BHS students bring touch of magic to “Into the Woods”

Blaine High School theater students are bringing to life the musical “Into the Woods” with an all-star cast and tech crew. The performance will open for a Thursday evening show on April 20 and close with a Sunday matinee on April 30.

The Tony Award-winning musical interweaves well-known fairy tales including “Cinderella,” “Jack and the Beanstalk” and “Little Red Riding Hood” as the main characters learn important lessons along the way. The two-act show runs two hours and 15 minutes at the Performing Arts Center, 975 H Street.

BHS students made their debut with “The Little Mermaid” last fall after having gone nearly two years without a performance during the pandemic. This show will be even larger with more actors and songs, said Ava Freeman, a junior playing Little Red Riding Hood. 

“It’s been such a long process and this is one of the hardest shows our school has put on in a long time,” Freeman said. “It’s so nice to see everyone’s hard work pay off.”

Drama teacher Olivia Theilemann is directing the musical made up of 43 students. The show is under the musical direction of Andy Marshall and Clara Todd and choreographed by Renee Scheib. 

In what Theilemann calls a ‘magical’ and ‘thought-provoking’ production, audience members will learn the importance of empathy and realize that what someone wishes for may not be what is important. 

Pele Thornton, who plays Cinderella, is considered one of the top singing sopranos in northwest Washington after placing first in a regional competition, Theilemann said. 

“The singing and acting of the upperclassmen in these roles is top-tier,” she said. “Any of them could pursue a career in theater if they wanted.”

The musical will be held 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday April 20-22 and April 27-29 at Blaine High School. A Sunday matinee show will be performed at 2 p.m. April 23 and April 30. 

Freeman encouraged people to see the show more than once because each performance will be unique.

“We’re excited to bring the show to the community and inspire people,” she said. “There are so many great messages in the show about what’s going on in our world.”

Tickets are $12 for adults, $7 for students and free for children under five years old. Tickets can be purchased at the Blaine High School front office or at the door with cash or card. 

“The students in the show are insanely talented and I picked this particular show to showcase the individuals at this school,” Theilemann said. “If there’s one show you’re going to make it to, it should be this one.”