Mike Woody reviews Into the Woods at La Comedia Dinner Theatre in Springboro, now thru May 4, 2025
So perfect, it’s like a fairy tale: ‘Into The Woods’ at La Comedia now thru May 4
Once upon a time, in a land not very far away, there was a dinner theatre. For decades it featured mainly enjoyable shows (and a few too many Church Basement Lady sequels), but their 50th year, was arguably the best season yet. Every show is even better than the one before, which had seemed unable to be topped. ‘Jersey Boys’ was La Comedia in its finest form, at least until ‘Into The Woods’ came along. It’s almost too good to be true, but it’s no fairy tale, ‘Into The Woods’ really is a masterpiece.
Art truly imitates life, as the moral of ‘Into the Woods’ is the mix of iconic fairy tale characters working together to succeed, just like the talented cast does to create such a stellar production. Everyone lends their talents, from puppetry to vocals, for a top notch production.
It’s a strong ensemble piece, featuring some normally bit players in bigger roles. For instance, Meghan Slowik has become a dependable supporting player the past couple years, in her most prominent role yet she’s divinely wicked as the Witch. Slowik is spellbinding, her cackle and slithering movements are perfection. It’s a real star making performance. Similarly, Mary Ann Sprague has had bit parts in several recent shows, best known for her moving rendition of ‘O Holy Night’ makes a name for herself now as the Baker’s Wife. She appears as sweet as a tart, with a voice smoother than a sheet cake and stage presence more captivating than a pie fresh out of the oven.
Bad things happen when I have beans, but unfortunate events of another variety results in the exchange of some magic beans. At the center of it all, along with his wife, is the Baker (Luka Ashley Carter). The couple is on a quest to secure a series of objects to break a curse set by the Witch, preventing them from being able to have children. Carter brings a cup of charm, a dash of wit, and a pinch of vocal prowess to form a top tier Baker.
Some familiar faces, who shine like normal; Linda Dew (Jack’s mother), always performs admirably with a strong stage presence. Special mention to her shuffle as Granny. Allison Gabert’s youthful energy is perfection for Little Red Riding Hood and Jonathan “Gulp” Pendergrass controls the movements of Milky White the cow as Puppeteer. While exiting the theatre, the family behind us was raving about all the facial expressions Pendergrass provided to match the cow. It’s a testament to Pendergrass, and deservedly so, that with all that happened on stage that its Milky White who stood out to them. I was about to start a search party, or at least look up ‘Still Kicking with Karie-Lee’ to check-on Karie-Lee Sutherland as I feared she may be a victim of DOGE since she hasn’t appeared since Shear Madnes.
The cast also includes Catie Cumings, a perfect fit for Cinderella, Charmein Byrd whose voice is as golden as her hair (Rapunzel), Carly J. Shepherd is angelic as angelic as Cinderella’s mother, Trinity Cravens (Lucinda) and Aubrie-Lee Dentino (Florinda) are delightfully despicable as the wicked stepsisters, Montana Iverson and Max Bartel are in perfect harmony with their voices and handshakes as Princes, Justin Reilmann is right on target as the Steward, Jerrod Gruber is royally good as Cinderella’s father, and as the Narrator/Birdman Robert Tully is also more than he first appears to be. Last but not least, Elliot Chilcote is endear
Extra credit to Gabe Davidson for Scenic Design and the entire backstage crew for the noticeable faster transitions between scenes in recent shows. The pace is basically non stop from beginning to end. There used to be sometimes, honestly, almost awkwardly long pauses between scenes. This rapid pace adds an extra touch of heightened professionalism.
The set design is also impressive and I appreciate not using the screen again so it doesn’t become a constant, as tempting as it is.
There is also some dazzling special effects as the Witch appears/disappears amidst pyrotechnics.
All the parts come together to form a show so perfect, it’s like a fairy tale. ‘Into The Woods’ continues through May 4.
