T H E AT E R
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INTO THE WILD
Cameron Jones, DVM
Barbara Maki, DVM
Cary Heyward, DVM
ACE vet Mark VanBeever
goes happily never after with Into the Woods
strange species of magical realism pervades Stephen Sondheim’s Into the
Woods, a darkly funny musical that mashes up a handful of our most familiar
fairy tales into a salty stew of deviant psychology and romantic dissatisfaction.
Keeping the outward trappings of the fables intact, Sondheim douses them with
the realpolitik of reality. Hence, Cinderella finds her Prince only so-so, Little
Red Riding Hood is a snarky brat and Rapunzel, left alone too long in her tower, is a
neurotic mess. The musical deconstructs the Disneyfication of Grimm, putting the lie to
decades of sugar-spun wish fulfillment.
There is no better company in town to mount this Sondheim classic than Actors
Cabaret of Eugene, and no better director to tackle it than ACE veteran Mark VanBeever,
who makes this production his swan song after 15 years with the theater. It’s a glorious
farewell. From the smoothly choreographed set pieces to the aces-up casting to the
rousing musical numbers, Into the Woods bears VanBeever’s stamp all over it — a distinct
combination of smarts, humor, technical savvy and that aura of joy which reveals an
unflagging love for musical theater.
Sondheim, with his intricate compositions, presents an uncommon challenge for any
director, and VanBeever is not only up to it; he owns it, with a confidence and enthusiasm
that spreads into every nook and cranny of the production.
Enthusiasm itself casts a sort of spell, and VanBeever’s gusto seems to enchant the
show’s entire cast, which plays things just right — never too serious, never too silly.
Alexis Myles, previously seen as Ti Moune in ACE’s Once On This Island, is damn near
perfect as Cinderella, all street smarts and thwarted hopes. Emily Westlund is a hoot as
Riding Hood, transforming this traditional innocent into an entitled teen full of defiant
sass. Traci Knights is grand as the Witch, and Zach Ropp and Tony Coslett create great
comic chemistry as the princes, a pair of brotherly gallants driven by the insatiable need
to pursue every fair maiden. Also good are Tera Ponce (Rapunzel), Cody Mendonca and
Melissa Miller (Jack and his mom), Gene Chin and Cindy Kenny (Baker and his wife), as
well as Beth Milton, Will Vanderbilt, India Potter and Bryana Smith as Cinderella’s
adoptive family.
There seems no better tribute to VanBeever and his tenure at ACE than filling the seats
for this lovely production of Into the Woods. It’s the least we can do for this fine artist in
our midst.
A
Appointments Available 8am-6pm Weekdays 9am-4pm Saturday
info@amazonparkvet.com • 541-485-0161 • 725 E. 25th Ave. Eugene
“Dangerous and provocative, but
pulverizingly funny to boot" —Variety
“Strong, ferociously smart play" —NY Times
Clybourne
Park
by Bruce Norris
Pulitzer Prize & Tony Award
Winning Comedy
Directed by Craig Willis
May 9 - June 1
Now in our new theatre!
194 West Broadway
Tickets: 541-465-1506
or octheatre.org
Into the Woods runs through May 31 at Actors Cabaret of Eugene; $16-$42.95. Visit actorscabaret.org/tickets for tickets.
T H E
Thanks to our sponsors:
PROM
JOANNE BROH Band w/Deb Cleveland and Gus Russell
Jivin’ Johnny from KRVM
Fun contests: Limbo | Costume | Dance
Photo Booth | Silent Auction | Over 21 only
- Vet’s Club Ballroom
A Benefit for KindTree-Autism Rocks
Summer Camps start July 7!
Shakespeare Camp, July 7 - 19
(Grades 7-12)
Fractured Fairytales, July 21 - Aug. 2
(Grades 3 - 6)
Register at www.octheatre.org or call (541) 684.6988
eugeneweekly.com • March 8, 2014
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