DANBURY - Duped by a modestly wicked witch with questionable intentions (played by Tracey Marble), this amiable, funny, and charming cast of fairy tale characters takes to the woods to seek their hearts desires, babies, lovers, grandma's, and food.

The Baker and his wife (Nathan Mandracchia and Carey Van Hollen, respectively), yearn for a baby. Cursed by the Witch, who is also the Baker's mother, they are barren. She subjects the couple to a scavenger hunt for some very obscure and hard to procure artifacts in order to remedy the spell.

Along the way they encounter two princes, Sergio Mandujano and Stephen Moores, in hot pursuit of Cinderella and Rapunzel, who are also hiding out in the woods.

Little Red Riding Hood (Tori Vacca) is trying oh so hard to get to Grandma's house while encountering all kinds of obstacles. No worries for her though, she is bold and sassy.

Jack (Tyler Carey) and his mother (Priscilla Squiers) are simply destitute. Jack is charged with selling his dear friend, the milky white cow for no less than five pounds!. A heartbreaking prospect for Jack, who, as the tale goes, foolishly sells him for a sack of fancy beans. The beans turn out to be very rewarding.

Cinderella's bossy stepmother (Beth Bria Salvador) and airhead stepsisters (Emma Giorgio and Natalie Harde) are in the woods hunting down the prince, willing to sacrifice life and particularly limb, literally, to land their man. These two sisters are a hoot in sunglasses.

The supporting cast includes a clever set of pecking birds (Daisy Stott and Rachel Salvador), a mysterious man (Patrick Spaulding), who appears for moments to drop some knowledge; and several narrators (Will Armstrong, Rob Mayette, Brian Hinger, Catherine Cavender, and Juliana Koziol).

There is all sorts of magic, murder, intrigue and even a little lust going on in these eponymous woods. The second act involves a marauding, house-crunching giant who appears to avenge the death of her also gigantic son after a fall from the beanstalk. She is merciless, creating havoc as the fairy tale personalities attempt to salvage their property while avoiding her footsteps.

Let it be said, the vocal aptitude of every one of these cast members will take your breath away. While the story is literally enchanting and supremely entertaining, the voices are, to a one, simply gorgeous. They steal the show.

The creativity of the characters and the portrayals by the actors are each fantastic, comedic, and earnest. This is ultimately an ensemble piece which exudes enthusiasm for collaboration.

Director-Choreographer Brad Blake has done it again. This time he brings a superb production literally into the woods - MAR's productions are presented, after all, on the grounds of Richter Arts Center - where all can pack a picnic and bask in the glow of this warm, funny musical wonder.

Performances conclude June 29-July 1 at Richter Arts Center, 100 Aunt Hack Road in Danbury.

Call 203-748-MUSE (203-748-6873) or visit musicalsatrichter.org for ticket information, reservations, and even a brief video of the production.

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