Murrow Students Dazzled the Crowd with Into the Woods!

December 23, 2016 by Dominique M. Carson

One of the most prominent high schools in Brooklyn, Edward R. Murrow, presented their winter production of Into the Woods, from December 14 to December 17, 2016 at the school’s Joseph Anzalone Theater. This musical is a light-hearted look at the Grimm Brother’s fairy tales, the songs for which were written by Stephen Sondheim.

into-the-woods-if-you-dare-photo-by-frerick-tran-courtesy-of-edward-r-murrow-high-scool

Into The Woods, If You Dare! / photo by Frerick Tran/ courtesy of Edward R. Murrow High Shcool

There wasn’t an empty seat in sight on opening night and for three and a half hours , students took time out of their busy schedules to watch their fellow colleagues deliver an amazing performance. Audience members were connected to the cast from the beginning, right up to the closing curtain call.

The production was launched on behalf of The Players’ Circle, a non-profit organization that recognizes the importance of theater and art programs in schools and is also a great way to raise funds for Murrow’s performing arts program.

Into The Woods Ensemble /photo by Frederick Tran/ courtesy of Edward R Murrow High School

Into the Woods is a classic play that incorporates a number of Charles Perrault fairy tales including Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella and Snow White. The play also included a Brothers Grimm fairy tale, The Baker and Baker’s Wife which depicts a childless baker and his wife, who wanted to start a family, but a witch cursed them.

The musical displays each of the fairy tales’ themes while each of the main characters is trying to find a solution to their problems in the woods. At the end of Act II, each of the characters realize the three words, Into the Woods, was the stepping stone of love, adventure and new opportunities.

Artists on our Radar

Ricky Stein: Texas Roots in Brooklyn

Ricky Stein/ photo courtesy of the artist

If you’re looking for music inspired by New York City with a Texan flare, look no further than Ricky Stein, a Brooklyn-based artist originally from Austin, Texas. Stein is a singer-songwriter whose music is grounded by a combination of his upbringing in Texas and his present life in the bustling streets of New York City and Downtown Brooklyn. Stein has an impressive discography of singles and albums, and since moving to New York City in August 2016, he has released a full album, “Long Summer” and many singles. Stein’s music is best defined as Americana and roots, with folk-infused acoustic and electric guitars, and his lyrics paint vivid images of nature and life. The listener feels connected to Stein, as his musical stylings resemble talent from the likes of John Prine and Bonnie Raitt. His most recent single, “Passenger,” highlights Stein’s talents with a strong harmonica section. The song’s instrumentation and structure is built on one verse, which compliments the song’s message about the uncertainty and ominousness of being a passenger on a long journey. Another standout, “Street Lights,” is a lighthearted commentary on the comfort of hope, the street lights representing persistent light even in the dead of night. Stein’s live performances are carefully tailored, his sets performed at local venues in Brooklyn like Pete’s Candy Store and many other venues known to support live roots and country music. His talents are always showcased, whether performing a solo show with a guitar and harmonica or being supported by a full band. Stein’s upcoming months are packed with performances at many venues, including Saturday, January 11th at Skinny Dennis Bar in Williamsburg and Friday, March 7th at Sunny’s Bar in Red Hook. You won’t want to miss it!

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