SUMMERSIDE, P.E.I. — Eric Pidgeon wears his heart on his billowing sleeve when it comes to playing Rapunzel’s prince in the latest production by the Fandango Musical Players Inc.
“I love to embrace any character and Steve (Bruce) and I play brothers in this production called "Into the Woods." There’s a bit of a rivalry with the two on who has the fairest maiden of them all. But it’s been an amazing journey to develop these characters,” said Pidgeon.
"Into the Woods" is based on the Broadway musical that was released in the late 1980s, with the music and lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim and the book by James Lapine.
“This is our version of this award-winning musical,” said Pidgeon, while encouraging the audience to “come with an open mind” because anything can happen “when you venture into the woods.”
The production focuses on a baker and his wife that wish to have a child but are placed under a wicked spell by a neighbouring witch. In order to lift the spell, the couple has to go on a quest to locate items to conjure up a very special potion.
During their journey, they cross paths with many iconic fairy-tale characters, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Rapunzel - they all interlock in the woods.
“Eventually the couple will have their happily-ever-after, but there are consequences to getting that thing,” said Pidgeon.
The costumes in this witty, entertaining, musical production, have been handmade by Sandra MacNeill, who plays the mother of Jack of the Beanstalk.
Steve Bruce, playing Prince Charming and the Big Bad Wolf, said, “The cast is comprised of amazing talent. Some are from Three Oaks Senior High School, and others have a long run with performing in Fandango projects. Most of all, we love to get together and re-enact these favourite fairy-tale characters.”
Pidgeon concluded, “I think this is our best production to date.”
"Into the Woods" is playing at Summerside’s Harbourfront Theatre on Dec. 6, 7, 12, 13, and 14.
For more information or to book tickets visit, http://www.harbourfronttheatre.com/fandango-into-the-woods/ or visit their Facebook page.
