Saturday’s performance of Into the Woods at Smock Alley Theatre was an absolute triumph of student theatre. From the moment the Narrator began, the audience was drawn into a vibrant and emotionally layered fairytale world. The Baker’s Wife delivered a stunning performance — her vocal control, expression, and emotional depth were truly exceptional. Her rendition of “Moments in the Woods” was a highlight, capturing the complexity of her character with grace and power.
Cinderella brought a quiet strength to her role, and her crystal-clear voice soared through the theatre. She made “On the Steps of the Palace” feel both fresh and profound, earning well-deserved applause. Little Red Riding Hood brought the house down with her sass and timing, balancing innocence with bold, comedic charm. Her singing was pitch-perfect and delivered with a mischievous energy that lit up the stage.
The Baker was a standout for his comic timing and heartfelt performance. He brought real warmth to the role, grounding the show with a sense of honesty and relatability. Jack, of Beanstalk fame, was another comedic gem — his countenance, delivery, and boyish charm made his scenes thoroughly enjoyable. As Phoebe said in Friends – “Jack really did love his cow” and, boy, did we know they were best friends throughout this performance! The Baker’s Father had less stage time, but made every second count with a commanding presence and seasoned experience.
There were many other stand out performances, but too many to mention here. The entire cast was tightly choreographed and beautifully in sync, navigating Sondheim’s complex score with remarkable precision. The ensemble harmonies were rich, and the energy on stage never dipped, not even for a moment. Set design was minimal but inventive, making excellent use of the intimate Smock Alley space. Costume choices felt fresh and thoughtful, adding depth to each character without overpowering the story.
What struck my friends in the audience was how fast the two and a half hour production flew by — a testament to the quality of the performance. The show was engaging, emotionally rich, and often laugh-out-loud funny. You could feel the crowd leaning in, completely immersed in the action from start to finish. Honestly, this production felt more than capable of holding its own on the stage of the Bord Gáis Energy Theatre.
It was ambitious, professional, and moving — a brilliant night of theatre that will encourage us to seek out future offerings from Trinity Musical Theatre Society.
