RHS performs ‘Into the Woods’
What happens when the stories of Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Little Red Riding and more mesh and intertwine in the woods? Theatre-lovers can find out by taking in the RHS’s performance of “Into the Woods” this week at the RCS Auditorium.
Russellville High School performing arts students don’t usually bring a spring musical to the stage. But when directors Patrice Smith and Emily Rush saw the talent and the effort put forth in “Mary Poppins” in the fall, they knew their students deserved an extra chance to shine.
“Each character is tasked with a journey to complete, and they intersect in the woods,” Smith explained. “This show highlights so many different students – we have 21 leads, so there are several opportunities to see our performers in solo and duet roles.”
Being able to showcase those individual talents is something that really sets this show apart from other productions, particularly when it comes to the music.
“Normally we have lots of big ensemble work,” Rush explained. “This show has lots of lead characters that intermingle, so that’s put a lot of responsibility on the students to have all these solos, and in the timing they are constantly coming in right on top of each other. It doesn’t slow down.”
One of Rush’s favorite numbers in the show is “Children Will Listen.” “The lyrics are really beautiful,” she said.
The show is largely a comedy, with strains of romance, adventure and even poignant moments. Senior Khem West, who plays Rapunzel’s Prince, said he feels it will be one of the best shows RHS has ever performed.
“Having four stories in one was a little overwhelming at first … It’s going to be a show to watch,” West said. He particularly enjoys his own role as Rapunzel’s Prince. “It’s amusing to watch. Cinderella’s Prince and Rapunzel’s Prince, as they’re brothers, they fight over how each other’s own princess is more important than the other, and they fight over which one goes through more (problems) than the other.”
Other seniors in this show are Lyndsie Lott, Konner Bendall and Leah Nix.
Smith said these students have worked hard to bring the show together, showing a level of dedication that shows their passion for theatre. “When they’re here, they are 100 percent focused on this show … They have to learn their lines, their blocking, their dance, their songs – everything that goes into it,” Smith said. “We rehearse every day in class from bell to bell, and then we have afterschool rehearsals as well.”
West said he would encourage people to come out and see it. “Everybody’s actions in the way they portray their characters will get the audience’s attention,” he said. “The show is going to come together really well Thursday and Friday.”
Performances will be Thursday and Friday at 6:30 p.m. Tickets are $5 at the door.
