MIA Delivers Heartwarming Performance on a Chilly Evening

With temperatures dipping down to 50 degrees, the Marco Island Academy delivered three sold-out performances of the musical “Into the Woods” at their outdoor Champagne Pavilion on campus this weekend.

The epic play, which clocks in at 2 hours 45 minutes, saw the capacity crowd bundled up with jackets, stocking caps and blankets—and loving every minute of it.

The young thespians performed magnificently with nary a botched line. 

The pavilion was set up as a theatre-in-the-round, with cast entering and exiting the stage from all directions.

Christopher Dayett, Director of the Performing Arts at MIA, praised his student team prior to the performance. Dayett deserved to take a bow for the job he did with his young cast. It must have taken half of the student body to put the extravaganza together.

The original production was by Stephen Sondheim and Jame Lapine. “Into the Woods” follows the Baker and his wife who wish to have a child. It also features Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, the Wolf, the Witch, Rapunzel and the Princess.

Tyler Mastrangelo was the Narrator, Haylen Irvan was Cinderella, Jack was Jose David Puell, Jr., Milky-White was Robert Davis, Jack’s mother was Riley Letendre, the Baker was Koby Garcia and the Baker’s Wife was Rachel Weiner. Cinderella’s stepmother was Prestley Irvan, Florinda was Hannah Love. Lucinda was Zoie Swift; Cinderella’s father was Sean White. Little Red Riding Hood was played by Kira Swanson. The Witch was played by Bella Burgos. Cinderella’s mother was played by Riley Letendre, Rachel Weiner, Prestley Irvan, Hannah Love, Zoie Swift, Kira Swanson, Bella Burgos and Grace Fields.

Mysterious Man was Ryan Sullivan. Granny was played by Grace Fields. Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf was Julian Totten. Rapunzel’s Prince/Wolf 2 was Reef Weber. The Steward was Joseph Krepel. And School Principal Melissa Scott was the Giant.

A large group of students did all of the crew work, including sound, scenes and props. The production and marketing class was also a big part of making the musical a success.