INTO THE WOODS, WA

yellow glass theatre have done it again. A superb production of this little seen musical. Cast is excellent, proving yet again that WA has a huge talent base. It would not be fair to single anyone out - they were all inspiring! I had not realised what a funny show it was! I loved the set and costumes - the Princes' "leather" ensemble was fabulous. Special mention should go to Simon Holt (musical director) who did a wonderful job and to Chris Kabay (artistic director) who manages to bring out the best in all his cast. Don't miss it! It is on until 14 June at Subiaco Theatre. Bookings through BOCS.

Here is a proper review of the show from the Sunday Times. June 06, 2008 12:00pm THE comic musical Into the Woods delivers superb theatre to Perth and is a must-see production, writes STM reporter Alicia Bridges. In a top-level production of Stephen Sondheim’s fairytale musical Into The Woods, which opened at the Subiaco Arts Centre last night, the Yellow Glass Theatre has shown it means business about its promise to deliver high quality theatre. A fantastic interpretation of Sondheim’s already clever material, the comic musical was brilliantly performed, immaculately presented and a hit with the audience, some of whom were in fits of hysterical laughter throughout the show. The story begins in the village, where fairytale characters Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack (who will later discover the beanstalk) prepare to go “into the woods” in search of their dreams. The village witch, who has cursed the baker and his wife never to conceive a child, offers to undo the hex if the humble couple also brave the forest to collect a handful of items only attainable from the fairytale characters. Quelling their fears by singing the words “the woods are just trees, the trees are just wood”, the fairytale icons set off on their individual journeys. As the characters cross paths they encounter death, romance, betrayal and happiness, all presented with an element of jest. A handful of additional characters are also introduced along the way, including the notable hunchback man under the bridge and two dim-witted princes, who stole the show singing dramatic tales about the hardships of chasing fair maidens. It seems all loose ends are tied at the end of the first act, but the seemingly happy ending is turned upside down after the interval when a giant returns to wreak havoc on their village. The characters take on a more human form in the second act, as their true colours shine through in the midst of a crisis. A smart comic tale, Into the Woods unfolds in the surrounds of a beautiful set. It has been created with great care and enthusiasm and credit must go to Chris Kabay, whose directing ability shines through in the cast. The performers were animated in their roles and showed real vocal talent. Emphasising the notion that wishes are not always what they seem, the Yellow Glass Theatre’s Into the Woods left the audience abuzz and is sure to please many more before the season ends on June 14.

So the actors actually get paid in this show?

OOh - here we go again. Why don't you CONTACT THEM AND ASK? Their website is www.yellowglasstheatre.com.au And what business is it of yours anyway? Just go see the show.

The reason I ask is simple - the Sunday Times doesn't usually review amateur shows (i.e. where the actors don't get paid) so that's why I was seeking for someone to clarify that aspect, to see why the Sunday Times had changed its policy on this front. And if they have changed that policy, why aren't they reviewing other amateur shows? If this is an amateur show, is it possible reviewer Alicia Bridges didn't know this fact?

Are they considered AM or Pro Am?

This is the review section. Maybe air this in another forum? Otherwise we'll end up with the traditional messy forum in which we all lose sight of the point of the original posting- the review of the artistic product itself. and my feeling would be that, as the Sunday Times are reviewing, it follows that it's likely the actors are getting paid. They have been in previous productions by this company. More of a concern to me is that it appears there aren't many people going to see this show (based on contact from friends in the cast), despite what appears to be uniformly excellent reviews... typical Perth (lack of) support methinks?! If the people come and the shows sell out, you might find someone like Yellowglass more able to pay the talent what I think they would like to, rather than what they can actually afford. I am unable to see it until right near the end of the season unfortunately, but am expecting something special. Review will come then! Nev It's the simple things stupid...

Why isn't the fact the actors may be paid or not paid considered a valid point? Reviews can be the springboard for various topics of discussions. The point being, if it is amateur, or even pro-am, is this not an opportunity for people doing these types of shows to contact the Sunday Times and say "You reviewed Into The Woods, why not this production, given it's the same setup??" Alicia Bridges can be contacted by bridgesa@sundaytimes.newsltd.com.au

Hi all, Here's my non bias general opinion of the show; Now I'm not going to attack this show because this isn’t Broadway, and of course its not going to be better (this is Perth people, there are budgets) but this is what I got from it. Music/sound; Flawless, without a doubt this highly difficult score was reproduced as it should have been! Sound quality for the giant’s voice was a little loud at times though. Lighting; Dynamic, dramatic and it set the mood perfectly, I actually felt as if I too was in the woods. It segregated each section of the set and really drew our attention to where all the action was taking part the only down part on the lighting was that it was sometimes inconsistent with the witches spell casting (which used lighting every time). Costuming; For most characters their costuming was spot on. I thought the wolf could have used a shirt or something more significant that would make him appear to be more wolf like other than pointy ears. Cinderella's stepmother and step sisters were perfectly dressed in their elegant yet over the top attire u'd expect. The witches first act costume was outstanding in my opinion full of colour and array of textures, her wig and makeup also suited the part. Everyone else was fitted accordingly, except I would have thought that jacks pants would have changed during the second act (won’t reveal why). Set; This was really well designed, throughout the show the set stayed the same but it always seemed to be changing (this is where the lighting helped). It was dark and mysterious but did on some occasion get boring... Performers; As a whole the cast were pretty darn good! I do have an inkling though that some people had/have colds or weren't generally strong singers, each character was strong and well constructed though, and when you consider the amount of talent that is required to pull of each part every1 did great. As a whole I would definitely recommend seeing Yellow glass’s "Into the Woods". The ticket prices were a lil on the expensive side in my opinion but It was definitely a great night out and it was a very entertaining show. MoonPower!

I thought this was a very good production and an excellent night's entertainment so I hope that it will be more fully supported than it was the night I went. From seeing Rent, I knew to expect quality music and I wasn't disappointed - it was beautifully played and sung throughout. The production injected so much humour, in addition to the clever lyrics and I loved the little details, like the princes' identical little 'dramatic' jumps each time they entered, which had the audience laughing before they even spoke. The faux-leather outfits were wonderful and I actually liked the fact that the 'wolf' outfit was minimal because it made the prince's behaviour later all the more sinister. Shai Yammanee showed his versatility and conveyed the 'wolfishness' through his body, very effectively I thought and he was well matched by Izaak Lim as the other prince, so those were my favourite scenes. But the whole cast was very good indeed and I'd recommend it.

I think you'll find it is a fairly variable choice how critics review productions whether they are amateur or not. I was in a play called 'Dinner' and that was an 'am' production, however that play was reviewed in the 'West Australian' by Geoff Gibbs. Maybe 'Into the Woods' got around that that by promoting itself as pro-am or perhaps one of the cast memebers knew the reviewer. I guess you'll have to ask them :)

Sorry this is not a review, as I have not, nor will I have the opportunity to see the show. Which is a shame, because this is one of my favourite Sondheims. Neville, you said "More of a concern to me is that it appears there aren't many people going to see this show (based on contact from friends in the cast), despite what appears to be uniformly excellent reviews... typical Perth (lack of) support methinks?!" I myself have been involved in a production of Into the Woods, which was a great "Artistic Success", but unfortunately a not so great "Income Success". So I do feel their pain at the lack of bums on seats. I don't believe it is "typical Perth (lack of) support", but I am sure it is the show. Into the Woods is known in some circles as - "INTO THE RED" With that in mind, I am also sure that the economic climate that we find ourselves in at the minute may have something to do with it. So anyway. Thank you for your time. Cal "don't let the bastards get you down" Cal

I am a big Sondheim fan but have found over the years that just about the only Sondheim show that people go to is Forum. His work often seems inaccessible because it is so very clever. The minor keys and dissonance in Sweeney Todd for example. Very unsettleing. All the best for this show. can't come, live in Adelaide. Is that all there is? Well if that's all there is my friend, then let's keep dancing. www.tonymoore.id.au

Neville - Thanks for setting that straight. Can't wait to see you after the show and hear your thoughts. Steve - From what I know, almost all of yellowglass' shows are reviewed. I don't think it's the general public's business whether the performers are being paid or not, but if you're saying that only pro (paid) shows get reviewed and that we clearly have been reviewed, then I think you've answered your own question. Apart from that, yellowglass have a well-earned reputation for producing high quality musical theatre in Perth, so it would make sense that their shows are reviewed as a matter of course now. Many of their performers have been intensively trained and/or had lots of quality experience in the industry. We can't expect the newspapers to go trundling off to every amateur rep group performance in WA because a lot of the time it would be plain pointless. I think yellowglass has been around long enough now for people to know that coming along to see/review their shows is not going to be a waste of time. They continue to produce extremely high quality productions on a minimal budget, using the best of Perth's local talent, and believe in giving the audience what they pay for. There is always a lot of gossip about payment and other issues that are inconsequential to the viewing public, but at the end of the day what matters is that the company strives to bring rarely-performed musical theatre works to the Perth public in the most professional form possible. Unfortunately, it seems that (as usual) the Perth public would prefer the show to be cheap and mediocre - and if it's of a high standard then they'll find something else to attack you for! moonMeowrice - I'm not sure if you have a program for the show, but the director Chris Kabay noted in it that the wolf's costume was actually based on the Child Snatcher's in Chitty Chitty Bang Bang. It plays on the whole paedophile element of the wolf's character. We have had a lot of sick cast members over the rehearsal period but I don't like to make excuses. I think anyone who is still sick is battling on tremendously! As for ticket prices, I think they're fair given the standard of the production and the venue. I've paid only a little less for some VERY average amateur shows in Perth. Keep the reviews coming... and more importantly, buy tickets. Closes this Saturday the 14th, only 5 shows left!

Why shouldn't the public have a right to know if the actors are paid or not? Doesn't that define your advertising material, the royalties you pay and so on, if it's amateur or professional?

OutoftheWoods- Thanks for your comments. Yes I do have a program but I didn't actually read the directors notation about the wolves costume, I also didn't realize that the wolf was after anything other than a meal when it came to little red riding hood (well at least I hoped)...so maybe that was just a direction decision to make the show more adult? And I totally agree about ticket prices in Perth’s community theatre scene. I do stand by my original statement that I personally thought that tickets were too expensive, tickets to community theatre are generally to expensive and that may be why the show isn’t selling out or doing as well as we would all hope? (Neville) I don’t know. I don’t think there is a lack of people wanting to go, it’s just that they may be lacking the funds; I hear people complain about prices at the cinema these days and they are at most $18. moonMeowrice

I agree on the price point. $40 for student tickets may be "reasonable" in comparison to some companies, but is it working? I would love to see Into The Woods - I'm a huge fan of Sondheim and ITW is a beautifully-written and clever musical - but unfortunately it's smack bang in the middle of exams for UWA students and, I presume, most other unis. Perhaps the student market should be taken into account a little more? $40 is a slap in the face for a lot of students and a lot of artists, when we can see an incredible show (mostly professional or co-op) at the Rechabites, Blue Room or PICA for about $12. And yes, the Subi Arts Centre is a great venue but so is the Dolphin where we (UDS) rent out to hold our shows, and we charge $9 for students. I'm not saying ITW isn't on a higher level to these shows - I'm sure it's fantastic, given the people I hear are in the cast - and I know there are a LOT of costs to be taken into account - but supply/demand is certainly something to think about. If bums on seats is what you're after, what about a student rush night? Tightarse Tuesday? --- Louisa Fitzhardinge University Dramatic Society http://uds.asn.au

Ben Shaw - I didn't say they don't have a right to know, I said it's none of their business. Does it affect your opinion of the show if we're being paid or not? moonMeowrice- The sexual undertones in the relationship between the Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood are hidden in the music and text and I believe Sondheim/Lapine intended it that way. It wasn't just a directorial decision. If you analyse it, it's there. :) And on a less subtle note, you must have missed the wolf's boob graze and his highly sexual body language! I am actually blown away that people are complaining about the price of the tickets. I have a lot of student friends who are coming who haven't complained about the price, but I am reminded by this thread that in general, Perth people don't want to pay for anything. I don't believe that the ticket prices are what's stopping people from booking tickets. Apart from people who already know Sondheim or are particularly interested in theatre already, the majority of people aren't open to things they haven't heard of. I bet anything that if we were doing Les Mis , JC Superstar or Annie and charging the same price for tickets, more people would come. Similar to what Neville said, if people actually stopped complaining and bought tickets, performers would be able to be paid more.

So if the actors aren't being paid, it's none of our business that it might be an amateur show and not being advertised as such? What's the big secret? Either they're being paid or they're not. If they are being paid, and it's a professional show, then that would explain the ticket prices. But if they aren't being paid, and the ticket prices are high compared to other amateur productions, one has to speculate on where the money is going. Freedom of Information Act, here we come...

No big secret, I'm just fed up with people's first response being to question the financial situation of the show rather than comment on the quality of the production, aka leave a review. Yes, the performers are being paid an equal share. While we're on the topic of money (ooh!), I thought I'd note that Playlovers will be charging an estimated $60.00 per ticket for their upcoming production of Beauty and the Beast, which as far as I'm aware will be a purely amateur production for which none of the performers will be paid. I will be really interested to see whether the quality of the performers/choreography/direction live up to the set and, if they don't, to see whether reviewers on this website pull them up for it or whether they overlook potential problems because it's amateur/Disney/simple/has a big shiny professional set. Now that that's cleared up... feel free to leave a review about Into the Woods! 5 shows left!

I heard that part proceeds were going to a charity for playlovers B&B...and according to their web site chirldren are $25, that less than ITTW, concession are $40 for matinees/$50 for evenings and adults flat rate of $60, with other discounts for 10 or more people and families of four...but that’s for another thread I guess. Oh and outofthewoods, I don’t believe that the comment "Perth people don't want to pay for anything" is fair at all. I think it’s the fact that people can't afford to pay for nearly $50 for anything that isnt going to extend their life when fuel prices etc are higher than ever. Plus the theatre crowd in WA is very incestuous; there just aren’t that many theatre goers in Perth. p.s whats wrong with B&B?? its one of the longest running broadway shows in history.

Ok guys...this is my outlook on things from an outsider, students perspective. First off and foremost, this is a thread about reviews (in particular Into the Woods). Not about who is getting paid, or what is professional and amateur theatre. There are threads for those types of topics, and if not- go create one, instead of messing up this thread with bitching and moaning. I haven't gone to watch the show as of yet, and the reason is simple, - Time. At present most of the waapa students, and uni students have exams, and big things on at this time. We just finished with Gilbert and Sullivan a la carte / Trial by Jury. I'd love to see the show, and I will, as soon as I am free (before it closes). I think its a bad kept secret about the whole being paid as a performer thing. I think all those in the theatre circles, know how this issue came about, but the point is this- if you are not in a YGT show, then stop going on about it. It's not your business, and its for the performer to take it up with the Managers of yellow glass. No point bitching and moaning about it. If you dont want to do a show with them, cause you feel they're profiteering- dont audition, but dont come and write posts, asking "are they being paid" or not. I think its fair to say that Yellow Glass has earned a reputation for putting on fine quality, 'professional' shows. at least you're not going to go home, and think to yourself...."that person was off the whole time they sung" or "that person cant act to save their life". Shows like "Company", and the first running of "Rent" at the Bakery show the quality perth performer can offer. I'd rather pay the extra money, and know that I'd enjoy the singing, and acting, as I think I can say i have a good ear, and know what is flat/sharp or what not. There are many theatre goers in Perth. As i said, a lot of the student are doing their shows at the moment, Music theatre- Oklahoma, classical department just finished there show. It's a hectic time. But i do encourage everyone to watch the show. As for Beauty and the Beast. It's good that they're giving money to charity, but i do think $60 is a lot of money for an adult ticket. As for Printer Inks comment "whats wrong with B&B? its one of the longest running broadway shows in history."....the answer is this: there is nothing wrong with B&B, nor with Into the Woods, Oklahoma, Les Mis, or Weird Romance (1992 Alan Menken - most of you wouldn't of heard it). there is nothing wrong with the shows. Its the groups that perform them...Any show can be turned to shiiiite, if their is a not that good cast. I wont use the word amatuer, cause there are some excellent amatuer shows, and amatuer performers. Same applys for "professional companys" i've seen some pretty crappy productions from professional companys. it's all about the performers, and the level they're at. I keep saying this, and I guess I'll say it again. Lets say " Amatuer theatre company puts on Les Mis, B&B or some other show", then the professional international/national production come a year later... now if the amateur company charges $60 or $70 for a ticket...the professional company is gonna get shitted on, as no one will want to go watch it again, even though it will 9/10 be better than the amateur theatre companys show. I think there should be a sticker or a logo, which states whether a show is professional, semi-pro, or amateur. I wasn't gonna say it but cats ticket prices....i mean comeon! anyways....I've sort of hypocricised myself, as I said to stop the bitching and moaning. But like seriously everyone...get over yourselves, and can people from different 'companys' stop having a flaming war over whos better, or ticket prices or cast being paid. The majority of the people simply dont care...they come on hear to get a review, not to hear you all squabling about stupid things. But I'll finish with this. There is a demand to see shows. There are people who want to see high quality theatre. The students love watching shows, adults love watching shows. Into the woods, will be a great show to watch and i look forward to it, and i implore all people to go watch it. I can be guaranteed that I will have a good night. I think reputation is very important in this industry, and yellow glass has a reputation for a great night (or afternoon out) - Julz- cause I can.

The problem lies with overcharging for a play which isn't well known to an audience outside the diehard theatre goer circle... The wider audience don't want to spend too much money on a play which they have never heard of, unless it has a big name attached to it. Not because it might be talentless, but because they are unsure of the content. Unfortantely the "Yellow Glass" reputation wasn't enough to get the audiences in on this one. Either lower the prices...(face it Perth is defenitely in tight ass mode at the moment)...or sellout and get the big names in again...

Um.... Into The Woods hasn't finished yet. There are still 5 more performances. I think their reputation is fine and well earned. Also, if you think yellowglass have overcharged for this, you're obviously completely blind and out of the loop as to what else has been happening recently in Perth (Annie, Cats, WAAPA, etc). Considering the quality of this show, plus the amount of people in it getting some money, i think this is well worth it. If people like you dont' want to go coz you think its too much, thats your problem. Go and waste your money on some amateur crap at the Regal if you think you're getting your moneys worth. Those companies are not even in the same league as yellowglass, but you support them then. No wonder Perths theatre scene is regarded as a joke. Also, ITW is not a play, its a musical. And ITW is 20 years old - good on yellowglass for producing lesser known musicals coz noone else has the guts to do it here. dannisky10 - you clearly have such a deep understanding of the perth theatre scene with all your years of experience. :p I think you can keep your trap shut now. GO THE GLASS!

Gee wiz... saucer of milk to Walter La Minge, pronto! Good grief, can someone please mop up the blood on the walls and while we're at it, would someone mind writing a decent review of the show? I happen to be seeing it tomorrow night anyway, but I came to this reviews page wanting to read some hard-earned comments about what to expect; I feel rather cheated of my time... Come along kittens, retract the claws, ditch the snobbery and let's bring on the reviews - for the sake of the cast, crew and prospective audience members.

Hi Brigida. I work for PerthNow. Please consider PerthNow is an online medium and while it is under the same banner as the Sunday Times the content varies online to print. Also, if you are to source a review can you please link to the original article. Here is the link to the review for your reference: http://www.news.com.au/perthnow/story/0,21598,23820760-5005364,00.html Cheers, Sandra PerthNow

wat would u speciffically like to know about the show baffled?

There was also a review in The West Australian during the week.

And in The Australian yesterday.

What would I specifically like to know... well pretty much what has been mentioned on this page by the few who bothered to post brief reviews in this forum, but perhaps in more detail besides general comments such as "the show was superb". This is the review page after all! Is it asking too much of anyone? Yes I am aware that the papers are doing reviews and whilst I find an "official" reviewers' opinion can be somewhat helpful, I think the theatre-going public are capable of speaking for themselves and I like to know what their thoughts are on a show. Tu comprendes? I know this has been said, but I just think the attention needs to be drawn away from the financial, political, and whatever else-ical side and more to the show itself...save it for another forum peeps! *Curtain down*

The Stephen Sondheim, /James Lapine musical "Into the Woods' is currently being performed at the Subiaco Arts Centre. It is produced by Yellow Glass Theatre. Directed by Chris Kabay and with musical direction by Simon Holt. Sondheim freely admits that he was taken by the deeper meaning and psychology of fairy tales produced by Bruno Buttleheim and it was Buttleheims take on fairy tales as well as the notion of community and people being responsible for each other, that is the basis of "Into the Woods'. Whilst using fairy tales, there are certainly some very confronting moments and ideas entwined among the tree leaves and the woods of the forest. I very much liked the simplified set for this production. Having seen the show a number of times before, I was taken by the clever use of the different parts of the set being used in different scenes, without the need for set changes. I thought the costumes were overall very well done. I liked the wolf and his dark side and I thought the Princes' leather was just beautiful. I thought that possibly the witch may have been more hideous in act one but that is a tiny point. This show is a very deep and complex production in both the story and the singing. It is a truly beautiful musical and there needs to be a fine line drawn between creating comedy and keeping the tension. I believe that Yellow Glass succeeded very well in keeping the show pacy , funny and still very thought provoking. The show did drag slightly in the second half of Act II but only fractionally and it certainly came back with a vengence. I found some of the cheoreography a little laboured and trying to be a little too fairy taleish. The cast seemed to be very intent on getting the moves right and some of the dance moves felt a little too complicated for their own good. The music was beautifully performed and it was a credit to the musicians. I felt that once or twice it might have been fractionally too loud, but only for a few seconds. As for the performances, the Bakers wife, ( sorry, no programme), the Witch, the Princes and Red Riding Hood were the highlights for me. I found them totally believable and utterly credible. The singing was beautiful and the diction was clear and it was a delight to be able to understand the humour in the songs when it was there and when the serious thought provoking moments were there, they were highlighted beautifully. One of the reasons why Sondheim is a master of musical theatre, is his ability to make us question how we live and how we interact. I think Yellow Glass has been very successful in making their audience listen to those questions and take them with them, not an easy feat at all. The haunting song " No one is alone" in Act II should remind us all that we are responsible for each other. In our world of hatred and violence and racism, it is a musical such as "Into the Woods" that can really make us stop and re evaluate our take on the world. It is vital that we are made to question ourselves and if it is a musical supposedly about fairy tales, that can make us do that, then so be it. I congratulate Yellow Glass theatre for having the courage to produce this very difficult production in the first place, for finding a cast to do it justice in the second. For having the faith that Western Australian audiences are adult and mature enough to understand that theatre can be confronting at times and for hoping that simply because the show isn't "Cats", "Beauty and the Beast" or "Rocky Horror" , it is still worthy of seeing and believing in it. Thank you Yellow Glass. I look forward to your next intelligent, sensitively directed and clever production. When I want to see a quality musical I will be coming to your shows. An admirer.

Hi Danniskye, and apologies for the overwrought (and lain rude) response below, which I feel personally was a little over the top perhaps?! Re getting in the big names. Unfortunately, that, too, doesn't work in this town. Last year we had Rent, apparently a popular and well known show. It was Yellowglass (and Eventainment who stuck in a bunch of the cash I thinnk), and the quality was exceptional- especially the locals. They brought in (I suspect against the wishes of the creative team) a former olympic games singing 'star', a platinum award winning recording artist, and a home and away star. Did the audiences come? Nope! and my understanding on rumours about town is that it lost a LOT of money...like times what you think by 20 or 30 times. More money than I could fathom. Whilst $45 for ITW is on the high side for me as a 'sturggling' musician with a baby 4 weeks away, it will be I am certain completely worth it. I paid more than $70 to see Saigon earlier this year on cheapie Easter w/e. Did I enjoy this show? Not really. The cast were great, the band exceptional, and everyone paid properly, but I just found that on my 2nd watching of this box office smash hit (the first time the original West End show) that it was just an ordinary show. Really ordinary. However, Burswood was packed... Don't get me started on my opinion of Cats either... However, the 4 big Cam Mac shows (Saigon, Cats, Phantom and Les Mis) have made well over 7 billion in box office. Does that make them good? No. It does make some people very rich though. So I don't have an answer. Maybe Yellowglass could look at the issue of presenting shows around uni exams (I know this was mentioned around Rent last year as a prob), but I maintain that Perth is yet to 'grow up' as a theatre audience. It doesn't matter how many millions of dollars we're making in the mines, it will take decades for us to change the theatre culture of WA. I am in for the long haul myself, and I hope that groups like Yellowglass will still be with me as well. OK, my wife wants me to leave the computer now! :-) Ciao Nev It's the simple things stupid...

I apologise for not writing 'a proper review' - I simply didn't have the time. So thank you Walter Plingette. I don't want to sound pedantic, but if anyone wants to look up the very interesting writing on Fairy Tales and their psychology, the name is usually spelt Bettelheim. I pay $16.50 just to see a film and this is a live show with a big cast and an orchestra of six.

Oh dear, more apologies. I apologise for this double post, but most of all to Walter Plingette as I missed out a bit in the previous message. It should read... So thank you Walter Plingette. I really enjoyed your full and well-informed analysis and having seen the show only once could never have written that anyway. The background knowledge you mention isn't essential but may well help people understand more fully and, I hope, persuade them to go and see the production. I don't want to sound pedantic, but if anyone wants to look up the very interesting writing on Fairy Tales and their psychology, the name is usually spelt Bettelheim. As a mere audience-member, I have a lot of thoughts about productions and audiences and may post them later but won't deviate from the point now. I pay $16.50 just to see a film and this is a live show with a big cast and an orchestra of six.

Went last night to ITW and it was great. I think it is appropriately priced in the current market. The standard of the singing and acting was great. It was as professional as you are going to get. Venue is great and i would rather pay an extra $15 a ticket to go to a decent venue than to watch a show in some local hall with average acoustics and lighting and staging. At the end of the day if you are going to assemble a talented cast, they need to perform in a decent venue .. They deserve to get paid for what they are doing, because they are good at it and have invested a lot of time into putting it together. I dont know what the issue is with people getting paid if they are good at what they do and the production is at this standard. (yes i do have an issue with paying $60 for average amateur theatre in big theatres, even if it is a fundraiser!!!) I will continue to support YGTC and their productions as I think they form an excellent middle ground between the top end productions that cost $70 - 100 a ticket and the local amateur theatre at $20 a ticket. I am not related/connected/married to/divorced from anyone in the show. Just your average musical theatre enthusiast! Well done everyone involved! Cosi Fan Tutti

In response to Walter La Minge the author of the rather aggressive reply to my post. I was intending on going to see “Into the Woods” as it is a fantastic musical and I have a few friends involved. I didn’t think my post was insulting to Yellowglass, I was just offering an opinion as to why a wider audience may not attend a production such as “Into the Woods”. Which in actual fact is a pitty, because Yellowglass produce great shows and “ITW” is an awesome musical. Unfortunately, I have instead brought tickets to see Wanneroo’s “Hot Mikado” on the night which I was going to attend “ITW”. Not because it’s cheaper, but because I really don’t feel like supporting a production which have rude people such as Walter La Minge involved. I know “Hot Mikado” will be a great show and the people up there won’t be rude. Go and waste your money on some amateur crap at the Regal if you think you're getting your moneys worth. Those companies are not even in the same league as yellowglass, but you support them then. No wonder Perths theatre scene is regarded as a joke. Hmmm…Are you saying that all show’s at the Regal are crap…well you obviously weren’t involved in Yellowglass’s last production at the Regal…or you’re saying it was crap? What companies are you saying which are crap, who I support? And I’m unsure as to why you think the Perth theatre scene is regarded as a joke? We all started somewhere, and I’m sure your local community theatre which you started with and made you the actor or crew member or lighting dude or whatever you are today, would love to hear you bagging them out. Walter La Minge I do feel I have an understanding of the Perth theatre scene, as I do go and see as many productions as I can (sometimes up to 3 a week in a busy month). I love theatre and love supporting it… I’m sorry if you took my post the wrong way but it’s only my opinion, and sometimes you can learn from others opinions if you are willing to listen 

How do you get that I'm in the show? I'm not - I'm just a supporter of good quality theatre, including yellowglass. You "brought" tickets for Hot Mikado and not ITW? Your loss. Oh, and people up there are right bitches. Its the industry darling.

Hello All, I don't care if people are paid, unpaid or any other nonsense thats been written on this thread, because having seen approximately 20 plus musicals performed in Perth in the last 2 years (Including Rent!) I would have to say it was one of the best shows I have seen. Was it flawless?...No! But it wasn't far from it in my opinion, some of the established community theatre's directors and musical directors would have done well to have seen this show as a yardstick for how a well cast, well performed, well conceived and well directed show should be done. This is my humble opinion folks, I am not going to be so crass as to mention shows or clubs, but I saw a lot of musicals in the last two years that were well below par of what a paying audience should expect, even at a community theatre level of up to twenty five dollars per adult ticket. Forty five dollars a ticket, from my standpoint was well worth it! I refuse to respond to the same old gutless anonymous posters that slag off all and sundry, the tall poppy syndrome is obviously alive and well in Perth. Congratulations to Chris, Simon and the Cast and Crew of Yellow Glass Theatre for providing two and half hours of high class entertainment. Cheers Robert.

Tall poppy syndrome? and gutless annonymous posters? Has anyone actually bagged the show in this thread? I think the only concern some people have had was with the ticket prices, and thats not necessarily saying it wasnt worth it, it was just that they couldn't afford it. No one has said the show wasn't any good.

There were plenty of shaggable chicks in the show, too.

Sorry to inform you that the hen in this production was not actually a real hen and is the only reference to poultry I can recall from the show...

You must admit that was one hot, stuffed hen tho...

And, I've heard, a very talented singer.

I must apologise but I can't get my thoughts into gear as to a review on Into the Woods, but must drift off into my own woods very soon. I am hoping that I am seeing a little gleam of actors getting paid. It's no mean feat to see muso's exit WAAPA and enter the local industry, carving a trade if you will. And producing some better than part time muso bands that many people go to see and enjoy. I had heard of the YGT crew getting paid, went to see their show (Noticed that a few of them had other similtaneous shows) and thought it passed a much better than average standard. (I do know ITW very well.) It got me to thinking that the paid work for actors is particularly limited so full credit for YGT & the actors involved for creating a market & keeping at it. Perhaps in answer to some of the above questions there is a clear difference to community people having a go & actors working their craft. ITW for the most part employed actors. (I pray that's not too harsh a comment for any involved) My motto stands...

 

 

... dance lightly my friend, but carry a big stick...

Luke

Saw ITTW on Friday night and saw a very well performed production. All aspects of the show was excellent, but most impressive were the singers and band. What a wealth of talent this company has, they certainly set the benchmark for other companies to aspire to. The programme gave us an insight as to what to look for in the story which helps a lot when seeing such an involved show.