Kipworld

Went to see Into the Woods last night at Cahn. I’m always amazed by the quality of the work put on by this school’s official theater department. From the sets to the lights to the costumes, everything is top notch. One the other end of the spectrum are student shows which have to raise their own cash and then stretch every hard won dollar. Not that I haven’t seent pure student productions with high quality sets, but there’s something nice about seeing the whole lavish affair.

The show itself was really well done. The only false note was the somewhat cheezy synth drums that played during the witch’s garden rap and during some other numbers.

One touch I liked was having the princes be completely overdone in all their movements and actions. Then there’s this spot at the end where Cinderella’s prince is sincere and it really hit home.

There was a guy taking tickets there who used to take improv classes at IO and was also on a team of Mike’s in the city. He’s always kissing my ass when he sees me. This time it was, “Why aren’t you playing?” when El and I walked in and I said, “I graduated” as if I could have had a chance at the premier musical theater program if I were still in school. How long it takes for my high school days of glory on the musical stage to pass from me. It could be worse. Freshman year, when I saw Guys and Dolls I was haughty (I can do that!) but now I think I’m finally secure enough to just watch and appreciate.