Clark Theater presents a younger spin on Broadway musical By Amber Wilson World Staff Writer 5/18/2005 Picture the baker and his wife, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and his beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood all meeting somewhere in the forest. That is what happens in "Into the Woods Jr.," a musical production staged by Clark Theater. It is an adaptation of Stephen Sondheim's Broadway musical, "Into the Woods." But, this one is designed for children's theater.

Director Genie Reiman talks with the cast of "Into the Woods Jr." as they set up the scenery for the first act during dress rehearsals. The play continues Friday and Saturday. AMBER WILSON / Tulsa World

"It's not as dark and morbid," said Charlie Walter, 14, a Carver Middle School student who is doing lighting during the show.

It is the first act of the Broadway play, director Genie Reiman said.
"Which means the end's happily ever after," she said.

In the show, the baker and his wife want to have a child. But in true fairy tale fashion, the witch has cast a spell, preventing it from happening. The only way to reverse the spell is to collect Jack's cow, Little Red Riding Hood's cape, Cinderella's slipper and Rapunzel's hair.

Clark Theater's production began last weekend and continues at 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday.

This is the fundraiser musical for the Clark Theater Council. All proceeds go back into the theater for show expenses and scholarships for youth camps.

Reiman said the voices and talents of the children amazed her when they auditioned in mid-March.

"This is just the most talented group of kids across the board," she said. "I like working with kids. I like performing for them, but I also like directing them."

The 18 actors, six stagehands and two people on the technical crew of the production are all between the ages of 11 and 18. They come from Tulsa, Owasso, Broken Arrow and Jenks. They spent seven weeks rehearsing for the two-weekend run.

Becca Blackmore, a 17-year-old Edison Preparatory School student, plays the witch. She has been doing theater with Clark since the second grade.

"I was bored, and Clark was having a camp," she said. "Then I discovered that I really love it."

Her mother, Cathy Blackmore, is the president of the Clark Theater Council. Becca is the president of the Youth Council. The youth council picks the plays that will be performed the following year.

"'Into the Woods' is just my favorite show ever," Becca said. "We chose this show last year."

Brandon Beaver, whose mother, Paula Beaver, also is on the council, plays Jack in the show.

"My best friend's a cow," he said, somewhat tongue-in-cheek. "Something happens to the cow. But you'll have to come to the show to find out."

Paula Beaver said the Clark Theater productions have been learning experiences for her son.

"They learn dedication," she said. "They learn prioritizing. They realize that everybody has to do their part to make the show great."

For Sean McGee, 14, of Owasso, doing this musical, in which he plays the baker, is a new challenge.

"I've never been in a musical before," he said. "I wanted to try something new."

Reiman said the youths work hard to make each show a success and to grow in their chosen activity.

"All these kids are kids who love theater," she said. "They love to perform."



“INTO THE WOODS JR.”

When: 7:30 p.m. Friday and Saturday>

Where: Clark Theater, 11440 E. Admiral Place>

Cost: Tickets are $7 for adults and $5 for students and seniors.>

For more: To reserve tickets, call 669-6455.