This October Geelong Lyric Theatre Society brings Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s fantastic musical Into the Woods to Geelong Arts Centre (GAC).
Weaving together several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, the acclaimed and award-winning musical explores the consequences of wish fulfilment, family relationships and the importance of taking responsibility for one’s actions.
Directed by Paul Watson, the cast features Australian theatre royalty James Lee as the Narrator and Chelsea Gibb as the Witch with Andrew Lorenzo, Emma Langridge, Daisy Valerio, Molly England and Liam Erck also in starring roles.
Erck, who plays Jack (of beanstalk fame), said the production was in “a really good spot” two weeks out from opening night, in part because of the experience of Lee and Gibb.
“It’s really helpful for hopeful actors like us who really want to break into the industry to watch how (Gibb and Lee) go through their process,” Erck said.
“It’s cool to see these two pros get up there and give really big offers…they’re not afraid to try something new or have a big swing. And sometimes it’s a miss but it’s usually a hit; they’re really good at what they do.
“It makes you feel comfortable to try anything you want to as well. It’s really welcoming, they definitely make the vibe adventurous, and they’re very, very funny.”
Gibb said working with Geelong Lyric on the show was a “joyous” and “truly wonderful” experience.
“I saw (Geelong Lyric’s) Wizard of Oz, and I was like, oh my goodness, these people are phenomenal,” she said.
“I don’t think anyone is going to come along to this and think it’s anything less than a professional show; the sets, the costumes, the hair, the music, and the direction by Paul, whose an amazing actor and director.
“It’s a privilege to come on in that mentor type role… I think that’s what you want to do as you get older as an actor and you’ve had a great career. You want to give back.”
Lee, who grew up in Geelong and had his first theatre experiences here with Geelong Society of Operatic and Dramatic Arts, said he had always wanted to give back to the community that started his love of performing.
“I’m absolutely loving it; Lyric is a wonderful company,” he said.
“It’s just lovely to come back and see there’s so much passion (for theatre). And it’s gorgeous to work with Chelsea – we’ve known each other for almost my entire career, but we never worked together.”
Geelong Lyric’s Into the Woods is at GAC from October 4 to 13. Visit geelongartscentre.org.au/whats-on for tickets and more information.
