This Thursday, March 12th, the Abington High School Drama Club opens their new show, Into The Woods! This cast and crew have been hard at work since January to put together another bound-to-be amazing show. They will be having four viewings of their show, Thursday the 12th at 7:00 PM, Friday the 13th at 7:00 PM, and two shows on Saturday the 14th at 1:00 PM and 6:00 PM. Tickets will be sold online at CUR8.com, and cash only at the door ($15).

In brief, Into The Woods is the story of 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 with disastrous results.

I was very fortunate to be able to interview Drama Club co-advisors Ms. Mullen and Mr. Leonelli, along with music director Ms. Harrison. I additionally interviewed cast members Olivia Nunes, Jake Martins, and Gregory Fish for their thoughts on the show.

Interview with Ms. Mullen, Ms. Harrison, & Mr. Leonelli

Michelangelo-Umile: For those who don’t know, who are you and what role do you take on in the Drama club?

Mullen: My name is Ms. Mullen, and I’m the director, choreographer, and co-advisor for the Abington High School Drama Club. I work with our students throughout the entire production process—from auditions and rehearsals to helping shape the storytelling and choreography on stage. I also help support the amazing work happening behind the scenes by supporting our stage manager, Elise Libby, who has done so much for this production. It’s really a collaborative effort, and I get to work with an incredible group of students who bring the whole production to life.

Harrison: I’m Ms. Harrison, and I teach Chorus and other music electives here at Abington Middle and High School. During the musical I take on the role of Music Director. That role can look a little different depending on the show we select, but generally I make sure the cast is prepared on their music, provide individual vocal coaching, and edit music to ensure the show runs as smoothly as possible.

Leonelli: My name is Tim Leonelli and I’m the Co-Advisor for the Drama Club, along with Ms. Susan Mullen, and Producer for the upcoming “Into The Woods” production! I’m in charge of everything that happens behind and off the stage, including finances, equipment, storage, programs, marketing…you name it! Ms. Mullen is in charge of the artistic vision, and everything that happens on stage!

Michelangelo-Umile: Why pick Into The Woods as this year’s musical?

Mullen: This year I chose Into the Woods because it’s a show our program has never produced before, so it felt like an exciting opportunity for our drama club. We also have an especially talented group of students this year, including many remarkable vocalists, and we wanted to choose a musical that would challenge them and allow their talents to really shine. Into the Woods requires strong storytelling, musical precision, and emotional depth, so it was the perfect fit for this group. Last year during our last Once Upon a Mattress mic check, we allowed students to sing songs from any show they wanted. So many chose Into the Woods, so I knew there was an interest in the show.

Harrison: Ms. Mullen had narrowed the show down to a few great choices, and I was in full support of choosing Into the Woods! I’m a big fan of Sondheim musicals. The music is notoriously tricky, but so beautifully and intentionally written. This show has a bit of everything: humor, drama, and suspense! I think this show provides a great opportunity to showcase the talent we have here at AHS.

Leonelli: When Ms. Mullen was considering the shows that could be picked, two challenges came up – 1) How can we feature as many students as possible to take the stage, and 2) How can we continue to push the program? Into The Woods floated to the top – and here we are!

Michelangelo-Umile: What are you hoping for people to take away from the show after they’ve seen it; what have you taken away from it?

Mullen: I hope audiences walk away not only entertained, but also with an appreciation for the incredible work our students have put into this production. I also personally love the soundtrack and story of Into the Woods, and I think the message of the show is really powerful. Throughout the story, each character learns that their actions have consequences, and even though they all come from different backgrounds, they each have their own struggles and successes. I think that message really comes together in the song No One Is Alone, which reminds us that even when we feel isolated during difficult moments, the truth is we’re never truly alone—there is always “someone on your side.”

Harrison: Every night that I get to watch rehearsal I notice details I hadn’t before that have helped me understand why this musical is so beloved. I know most audience members will only see the show once, but I encourage people to pay attention to every little thing. The writers did an amazing job putting so much information and feeling into such a fast-moving show. Whether it is choices the composer has made to give the audience a clue through the music, the very real life lessons the story touches on, or the ability to show how perspectives change.

Leonelli: I will say that for our families and community members visiting us this weekend – enjoy the ride! This is a phenomenal show with plenty of happy endings and surprises…and the music and lyrics are top notch! The work of the cast and crew is commendable and inspirational, and the work of the staff is truly admirable!

Michelangelo-Umile: What do you enjoy about your role in the drama club, why do you do it?

Mullen: What I enjoy most is watching the program continue to grow each year. More and more students are finding a place in the AHS Drama community, whether they’re on stage or working behind the scenes. Seeing them collaborate, develop their talents, and gain confidence throughout the process is incredibly rewarding. Being part of that journey and watching everything come together for the final performance is why I love doing it. As an AHS Drama alum myself, I know how much the drama program meant to me as a student, so I love being able to share that experience with a new generation of students.

Harrison:I love that I get to have a role in sharing the art form that gave me so such as a student with the next generation. It brings me a lot of joy to be able to work with both my current students and the students I don’t get to see every day. I choose to do this because I know what it means to have a space where you can feel valued and cared for. There are many spaces in school where students can find that, I just happened to find that through music and theater.

Leonelli: WHY am I involved with both AHS AND AMS?! That’s a great question…I’m secretly a theater geek, and I love what storytellers can do (both production and performances) to make magic on stage! I’ve seen about 75 productions the past 3 years between shows in New York City and in Boston. While the both AMS and AHS Drama Clubs are separate from the Music Department, I believe that a better collaboration between the two can result in better retention, recruitment of music ensembles, better calendar coordination (more options for students after school), and better music and dance performances!

Interview with Oliva Nunes, Jake Martins, & Gregory Fish

Michelangelo-Umile: Who are you, and what role do you play in the show?

Nunes: My name is Olivia Nunes and I play the Giantess and Milky White.

Martins: I am Jake Martins, and I am in the ensemble in Into The Woods.

Fish: My name is Gregory Fish, and I play the Baker in Into The Woods.

Michelangelo-Umile: Why did you decide to audition; did anything specific attract you to the show?

Nunes :I decided to audition because I love theater and love to perform, and Into the Woods is a great show that I have watched before so I was extra excited that we were performing Into the Woods!

Martins: I decided to audition because I love getting to be a part of the AHS productions and I thought the show would be fun to be in.

Fish: I’ve been doing theatre with AHS drama for all of highschool, so auditioning felt like a given, since the community is where I feel I belong, and I couldn’t give up the opportunity to be part of a musical with such wonderful people.

Michelangelo-Umile: So far, what have you taken away from the show; what do you hope others take from it?

Nunes: From this show, I have learned, and I hope others learn that actions have consequences, and to be careful about what you wish for, because it might not be what you want. I also want people to learn how hard these people have worked and how hard it is to get this show together, and that they should be excited to see a great show.

Martins: Throughout this whole experience, I have taken away that this is a hard show for a high school to put on, so I appreciate all of the hard work that has been going on behind the scenes. I hope people take away that they feel like they are in the show and feeling like they are a part of the story themselves, and have a great time watching the show.

Fish: I’ve learned a lot about patience and how learning doesn’t happen overnight. Sondheim [the writer and composer of Into The Woods] shows are extremely difficult when it comes to music, and it’s been a challenge that I’ve enjoyed taking on with this group. I hope the audience will see how hard we’ve worked to bring this show to life, and I hope that the message of finding hope even in somber places reaches the people that need to hear it. It’s a beautiful show, with a lot of incredible stories wound into one.

Michelangelo-Umile:What do you enjoy most about drama club, why do you do it?

Nunes: In drama club, I enjoy the community of people, because everyone is so accepting and welcoming, and everyone is so kind, even if you make a mistake! If you are looking for something where you perform on stage, and are in a great community, definitely join drama next year!

Martins: In Drama Club, I love getting to step into a role and see my friends at rehearsal. I’ve also been a part of the AHS Drama Club since 7th grade so it feels like a big part of my high school career.

Fish: I enjoy drama club because it’s the kind of club that becomes part of who you are. The people in the club have influenced how I see the world, how I see myself, and how much I appreciate music and art. It’s been the pleasure of a lifetime to be involved in something this fulfilling and inspiring.

Be sure to come see AHS Drama Club put on Into The Woods this week, Thursday-Saturday! There’s only four chances to see this talented cast put on an absolutely amazing performance! Once again, tickets are sold online at CUR8.com, or cash only at the door ($15)! To the cast and crew, break a leg out there!