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Into The Woods

   Written by on May 15, 2015 at 12:38 pm

They have done it again and this reporter is sorry that anyone local missed it! Just when I think the Clarksville Community Players (CCP) can’t come up with a production as good as the last one, they top themselves.  Really folks, the talent in Clarksville and in the surrounding communities of Virginia and North Carolina is outstanding.

logo- community news & views“Into the Woods” is based on the book by James Lapine.  This production was directed by Charlie Simmons and the musical conductor and director was the ultra-talented Don Hite.  Look up his profile online and you will be amazed.

The music was provided by a small live orchestra with superb keyboard, fine violin, and interesting percussion. I cannot describe the excellent music that was continuously played throughout the production.  It was absolutely wonderful!  I had one eye on the conductor and one eye on the play!

My Clarksville friends kindly inform me of the upcoming events and I try not to miss them. We have an interesting concept going. When the Clarksville area is in need of rain, invite me down! I had to travel home at night in horrible rainstorms after several productions. The road between Clarksville and Wylliesburg doesn’t have visible lines and it was very difficult to drive at night.  Now, I attend the Sunday matinee and so far, no rain and I can see!

For one to realize why I’m so excited about CCP, one must know Georgene and Curtis Glasscock.  They are friends of mine and the parents of three exceptionally talented young men who were in this production.

For ten years Georgene directed the Youth & Children’s Theatre Workshops and in 2012, she directed the CCP’s production of one of my favorites, “Fiddler on the Roof”.  No wonder her sons love acting and singing. They’ve been involved with theatre all of their lives and all three are great.

This show is based on an assortment of fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm.  Zachary Glasscock portrayed Jack (from the beanstalk & Zach’s a big “ham”); Josh Glasscock had the role of the Baker; and Lucas Glasscock was the Narrator and also, the Mysterious Man.  Georgene was off-stage as the voice of the Giant.

Also on stage was Cinderella, her step-mother and step-sisters, Prince Charming, Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, Rapunzel, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and an audience favorite, Milky-White (Jack’s cow, another “ham” in full cow costume) played by Scott Caldwell.

The story weaves problems these characters face as they walk “into the woods” while trying to solve them. Along the way they encounter The Witch, played with much gusto by Leigh Lambert, a certified Librarian and a freelance storyteller from South Hill. The part she played was portrayed on Broadway by Bernadette Peters and by Meryl Streep in the 2014 motion picture released by Walt Disney last Christmas. I could tell that she loved playing her part!

I will try to keep our readers more informed about the CCP’s schedules.  Our Southside Messenger had these performances listed on its Calendar of Events page but I think more emphasis needs to be put on these wonderful productions before the performances so our county folks can make plans to attend.

My congratulations to the entire cast, directors and behind the scenes workers!

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