A talkback with the cast of "Into the Woods"

The second weekend of October, 2019, Viterbo University’s production of “Into the Woods” premiered. The first of Viterbo’s main-stage productions and the final show to feature costumes designed by Jeff Stolz. It is a Stephen Sondheim classic, with music sure to have those in attendance humming along the entire run, followed by the car ride home and throughout the next few days.

It’s the show everyone knows; however, true fans were amazed to see a more modern aesthetic to their familiar fairytale world. “I was looking for a way to fall in love with ‘Into the Woods,’” explained Matthew Campbell, director. “The show resonates with our modern society; therefore, I wanted to strip away the fairy-tale aspect.”

Most unique to this set was there were no tall trees or branches; instead the plural word “woods” stood on top of mobile pillars. “No matter their position of these letters, you know what word they spell,” continued Campbell, “though it reads different at points in the show, the woods are always around us.”

One thing the audience did expect was the use of puppetry in this show; however, not to the degree Campbell’s production required. “All of our animals are puppets,” stated Campbell.

Cale Rausch, who played a Prince, puppeted the wolf along with partner, Jack Sharrer. He explained, “Puppeteering was a definitely new to me; but I was excited to take on the challenge.”

As stated previously by Campbell, “Into the Woods” was a show intended to resonate with modern society. This was a topic many of the actors were excited to comment on. “Just because you got your wish doesn’t guarantee that all your problems are resolved,” deduced Laura Fegely, who played Granny.

Julia Harlos, Rapunzel, added, “Every run of the show I learn something new; the text continues to speak to me in different ways.”

What truly showcases this point is the second act. As Sharrer, who also played a prince, explained, “In the first act, everyone gets what they wanted; as is what happens in fairytales. But the second is what makes these characters human.”

In the second act, everything seems to fall in disarray, a situation Sage Hovet, who played Little Red, related, “My character had no stake in the ‘bean game’; however, sometimes the problems that surround you are out of your control.”

The costumes are stunning; no words can describe them. The designs, a final gift from the late Jeff Stolz. “The designs of these costumes were all Jeff,” Campbell stated proudly, “we dedicate all performances to his memory.”

For the students themselves “it was an honor to wear his designs one last time,” remarked Lauren Johnson, the witch. Kai Judd, the baker, happily recounted how “Jeff cared so much about details; he wanted to get it just right, every time. In carrying out his designs, we paid respect to that and I think he’d be proud.”

It was most apparent to the audience how much Stolz meant to each member of this production. Katrina Walt, step-sister, put it best when she stated, “In doing each show, Jeff was always on our minds. Sometimes people leave you as you journey halfway through the woods; however, they are never lost.”