Character Breakdown of "Into The Woods, Jr."

		Cinderella Cinderella is at once beautiful, in a yet-to-be-discovered sort of way, and surprisingly clumsy and awkward. She persistently pursues her wish to go to the King's Festival, yet finds that "the Festival" ultimately does not meet her expectations. She should be able to sing well      and be funny. Jack Jack's own mother expresses her fear that Jack may not be the brightest boy. The fact that Jack's best friend is the family cow, Milky White, further brings into question his intelligence. However, Jack may enter the woods as a simple boy, but he leaves much more grown-up. You'll want to cast an actor capable of this transition. In addition to having many lines, Jack is responsible for singing two of the best-loved songs, "I Guess This is Goodbye" and "Giants in the Sky." Therefore, he should be an excellent singer and a good actor. Further, it helps to have a young man whose voice has not yet changed, although the score allows for a changed voice. This is a role that could conceivably be played by a young woman without changing the intended gender of the character. Good actor, excellent singer, capable of transitioning from a simple boy to a more grown-up young man Jack's Mother This woman is overworked, a bit frazzled, and overwhelmed with the tasks of raising a young boy, running a farm, and making ends meet. Jack's Mother is described physically as "not quite pretty" and should be comfortable playing frumpy. This is mainly an acting role and therefore requires an actress with an easily projected, authoritative voice. Good actress, strong speaking voice Baker The Baker changes the most as a result of his journey through the woods. At first  he is reluctant to seek the help of his wife. It is through the tribulations of gathering the Witch's items that the Baker realizes, in order to achieve his wish, it will take the  help of his wife. The Baker has one of the most difficult roles. He must be strong willed, yet the audience must like him; while he's denying the help of his wife, he must also portray a sense of needing and even wanting her help. The audience should never doubt the Baker is a good-hearted person, trying to do what is right. Strong actor, good singer Baker's Wife Into the Woods is truly an ensemble show. However, it is the Baker's Wife who drives the show forward and ties the characters together. The Baker's Wife is strong, determined, and patient. The audience should identify with her and root  for a successful fulfillment of her wish. The role requires excellent singing and acting, plus a good sense of comic timing. Excellent singer and actress, comic timing, determined and patient, drives the play forward  Little Red Ridinghood Pushy, bratty, over-fed, and spoiled best describe this character at the opening of the show. Her journey teaches her some very important lessons regarding strangers and trust. Little Red must be able to be loud vocally (think ANNIE gone very bad) and an actress able to be all the above, and still draw the audience's sympathy. Good actress, strong voice, pushy, bratty and spoiled   Witch The Witch begins the show as ugly, old, extremely aggressive, sarcastic, and powerful. Ultimately, she sacrifices her power for beauty. The Witch should be mysterious and mischievous, and yet we learn that she is really only doing what she thought was best for her child. The Witch is perhaps the ultimate "character" role and should be played by an actress able to physically and vocally interpret the role. Good actress, strong singer, mysterious, mischievous, mother to Rapunzel  Cinderella's Mother This role is a one scene wonder. The voice should be pleasant. Cinderella's Mother is a collection of remembered mannerisms and sayings Mysterious Man This role is all that the name implies. The role may be doubled by the Narrator, as on Broadway, or may be played by a different actor. Narrator This is the character who describes the action, but eventually gets involved...may be played by a woman- Engaging, charismatic, strong speaking voice, some singing, may double as Mysterious Man. Wolf The Wolf can be played any number of ways. However, he should be properly slimy and a bit creepy.  This role may be doubled by one of the Princes. GRANNY  Good speaking voice, fiesty and fierce, may be doubled with Cinderella's Mother  Rapunzel Rapunzel must stand up to her mother and eventually leave her for the world. The role requires an excellent high soprano voice. Steward   This servant to Cinderella's Prince is a nice featured role. Featured role, good singer Cinderella’s Family  the stepmother  Good actress, good singer, selfish, mean and nasty  lucinda             > Good actresses and singers, stepsisters to Cinderella-spoiled brats florinda      Cinderella’s father  Some group singing, seemingly no interest in his daughter's well-being, in one scene Rapunzel's Prince and cinderella's prince  Pompous, conceited, and self-absorbed are the best ways to describe these brothers. They should be able to carry themselves with confidence that defies the Richter scale. They also have a bit of sibling rivalry! Both should be good, solid singers.

2015 Season Presents: "Into the Woods, Jr."

March 2015

Dear Friends,

Happy Spring!!!!  Well...sort of.  I have now shoveled three times, and am getting ready for a fourth.  In order to avoid the inevitable, I thought it a perfect opportunity to take a moment and welcome you to the 2015 production of “Into The Woods, Jr.”  It is a wonderful and somewhat complex musical; mixing a variety of fairytale characters in such a way, that only Stephen Sondheim can do with elegance and grace.  Stephen Sondheim is musically challenging:  he writes tricky rhythms and melodies that go in unusual directions.  His material is well worth the work, but it does take some time.

I am attaching a rehearsal schedule.  Please check all dates and times.  The schedule may be altered depending on how well our cast members are learning the music, and the location may vary, depending the Art Center’s calendar of events.   

If your child is interested in a principal part, please contact me and I will schedule a time for an audition on March 21^st.

Just a gentle reminder, Flutterbye Theater Company is a non-profit organization and your support and energy guarantee's our success.  

There is a $135 theater donation for each cast member of Into The Woods, Jr. Checks should be made out to Flutterbye Theater Company and can be brought to the first weekend of rehearsals.  If you prefer to mail the donation, the address is: 727 Willow Grove Avenue, Glenside, Pa. 19038

The charity for the up coming production will be named at a later date!

Take Care,

Lys

“And you scramble down, and you look below at the world you left, and the things you know.

The roof, the house, and your mother at the door. The roof, the house, and the world you’d never thought to explore.  And you think of all the things you’d seen.  And you wish that you could live in-between.  And you’re back again, only different than before”

                                                                                                                                     ~Jack