The opening night of Walt Whitman High’s fall musical will begin as each performance that preceded it — with the cast’s quick prayer to Saint Genesius, patron of actors. But while the pre-curtain ritual is laden with tradition, the show itself is not. "Into the Woods" is an intricate collaboration of classic fairy tales and performers.
The cast of "Into the Woods" agrees this year’s show is distinguished by the prominent role of the orchestra. Rather than pausing dialogue for the standard song-and-dance piece, the music is a constant companion to each scene. The characteristics of the play make it more similar to an opera than traditional music theatre.
"The show is definitely music-heavy," said senior performer Tori Sharbaugh. "The vocals are more challenging in the sense that they are continuous throughout the show."
But the cast was up for the challenge. In the week before opening night, students devoted all their extra-curricular time to rehearsals that often lasted until 10 p.m. after a full day of classes. Sharbaugh says she and others hoped to perform "Into the Woods" during their time at Whitman as they were drawn to its quirky costumes and family-friendly plot in addition to the musical composition.
Music and Choral Director Jeffrey Davidson said "Into the Woods" offers an outlet for his students to stretch their talents. Students with roles in both the orchestra and on-stage began practicing their pieces in September. In order to achieve perfect synchronization with the music, Davidson said, the 18-student cast was forced to trade spotlight roles for teamwork.
"The show offers them the opportunity to grow as a community of actors and singers that work together for a common product that is greater than the sum of each individual," said Davidson.

THE GROUP mentality took pressure off individual performers. Senior performer Sammy Zeicel has been acting since age four, but found the ensemble presence in this year’s production to be unparalleled.
"Every part is integral to this play," said Zeicel. "Everyone works together and you’re not all alone out there."
To Zeicel and the crew, "everyone" not only includes the main cast performing Thursday Nov. 19 through Saturday Nov. 21, but the understudy cast performing in Sunday’s show.
"There’s no separation," said senior understudy Leah Chiaverini, who said an understudy role is typically comprised of individual work outside the theatre. "We’re on the same level as [the main cast]."
Unity is the thread of the show — from the set designers who draped leafy vines from the rafters to the technicians working discreetly behind the scenes. The team approach was the only option to create the constant flow of music and lyrics that defines the performance.
"It’s a lot different than playing individually," said senior Duncan Wales, a drummer in the pit who noted the challenge in synchronizing with the actors onstage. "But when the music starts we all get focused and relaxed."
The relaxation and the fun are the foremost reasons students participate in productions like "Into the Woods." Performing in the show gives them the opportunity to expand their musical passions while working together.
"Our collaboration brings out the best in everyone," said senior performer Itai Farhi, "It makes for a better finished product."
And when the curtain finally drops?
"It’s a little sad," said Wales, "But there’s definitely a sense of accomplishment."