This year, Hawthorn’s annual Upper School play whisked audiences away with Into the Woods JR., Stephen Sondheim’s enchanting musical fairy tale. With three captivating performances on May 1st, 2nd, and 3rd, the show brought laughter, music, and a bit of theatrical chaos to our gymnasium-turned-magical-forest.
Under the brilliant direction of Christine (’25) and Rocio (’25) – a powerhouse pair who have been directing since Grade 10 – our talented cast and crew delivered a production full of heart, humour, and fairy tale twists.
The story, a re-imagining of classic Brothers Grimm tales, featured beloved characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his infamous beanstalk), and a very memorable Witch. Through witty lyrics and rich storytelling, the musical explored the topic of wishes… and the consequences of getting exactly what you ask for. The audience was delighted at every turn, as laughter echoed through the “forest” during each performance.
But how did this magical production come together? It all started with auditions. Students eager to land a role selected a song from a curated list and performed it for Christine, Miss Ducepec, and Dr. Helmers. After the initial round, selected students were called back to sing specific songs from the play, matched to parts the directors believed suited them best. In total, twenty actors were cast, each bringing something unique to the stage. Rocio, already co-director, pulled off a dramatic behind-the-scenes feat by stepping in to play the Wolf, memorizing everything in just one day!
Meanwhile, Joaquin Padolina not only made a very convincing cow costume but also managed costume adjustments and set design, with help from the ever-resourceful backstage crew, who pitched in painting the scenery. Rocio also took charge of styling each character’s look, ensuring every detail was stage-ready.
Rehearsals kicked off in March, with actors practicing after school from 3:30 p.m. to 5:00 p.m. But as opening night drew closer, the intensity ramped up. In April, the entire cast and crew stayed until 6:00 p.m. every weekday, and in the final two weeks, rehearsals stretched to 6:30 p.m. The dedication and energy poured into each session were evident on stage.
There were challenges, of course, as some actors had to adapt their vocal range for male roles, and everyone had to adjust quickly when the stage was finally assembled. But with every blooper and backstage moment, the cast grew closer, cheering each other on and sharing plenty of laughs.
Speaking of bloopers, there were a few unforgettable ones! On opening night, right after an announcement was made that there would be some haze during the play, someone accidentally kicked the smoke machine… straight into the crowd! Needless to say, the audience got a little more of an “immersive” theatre experience than expected. During another show, Chiara (our Cinderella) flung her shoe so enthusiastically that it flew into the audience! Quite a fitting fairy tale moment with a modern twist.
A huge thank you goes out to Dr. Helmers, our tireless Faculty Supervisor, and to everyone at Hawthorn who helped turn this dream into a reality. The overwhelming support from our community cheering us on, laughing at our jokes, and clapping through every song and scene, reminded us just how lucky we are to be part of such an encouraging family.
As the curtain fell and the final notes played, our tears were truly tears of joy and gratitude. Into the Woods JR. was more than a play, it was a celebration of the magic that happens when people come together to tell a story.
