very stylistic and not literal and a lot of fun! It’s like Pee Wee’s Playhouse!” Set in “A World Very Similar To Our Own” the curtains opened, revealing the intricate design.
Julia Divine ‘26 is a member of the backstage crew and works in wardrobe. “I think what people don’t realize is how long the designers have been working on this show. It’s been months and months of designing, building, and putting in so many hours – especially for this show because it’s so big and fun and technically complicated.” Meredith Brady ‘26, one of the assistant stage managers agreed and stated she was most excited for everyone to see the really good and fun choreography in the dances. The elaborate costumes and set design played an integral role in this production. The set reminded this author of the live action Barbie dreamhouse with its playful geometry and friendly design. The costumes, designed by Chelsea Kerl, are elaborately colorful. Ruffles, feathers, and bows galore, these eccentric outfits make this production seem like a fairytale come to life. The hair and makeup team is especially gifted in creating large and fun displays from the human canvas. Erin Ledwith ‘26 wore one of the most elaborate costumes of red and ruffles, her hair in two large ponytails, ribbon tied in the back, creating a “sewed in” look. Ledwith plays Little Red Riding Hood and stated, “People should come see the show because it is a really amazing retelling of so many classic fairy tales. The cast and crew have worked so incredibly hard on this production to make it something that no one has ever really seen before.”
One of the most notable performances was executed by Frank Amuso ‘26 as The Baker. His rich voice, deep in passion and craft told many stories of love, life, and friendship. When asked, Amuso was most excited to finally put the show on for a live audience after months of designing, planning, and rehearsing. Amuso continued, discussing where he drew his creative inspiration from. “I saw the Broadway Revival of Into The Woods back in 2023, and I love Brian Darcy James so seeing him as The Baker was great. There’s also the original production on YouTube, and Chip Zien is really great, so I’ve drawn inspiration from past bakers.” Emma Butler ‘26 who plays The Baker’s Wife helped create an exciting dynamic duo on stage with the help of Amuso. Butler’s performance was notably moving, eliciting goosebumps from this author in the reprise of “No One Is Alone” in the final act.
Many more duos took to the stage, their chemistry more than just believable, but a reality. The comedic relief team of Milky White (played by Nicole Sarmiento ‘26) and Jack (played by Connor Rizzo ‘29) left the audience in stitches with their physical comedy and impeccable chemistry. The two ‘heartthrob’ (but admittedly dense) princes played by Declan Boyle ‘29 and Andrew Percival ‘29 delivered a brotherly love built on chivalry and oftentimes arrogance. Their chemistry on stage was especially notable in their performance of “Agony”.
As a senior heavy cast, many took the time to reflect on how they plan to cherish the performances with their fellow cast members and friends. Tim St. John ‘26, plays the Prince’s Steward. He told The Spire “I am most excited to get to do a show with all my friends. It’s one of the last shows I’m able to do as I’m a senior and so I’m very excited that I get to share this experience with all of them. It’s my first time in a department show. Everyone is so talented, and I’m just happy to be a part of the team!” Close friend and fellow cast member, Emily Fox ‘26 shared similar remarks. Playing Cinderella’s Mother, Snow White, and Milky-ish White, Fox stated “This is a very feel good show so being able to be in it with some of my closest friends is really fun.”
Along with the wonderful production from the actors, the orchestra delivered outstanding performances with notable sounds from Lucio Garcia ‘28 and Sophia Olbrysh ‘28 on violin, Elaine Kelly ‘26 on the Flute/Piccolo, and Chris Maratea ‘28 on Bass Guitar. Sophia Olbrysh stated “The most fun part of being in the orchestra for the production was being able to share the fun music with the cast and audience, and getting to experience the show every night!”
The production, consisting of two acts and one intermission runs a little under 3 hours. As an accredited member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre, Holy Cross’ Department of Theatre and Dance encourages all to come see a performance before it’s too late. For more information, visit MyHC, the Department’s Instagram page, or register online to attend.
Featured image courtesy of the Prior Performing Arts Center
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