Actor comes full circle with featured role in ‘Into the Woods’

Abby Anderson plays the Witch during dress rehearsal for the production "Into the Woods" on Tuesday at the Genesis Center. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram Abby Anderson plays the Witch during dress rehearsal for the production "Into the Woods" on Tuesday at the Genesis Center. James Durbin/Reporter-Telegram Photo: James Durbin Photo: James Durbin Image 1 of / 1 Caption Close Actor comes full circle with featured role in ‘Into the Woods’ 1 / 1 Back to Gallery

Abby Anderson didn’t know auditioning monologue for Pickwick Players years ago would be a foreshadowing moment.

“I never read plays much but was always more familiar with musicals so when I auditioned for Pickwick, I performed a monologue by the Witch in the opening number of ‘Into the Woods’ which is kind of a rap. So the musical has a special place for me,” Anderson said.

The Sondheim musical which pits iconic fairy tale characters into one adventure comes to life at the Genesis Center for two weekends. Directed by Carl Beery Moore for MRRRP Productions, “Into the Woods” opens Friday as a benefit for the center, which provides safety and shelter services for women and children victims of domestic violence, substance abuse and homelessness.

On stage, the Witch has been immortalized by Broadway legend Bernadette Peters and has since been played by familiar notables Vanessa Williams (“Ugly Betty”) and Phylicia Rashad (“The Cosby Show”). Meryl Streep will play the character in the upcoming film version. While creating her own version, Anderson also sought inspiration from those before her.

“I'm a big fan of Peters’ interpretation and I’m glad to perform this before the movie comes out with Meryl,” Anderson said, laughing. “I can’t help but pull from all the women who have come before me, but it’s also been a difficult task. I had to make this character powerful without making her overbearing.”

Anderson kept losing her voice by yelling her lines for a witchier feel. She dug deeper to make her menacing without relying on usual contrivances. In that, she found deeper meaning to her character.

“She’s used to this life of her power over others but then she feels out of control from the situation that has happened. She wants to maintain her superiority but, really, she isn’t,” she said.

Anderson said there are definite parallels to everyday life in that loss of control. She likened it to post-graduation life which wasn’t as structured anymore.

Add to that the musical’s themes of wishing for something better, and the results when those things happen can be just as real.

The actor explained how the woods are far more than just a plot device.

“They all have a wish in the beginning, but they have to go get it. So they go ‘into the woods’ which is this metaphor for turmoil. They get out of their comfort zone,” she said. “To get something you really want, you have to get out of your home and sometimes go somewhere dark and chaotic.”

Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (of beanstalk fame), Cinderella, Rapunzel and more are all part of the adventure of “Into the Woods” while the Witch is — for the most part — the primary antagonist. And yet, playing the role has been a joy for Anderson.

“I love playing her,” she said.

Despite her role, Anderson’s favorite part of her “Into the Woods” experience has been the cast and crew who have come together to do the show but also to help those in need.

Anderson is also part of MRRRP Productions, which is a family affair. Named after a familial noise equivalent to “hello” or “goodbye” or the like, the Anderson family has produced three shows total all for the benefit of local nonprofits.

“MRRRP sprung to life on its own accord and started as a famiy project but it’s become much bigger than just us. Carl has been our director for all three shows and it’s become this group that is excited to put on theater,” she said.

MRRRP opened with “Godspell” benefiting Midland Area AIDS Services and last year staged “Forever Plaid” benefiting the education endowment for Midland Community Theatre.

“We never planned on becoming the institution, but I think it’s because of the desires and mentality of the theater folk here. And so we just wish to build a better community with theater and helping people out,” she said.

It’s a wish that seems to come true every year.

“Into the Woods” at Genesis Center, 2800 W. Louisiana Ave. Friday through Aug. 2. 8 p.m. $20. Mrrrp.org.

Read more about the Genesis Center in Friday’s Faith & Philanthropy section.