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Thesongofpurplesummer

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Newbie

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The Witch - into the woods - 2008/03/15 17:37 hello!

so i recently managed to win the role of 'the witch' for into the woods.
now although i have the role, i've been told that the director is unsure as to whether i can be 'spiteful/nasty/scary' enough for the role however ive gotten it because they beleive i will work hard to do it justice.

so basically any tips from any previous 'witches' out there? specific moments etc that i could be especially 'spiteful' - rehearsals havent started yet soo i would like to get a head start so i dont disappoint!

thanks

xxx current role: ....Carmen - Fame
The Witch - Into the woods.

previous roles: Phillia - A funny thing happened on the way to the forum
Miranda - Return to the forbidden planet

Dream roles : Elphaba (wicked) Wendla/ilse/matha -actually just the whole cast!!! (Spring awakening) mimi(rent)Mrs Lovett (Sweeney todd) Velma Kelly (Chicago) The witch (into the woods- YAY)
eponine (les mis)

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aliauthor

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Leading Player

Posts: 349

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Re:The Witch - into the woods - 2008/03/15 20:10 Rent the ITW video with the original cast- it's great character study especially with Bernadette Peters.

Narrator: You need an objective observer to pass the story along.
Witch: Some of us don't like the way you've been telling it

Witch: It's his father's fault that the curse got placed, and the place got cursed in the first place!

Remember that the witch isn't a stereotypical witch, she has tender moments with her daughter and in 'Children will Listen'.

break legs! -Ali

Currently:
-Sheila; Boys Next Door (postshow depression mode)
-acceptance to acting ensemble
-Bye Bye Birdie (audition- didn't get a callback)

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triplethreat

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Re:The Witch - into the woods - 2008/03/15 20:32 The key (as with any role) is to really study the script and find the motivation behind what the witch says and does - if you are just "acting scary" because the witch is supposed to be scary, then it's not going to come across as genuine.

Remember that most people who are mean & nasty don't really think that they are - they are just being themselves, and think it is the rest of us who have the problem.

Give the witch a REASON for everything, and you'll be fine. _____________
Kris
MTA Admin

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akrialet

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Chorus Member

Posts: 41

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Re:The Witch - into the woods - 2008/03/21 15:24 Kris is absolutely right about that. A perfect example in Into the Woods is when the witch sings Stay With Me to Rapunzel. Her lines before the song are really angry, and then she shifts into the tender emotions in the song, then back into her fury afterward. The key to this scene (and an insight into the witch's character) is that she isn't just angry. She's scared for Rapunzel, scared about losing her, and is jealous that she isn't the only one in her life. Thus, it isn't just selfish reasons that drive her. She honestly believes she's best for her "daughter" and that Rapunzel needs to learn a lesson. Use these to fuel the dialogue instead of just acting angry.

So yeah! Those would be my tips, along with watching the ITW DVD (because its soooooo good). I'm doing the show right now (I'm the Baker) and I couldn't be happier. The show is absolutely phenomenal. Micah---
[Not the boy who lives next door]
Current Role: The Baker in Into the Woods!!!!!

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Thesongofpurplesummer

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Re:The Witch - into the woods - 2008/03/21 15:30 thanks for the advice everyone!

you see i have seen that dvd a few times, and in the audition i did play it that sort of way.
but i they dont appear to want her to be played this way
some of the words they have told me are 'spiteful,melodramatic, nasty'
i think i shall kick the lines around a bit and see what i can find then show them (this seems the best option)
i completely get what your saying though, as thats how i interpret the witch one of the reasons i wanted this character is because she isnt the classic 'story book witch' she has a heart, it just takes some digging through the ice to get to it! lol.

but thanks everyone for your advice and guidance

xxx current role: ....Carmen - Fame
The Witch - Into the woods.

previous roles: Phillia - A funny thing happened on the way to the forum
Miranda - Return to the forbidden planet

Dream roles : Elphaba (wicked) Wendla/ilse/matha -actually just the whole cast!!! (Spring awakening) mimi(rent)Mrs Lovett (Sweeney todd) Velma Kelly (Chicago) The witch (into the woods- YAY)
eponine (les mis)

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