SPRINGTON LAKE MIDDLE SCHOOL STUDENT KAITLYN HANRAHAN IS 'INTO THE WOODS' IN MEDIA

The Media Theatre has Stephen Sondheim’s Tony winning musical “Into The Woods” on stage this summer, now through July 30. The show is being produced as a teen musical experience, in which a youth cast performs along with two local (and slightly older) actors who have had professional or university experience.

Kaitlyn Hanrahan, who just finished up 7^th grade at Springton Lake Middle School where she sings in the choir, plays the role of Lucinda, one of Cinderella’s stepsisters. “Lucinda is “beautiful at face, but violent black of heart” so I make sure everything from my hair, dress, and voice sounds beautiful by being as feminine as possible, while my temperament is the opposite,” she said.  “I approach this role by feeling free to be as mean and cocky as I want.  I think about ways to talk to be as rude as possible, especially to Cinderella.  I also approach the role by always fixing my appearance.”

Kaitlyn has been involved with stage crew at Springton Lake as well, during “The Wizard of Oz” this past May.  This is her first production at The Media Theatre. “Acting and performing has made me more confident in myself, and understand that mistakes are lessons that make you better, and it’s okay to make mistakes. Acting has especially made me think about what other people could feel about certain things, seeing things from their perspective and not just my own.”

KAITLYN KETCH

Of the classic musical she says that “Into The Woods” ‘reflects the American culture’. “Like in the play with characters coming from all different stories,” she explained. “People come to America bringing their own stories, and they all intersect and come together in, at times, peculiar ways. In the musical and in American life people are following their dreams. When they get their wish, it is not always for the best.”

She says, “The musical has so many lessons. It teaches people of all ages about working hard and to not give up. It reminds us how cheating often creates problems. Everyone should see it, as it can make a big impact.”

For tickets to this summer's "Into The Woods" at The Media Theatre now through July 30 call 610-891-0100 or visit mediatheatre.org. Performances are Friday nights at 7pm, Saturdays at 2pm and 7pm, and Sundays at 3pm. Most roles are double cast, so it's a different cast each weekend!