Thursday, October 1, 2026
Hebrew Academy of the Five Towns and Rockaway High School students are preparing to bring Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” to life next week, taking on a complex and layered production that highlights both their artistic growth and the strength of the school’s theater program.
“Into the Woods” blends classic fairy tales: “Cinderella”, “Little Red Riding Hood”, “Jack and the Beanstalk”, and “Rapunzel” into a story about a childless baker and his wife attempting to reverse a witch’s curse.
Performances are scheduled for March 12 from 7 to 9 p.m. and March 15 from 4 to 6 p.m. in the high school auditorium, marking the first show in the school’s new performance space.
Senior Lily Schlussel stars as the Narrator, a role that remains onstage throughout much of the production and helps guide the audience through the story while actively participating in it.
“The Narrator is visible throughout the show and plays an active role in advancing the story,” Schlussel said. “She guides the audience through the action but is also part of it.”
Schlussel said the role has allowed her to focus more deeply on acting and storytelling, rather than vocals alone.
“I like that this role isn’t focused mainly on singing,” she said. “It gives me the chance to really focus on storytelling and being present in each moment.”
Fellow senior Hailie Avigdor takes on the role of Cinderella, whom she described as a grounded and thoughtful presence in the story.
“Cinderella serves as the voice of reason in the show,” Avigdor said.
To prepare, Avigdor said she has spent significant time on vocal training to meet the demands of Sondheim’s intricate score.
“The music is challenging, so it requires a lot of work and commitment,” she added.
She highlighted “Your Fault” as one of the most demanding numbers and “No One Is Alone” as one of the most powerful moments in the show.
Director Ariana Wolfson said she selected “Into the Woods” for its rich storytelling and musical complexity, as well as its broad appeal.
“Sondheim’s writing and music are incredible,” Wolfson said. “The show is complex and layered, but still family-friendly.”
Wolfson said the cast has developed a strong sense of unity throughout rehearsals.
“They support each other, have fun together, and truly feel like one big family,” she said.
For Wolfson, the most rewarding part of the process has been watching students grow into their roles.
“Seeing the vision come to life on stage is very special,” Wolfson said. “Watching the students grow into their characters is incredibly rewarding.”
Musical director Heather Kanner said the production has pushed students both vocally and emotionally, particularly given the difficulty of Sondheim’s score and the limited rehearsal time.
“The music throughout this show is extremely challenging, but the students have fully committed to it,” Kanner said.
She noted that songs like “Your Fault” requires precise timing and coordination, while others, including a late-show number centered on supporting one another, have taken on deeper emotional meaning for the cast especially for graduating seniors.
Kanner said the students have risen to the challenge by working collaboratively and building confidence.
“They’ve worked hard, supported one another, and stayed committed to the process,” she said.
Both directors emphasized that the production reflects months of effort behind the scenes, with students balancing complex harmonies, staging and storytelling.
“This is one of the most difficult shows a high school can attempt,” Kanner said. “The students have truly worked tirelessly to bring it all together.”
