Just yesterday was the final show of Into the Woods and it completely blew my mind. I have not seen a musical since middle school— this was really something special. A few of my friends were a part of the cast and crew, so I came to support them. I had no idea what to expect and I completely forgot how beautiful musicals are. Immediately upon sitting down and seeing the lights dim, it felt just like going to a movie theater. Calling this experience similar to a movie theater is an understatement though. This lasted three hours and for the entire time there was a live band playing the soundtrack as well as the special effects. Hearing the cohesion between a violin, keyboard, drums, trumpet, flute, and saxophone is baffling. The stamina required to keep playing perfectly for the three hours, plus the fact that they had another show earlier that day, is worth serious praise. The actors themselves were also completely immersed in their characters. Seeing my friends take on alter egos on a stage was absolutely hilarious, the show had plenty of silly moments with the same person playing a wolf character, but also a prince. In both personas, he pursues women and ultimately attains what he wants in a goofy manner. The singing was incredible too, the actors slipped witty lyrics into their songs, and at the same time performed a choreographed dance. There were so many moving parts happening at once. As a member of the audience, I tried to focus on each aspect of the show at the same time but it was impossible. I found myself hyperfixating on the actors’ voices, the costumes, the background scenery which was sculpted by the crew, and the instruments being played behind the set. This is the culmination of months of planning and practice. Being able to see the show was a privilege, they do this for us — the audience.
In the second half of the musical, the actors’ time on stage was becoming slim. Characters were being sent off, but this time it was permanently. Since this was the last show, the cast would no longer be able to play their characters anymore after Saturday. As the show progressed towards conclusion you could see the tears and shaking, it became harder for people to stay in character as the wave of emotions and finality hit them. Some parents who were in the crowd were also struggling to keep their composure. They were seeing their child put their all into something. I hope one day whenever I become a parent, that I could witness and feel that same feeling. I just know that they were so proud.
In the last minutes of the show, as tradition, each member of the cast lined up on the stage and bowed. The crew lined up below the stage with smiles spanning across their entire faces. The audience gave the loudest applause one could ask for. Everyone stood up and gave a standing ovation, which was deserved. After the bows concluded, parents stormed up to the front of the theater where the stage was. This was when I saw the purest moment. Several parents brought their son or daughter a bouquet of flowers to celebrate the performance. Hugs were exchanged between families, hands were shaken, and makeup was ruined by tears. I couldn’t help but tear up a little bit as well, this was all too sweet.
