The Westlake Season – Into the Woods / As You Like It
In 2023, Westlake Schools are combining once again to bring audiences not one but two productions: Stephen Sondheim’s magical comic masterpiece, Into the Woods, and Shakespeare’s pastoral comedy, As You Like It.
This will be across a two-week season, first at Westlake Boys (Into the Woods, from July 18-22) and then at Westlake Girls (As You Like It, from July 25-29).
Rehearsals are well underway, led by the same award-winning team that directed Les Mis (2019) and Socially Distanced Shakespeare (2021) – both awarded multiple Auckland Live Showdown Awards.
This week, cast members had the great privilege of working with visiting international choreographer Darren Royston. His credentials include teaching Daniel Radcliffe (of Harry Potter fame) how to dance, choreographing major musical theatre productions in London, as well as films such as Queen of the Desert starring Nicole Kidman.
One parent who observed an Into the Woods rehearsal this week commented:
“Wow, how talented is Darren Royston. It was fascinating to see the way he got nearly forty teenagers simultaneously coordinating their dance steps, weaving their individual movements into an interdependent collective. It was a glimpse into one of the many, many layers that gradually build over a long period of rehearsing, where singing, acting, dancing, costuming, lighting and set design are all polished to ultimately create a slick and seamless show. Can’t wait until opening night!”
Tickets for ‘The Westlake Production Season’ go on sale at iTicket.co.nz on Saturday 27 May.
Experience the magic of Stephen Sondheim’s musical fairytale masterpiece Into the Woods, and Shakespeare’s delightful romantic comedy As You Like It – performed by talented Westlake students.
Into the Woods – July 18– 22 – Westlake Boys High School Auditorium Adult: $30, Student: $25, Family (2 Adults and 2 Youth): $90
If you’re not familiar with the magical musical masterpiece that is Sondheim’s Into the Woods, here is the prologue for a wonderful taste of what is to come.
Familiar fairy-tale characters (Little Red Riding Hood, Jack of Beanstalk fame, and Cinderella) – we thought we knew and loved so well – are confronted by life’s compelling realities. Combining the whimsy and generous humour of films such as The Princess Bride, and gothic Tim Burton-like shocks and surprises, Into the Woods boasts a beautiful, soaring score, arguably amongst Sondheim’s best, and a profound and witty script. The musical has won numerous awards, including Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Book.
Accompanied by a Stage Orchestra of 28 Westlake students, and some stunning vocalists, you do not want to miss this!
As You Like It – 25th – 29th July – Westlake Girls High School Events Centre Adult: $20, Student: $15, Family (2 Adults and 2 Youth): $50
As You Like It is one of Shakespeare’s most beloved comedies. A joyous celebration of love in all its games, trials and confusions. The play showcases Shakespeare’s skill in blending comedy, romance, and social commentary.
Through a series of mistaken identities, humorous misunderstandings, and poetic musings, As You Like It celebrates the transformative power of love and the freedom found in nature. In the festive, Woodstock-inspired forest of Arden, anything can happen, including the miraculous reconciliation of feuding brothers, the restoration of a fallen duke, and the resurrection of the long-lost Rosalind.
Both casts and their directing teams have been putting in massive hours for these two seasons, so please make sure to come along and support!
Purchase your tickets now at i-Ticket
We have sponsorship opportunities to be in the printed programme. For more information contact Peter Feeney E: [email protected] / P: 021 455 652. Click here to view Sponsorship Prospectus.
We are pleased to announce Shakespeare Orthodontics are the generous sponsors of both shows.
