NORWALK, Conn. — Ponus Ridge STEAM Academy Drama Club students are in the stretch run as they gear up to stage two performances of “Into the Woods Jr.” next week.
The shows will take place at Ponus Ridge, 21 Hunters Lane, on Friday, April 4, at 7 p.m. and Saturday, April 5, at 2 p.m.
“Into the Woods Jr.” follows a Baker and his wife, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (from “Jack and the Beanstalk”) and several more well-known characters as they navigate a world of fairy tales and wishes, learning about consequences and the true meaning of “happily ever after.”
A total of 30 cast members, 12 crew members, and two student choreographers have been working hard getting ready for the show.
“Musically, ‘Into the Woods’ (or any Stephen Sondheim show) is very challenging, especially for young voices,” said co-director Maggie Ferrari, who has taught at Ponus Ridge for 22 years.
“As a musical director, you hold off on shows like these until you know you have a strong enough core group of singers to pull it off and put the work in. We had that this year, so instead of focusing on a show that showcases one or two stronger leads, this was a good choice to showcase more,” added Ferrari, who has directed shows at Ponus since 2006.
When asked what she enjoys most about working on stage productions with middle school students, co-director Lisa Marsillio pointed to seeing the kids find joy and friendship in theater—something she experienced as a student.
“I was really into performing when I was in school, and I found so much joy in the camaraderie of working together to bring a story to life on stage,” said Marsillio, who is also the library media specialist at Ponus.
“I love seeing the students find their passion and joy and watching them work together. It’s hard work, and they are so proud of themselves by the end. I also love to see the friendships that develop in the process,” continued Marsillio. “Middle school students often have a hard time finding themselves, and being able to provide a safe place to explore their creativity, develop confidence, and build skills is so meaningful.”
Ferrari echoed that sentiment, observing, “I enjoy watching students discover their self-confidence by hard work, group work, dedication,n and persistence.”
Along with Ferrari and Marsillio, Lauren Brown, an 8th grade ELA teacher at Ponus Ridge, is helping with the show as the head of the design and backstage crew.
According to the directors, the lead roles in the show are occupied mainly by 7th and 8th graders, with a group of 6th and 7th graders in the ensemble.
“The students have put so much time and effort into compiling this production. They are talented, yes, but the true magic of the stage takes hard work and dedication,” said Marsillio.
“Watching this cast and crew come together, support each other, and put in the time and work has been incredible, both on stage and behind the scenes,” she added. “I would love for the community to celebrate their hard work and their talent and I truly think they will enjoy seeing this story brought to life. It takes familiar stories and gives them a new, entertaining twist.”
While “Into the Woods Jr.” is Marsillio’s third show in her three years at Ponus Ridge, she has been directing school plays since 2016.
Tickets for “Into the Woods Jr.,” which are $8 for students and $10 for adults, may be purchased at the door.
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