Gilford High School prepares to perform 'Into the Woods'

GILFORD — The woods are beginning to come to life at Gilford High School, as the cast and crew of "Into the Woods" works toward their upcoming performances.

“The show is going really well,” said Director Matt Demko. “The kids are working hard, and we are at the point where the performances are really being polished. All of the cast members are dedicated and want this to be the best show possible. They have put a tremendous amount of work into this production, and I’m excited to see everything continue to come together over these final weeks.”

The work happening onstage is only one part of it.

Technical Director Scott Piddington and the GHS Theatre tech crew are hard at work transforming the stage into a storybook forest.

Costume Designer Karen Madon continues to create magical, fairy-tale-inspired costumes to will help bring the production’s collection of familiar characters to life.

For the students involved, the experience of creating "Into the Woods" has been both exciting and challenging.

“I believe that 'Into the Woods' is going to be one of Gilford’s best shows to date,” said Sophia Comeau, who plays the Witch. “The cast is amazing, the music is sounding better and better, and you can tell how much we all enjoy doing this show through our performances.”

Comeau has a special connection to the musical and the message behind it.

“'Into the Woods' is one of my personal favorite musicals, with a touching story and important message about being careful what you wish for, and remembering that no one is truly alone, and I cannot wait for the audience to see it and hopefully love it as much as I do.”

Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s "Into the Woods" features some of the most recognizable fairytale characters, including Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, the witch, and the baker and his wife. Each heads into the woods in pursuit of a wish, only to discover that getting exactly what they wish for does not always lead to happily ever after.

At its heart, "Into the Woods" is a story about wishes, choices, consequences, family, community, and the realization that even when the path becomes difficult, no one has to travel through the woods alone.

"Into the Woods" performances at Gilford High School are at 7 p.m. on Nov. 13-14 and 20-21.

For tickets and more information, visit gilford.ludus.com.