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By Jill Runfola

The Charleroi Area High School cast of gifted students performed ‘Into The Woods’ as their 2017 spring musical, and audience members got to see what happens when happily ever after is over in the final act.

Pictured are (l-r) Director Melissa Vitali and Student Technical Director Erica Angelo.

They showed a never-before-seen journey into what might go wrong in fairytale endings.

The musical was held at Charleroi High School on Friday and Saturday, March 3 and 4 at 7 p.m. and at 2 p.m. on Sunday for a matinee. Senior citizens at Sunday’s show received free admission, lunch, a chance to meet the cast, and were provided transportation to and from the show. Sunday’s auditorium was a full house.

Melissa Vitali has directed the spring musical for five years at Charleroi High School and has been involved with the business for twelve years. She says they had auditions in November and started rehearsal in January. She teaches kindergarten during the school day and enjoys directing afterward for the high school.

Vitali says that it’s the classic fairy tales in act I, such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood. She says what she likes the most about ‘Into the Woods’ is that “it’s a new way to see the stories through new eyes.”

Tori Beveridge, in 12th grade, who played the witch, says, “I think the character was really fitting to myself—she was sassy and emotionally loving and secretive.” The talented actress played a large part in the musical, casting spells, singing solos, and bringing her role to life.

Other cast members included: Austin Pringle, baker; Peyton Trollinger, Jack; Emmy Zajack, Rapunzel; Joe Weber, Cinderella’s prince; Tresten Maksemetz, Rapunzel’s prince; John Eric Mraz , wolf; and Vanessa LaBryer, giant.

Pictured are (l-r) Little Red, Emily Bittner; witch, Tori Beveridge; and baker’s wife, Madison Codeluppi.

Vitali concluded, “The audience learns about the fairytale world, how much it’s connected—how intertwined they are. You learn that you’re better off with what you’ve got rather than wishing for more.”

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