Players Journeyed Into the Woods

At the end of March, SCH Players presented four spectacular performances of Into the Woods by James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim. The story follows a Baker and his wife who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later. 

Senior Sarah Shoff played the role of Cinderella in the production. “Without knowing anything about the show, dismissing it as a story just for children is easy,” she said. “But its larger themes of found family, personal responsibility, and goodness versus kindness are so universal that anyone can find something meaningful in the story, no matter their background.” 

The show uniquely showcased the many talented students at SCH, with first-year students through seniors sharing the spotlight in the various lead roles, along with an energetic and engaging choral ensemble. Taking on Sondheim is no easy feat, and the SCH Players students tackled a challenging musical score that pushed them as both musicians and performers. 

Senior Elizabeth Shoff, who played the Baker’s wife in the production, expressed how much she learned during the process. “It was so rewarding being able to play this character and learning to navigate her selfish tendencies and unstable marriage," she said. "It really tested me as an actress, and I learned to make her character my own and incorporate my habits into her lines and mannerisms.”

Into the Woods was also uniquely demanding from a technical standpoint, and crew students worked tirelessly building and creating life-size trees, puppets, and special effects in the show.

Congratulations to the cast and crew! Families can see photos from the show, here.