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Lost in a Thicket

Photo by Alan Wentworth

Forest Angst: Stacy K. Stafford and Robert Prentice

'Into the Woods' runs hot and cold at SJSU

By Heather Zimmerman

You never know what can happen in the woods, Stephen Sondheim contends in Into the Woods, and the same idea applies in San Jose State University Theatre's current production of Sondheim's celebrated (and seemingly ubiquitous) musical of cautionary fairy tales. As a generally solid cast romps its way through the trials of life (a.k.a. the woods), it becomes clear that inconsistency is the most powerful force at work in this forest. Although some uneven casting proves a distraction, more erratic are the musical numbers, which sometimes creatively and comically explore the songs but in other instances are choreographed into chaos. Unfortunately, the biggest detraction from the actors' performances is the fact that--due to an inadequate sound system--much of the production is virtually inaudible (even from my third-row seat).

If it's true that comedy is more difficult than drama, this is a strong cast indeed; overall, the actors demonstrate an unusual penchant for the comic. True, a good deal of the show's drama is lost in scenes of overwrought melodrama, but not a quip of the comedy is missed. Particularly fun are "Hello, Little Girl," a suggestive encounter between a wonderfully bratty Little Red Riding Hood (Jennifer M. Fagundes) and her infamous Wolf (Jim Molinaro) and "Agony," an ode to self-pity with Cinderella's Prince (Molinaro) and Rapunzel's Prince (Erik Holland), two arrogant brothers who undoubtedly never skip their charm lessons. Izetta Fang's portrayal of the prickly but slightly misunderstood Witch renders her a sympathetic character as well as a wisecracking sorceress who steals many a scene. As the hapless Baker and the Baker's Wife, Brad Hawkins and Michelle Jenée give enjoyable performances and become dependable figures who often anchor scenes that otherwise verge on confusion.

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Into the Woods plays Thursday-Saturday at 7pm and Sunday at 1pm through Nov. 19 at San Jose State University Theatre. Tickets are $7-$15. (408/924-4555).


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