At the heart of any theatrical performance is the guiding hand of an Artistic Team that takes charge of the production process and shapes almost every aspect of the show.
Today, we pay homage to the Into The Woods Artistic Team: Producer Cindi Armer-Almeida, Director Rick Smith, Music Director Andrew Petrasiunas, and Stage Manager Cameron Johnston and his Assistants, Sharon Lindenburger, Teri May, and Janice Van Dasler.
A big THANK YOU to these folks for all they have done to ensure the success of Silver Spotlight Theatre’s third production, Into The Woods.
There are still three opportunities to see this great show that audiences are raving about. For tickets, contact the Grand Theatre Box Office 519-672-8800 https://www.grandtheatre.com/event/mtp-woods
After writing and posting about it for the past several months in my role as Publicity and Program Head, I finally got to see Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Into The Woods on Wednesday night.
One adjective describes what I experienced: MAGICAL!
An outstanding cast, fabulous sets, costumes, and effective lighting combine with the play’s in the round staging to bring Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning musical to life.
Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods opens Thursday, November 21
LONDON, ON – After months of rehearsal and preparation, the curtain will lift on Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Tony Award-winning Into The Woods on Thursday, November 21 at the Auburn Theatre.
“Our team has worked tirelessly over these past several months getting the show ready to bring to an audience. We look forward to welcoming them as we journey Into the Woods,” says Cindi Armer-Almeida, the show’s producer.
Into The Woods is a playful and enchanting yet perilous woodland adventure that follows some of the Brothers Grimm’s most beloved fairytale characters like Cinderella, Jack, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, a wolf, a giant, and even a handsome prince or two, as they search for their wishes. Their stories collide in the woods where things do not always appear as they seem.
When patrons walk through the doors of the Auburn Theatre for Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods, they will notice something radically different about the show’s staging. Eschewing the traditional rows of seats and proscenium staging, the production uses a theatre-in-the-round approach that immerses the audience in the action. Director Rick Smith says this approach provides a more intimate setting for audiences and lets them experience the show from a different angle, literally and figuratively.
Co-founded by Art Fidler and Rick Smith in 2022, Silver Spotlight Theatre is a branch of London’s Musical Theatre Productions. It features and is produced by performers and staff 55+ with a mission of presenting full-scale Broadway musicals. Its two previous shows, Babes In Arms (2023) and Grease (2024) played to Sold Out houses.
Into The Woods Is presented through a special Music Theatre International (MTI) arrangement. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.www.mtishows.com.
Media Inquiries: Richard Young, Into The Woods Publicity & Program Head, 519-432-6986, richardyoung51@rogers.com
When patrons walk through the doors of the Auburn Theatre for Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods, they will notice something radically different about the show’s staging. Eschewing the traditional rows of seats and proscenium staging, the production uses a theatre-in-the-round approach that immerses the audience in the action.
Director Rick Smith says this approach provides a more intimate setting for audiences and lets them experience the show from a different angle, literally and figuratively.
“I am always looking for a new take on a show that is familiar to audiences. I tried in-the-round with the 2018 production of Hello Dolly which received numerous compliments. With a story-telling show like this, I want to capture the audience’s attention and draw them into the stories,” says Smith. “In-the-round staging provides the performers and designers opportunities to learn new ways to perform and tell the story. It is an interesting way to tell and witness this Sondheim classic musical.”
In his role as the show’s Stage Manager, Cameron Johnston is the central hub through which all information for the show passes. He communicates with every department and knows every technical detail about the production.
“When you are up in the booth calling a show, you’re focusing on what is happening in each quadrant of the stage, every moment of the show. But when a show is being done in-the-round, not only do you have to be more focused than usual because the cast is more active on stage, but you are seeing the audience’s reactions as well. The Stage Manager doesn’t see that when doing a show with proscenium staging,” says Johnston. “The Assistant Stage Managers are busier too because there is so much happening both on- and off-stage, and that action can be very close to the specific entrance or exit points where they are working. It’s challenging but also exhilarating. Kind of like driving on the 401 across the top of Toronto.”
Into The Woods is a playful and enchanting yet perilous woodland adventure that follows some of the Brothers Grimm’s most beloved fairytale characters like Cinderella, Jack, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, a wolf, a giant, and even a handsome prince or two, as they search for their wishes. Their stories collide in the woods where things do not always appear as they seem.
The play opens at the Auburn Theatre on November 21 and continues until December 1, 2024. Tickets are available at www.grandtheatre.com/event/mtp-woods
Co-founded by Art Fidler and Rick Smith in 2022, Silver Spotlight Theatre is a branch of London’s Musical Theatre Productions. It features and is produced by performers and staff 55+ with a mission of presenting full-scale Broadway musicals. Its two previous shows, Babes In Arms (2023) and Grease (2024) played to Sold Out houses.
Into The Woods Is presented through a special Music Theatre International (MTI) arrangement. All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.www.mtishows.com.
Media Inquiries: Richard Young, Into The Woods Publicity & Program Head, 519-432-6986, richardyoung51@rogers.com
Meet Kate Milner. Kate plays the Witch in Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Into The Woods.
“From a magical first glimpse of Annie at the O’Keefe Centre at age eight, I was hooked on the thrill of live theatre. Gifted the cast album for Christmas, I memorized every line, and filled the house with show-stopping belting—sorry, Mom and Dad!
After spending high school staying off the stage as a stage manager, I stepped onto the stage for the first time at Queen’s University in Camelot, and the rest is history. I have had the opportunity to share the stages at Scarborough Musical Theatre, London Community Players, and more, while also sharing my passion behind the scenes as a director, music director, and vocal coach.
A couple of years ago, Art Fidler and Rick Smith shared their exciting vision for Silver Spotlight Theatre – a theatre company just for those over fifty-five. I was instantly on board! After a little wait, the stars aligned when auditions for Into the Woods fell on my fifty-fifth birthday. What better way to celebrate than diving into one of my favorite shows with a fantastic group of like-minded, creative souls? I couldn’t resist the opportunity!
To anyone considering the enchanting world of community theatre, I say: Jump in! Be bold! Embrace the unknown and let the magic sweep you away!”
Kate
Silver Spotlight Theatre’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods, opens on November 21 and runs until December 1 at the Auburn Theatre. For tickets and more information, visit https://www.mtplondon.ca/into-the-woods
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