Stauffer Middle School creates magical theatre in school gym

Maggie Robleto is a standout as Little Red Riding Hood in Stauffer Middle School’s production of “Into the Woods.” (Photo by Alistair Hunter)

DOWNEY — “Into the Woods” was created by two giants of American Musical Theatre: music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, who also directed the Broadway production.

“Into the Woods” debuted at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego in 1986 and premiered on Broadway in 1987. It won Tony Awards for Best Score, Best Book, and Best Actress, in a year dominated by Phantom of the Opera. In 2014, it was adapted into a film that, quite frankly, I just couldn’t sit through.

"Into the Woods Jr." follows a baker and his wife who are cursed and cannot have children. They seek to break the curse and find a magical beanstalk, a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, and hair as yellow as corn. Along the way, they encounter classic fairy tale characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack and the Beanstalk, whose wishes also intertwine with the baker's quest.

The musical explores the consequences of wishes and the price of achieving them, highlighting themes of determination, sacrifice, and the complexities of fairy tales. Be careful what you wish for.

“Into the Woods Jr.” is a shorter version by Downey Unified School District’s remarkable Stauffer Middle School’s Advanced Drama Class. It is double cast. Think twice as difficult. It took place for the first time in the school gym, which was magically transformed into a terrific theatre space thanks to major assistance by DUSD’s staff, the support of Principal Dr. Allison Box, set/lighting by longtime volunteer Jeff Toussieng, and teacher/director Andrea Pyle.

As a former school administrator, I recognize a modern, pristine campus.

You could sense the excitement outside. I entered this majestic gym with DUSD Board Member Nancy Swenson, former Board Member Donald LaPlante and VAPA Coordinator Jeff Giles, along with family, teachers, students, and the community. We weaved our way through a dark curtained path, with a mat covering the entire gym floor. No basketball hoops in sight.

Then we discovered seating for 250 people, and a rack of professional equipment lighting a curtained stage. And music coming from three speakers hung above the stage. What a terrific use of space. And scheduling it all for that matter.

Pyle says she will use it again for the Music Theatre Conservatory’s (MTC) production of “Mary Poppins” in May.

The actors wear wireless microphones, which require calibration. Pyle is running sound with Toussieng running lights.

Through the use of short scenes and Sondheim’s songs, we are introduced to the Baker and his wife who embark on their journey to find the items they need to break the curse and along the way encounter slightly twisted classic fairy tale characters. The audience is hooked, and show their appreciation.

These are not professional actors. They are talented young people who have made a commitment, have worked hard to make this happen, and have the guts to get up on stage to perform. Kudos to the entire cast.

CAST HIGHLIGHTS

Cinderella: Destinee Venagas gives us some fine acting and singing

Jack: Royce Wiley may be small in stature but he is large in presence and focus.

Baker’s Wife: Kayleen Diaz gives us some beautiful comic relief.

Little Red: Maggie Robleto in particular is a standout. She is perfect for this role.

Big Bad Wolf: Jayleen Nunez is a particularly Bad Wolf in a good way.

Witch: Madelyn Gonzalez convinces us she is the one who created this curse.

SONG HIGHLIGHTS: STAUFFER

Cinderella at the Grave: Destinee on Venegas, Ava Silva

Hello, Little Girl: Jayleen Nunez, Maggie Robleto

I Guess This is Goodbye/Maybe They're Really Magic: Royce Willey, Morgan Barrick, Kayleen Diaz

I Know Things Now: Maggie Robleto

A Very Nice Prince: Destinee Venegas, Kayleen Diaz

Giants In The Sky: Royce Willey

On The Steps of the Palace: Destinee Venegas

Your Fault/Last Midnight: Madelyn Gonzales, Morgan Barrick, Royce Willey, Maggie Robleto

Theatre is collaboration. Andrea Pyle and her Stauffer students, along with her MTC after-school students, demonstrate the best in Educational Theatre and make a tremendous contribution to our community. At the end of this year, Pyle is stepping down as director of MTC as she wants to spend more time with her own children. She has been teaching classes, directing Stauffer Drama productions, and on top of that directing MTC after school productions, and she has a family.

As an artistic director for 30 years, I understand completely. I can’t thank her enough. Those are some big shoes to fill.