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Montezuma’s ‘Into the Wood’s named Outstanding Musical Production

By J.O. Parker, Chronicle Republican

May. 16, 2024 3:31 pm

The witch, Isabella Roorda, laments over Rapunzel, Addyson Probasco, growing up, in Montezuma High School’s production of “Into the Woods.” The students will be recognized for their performances in Des Moines next week. (J.O. Parker/Chronicle Republican)

MONTEZUMA — An ensemble of 14 students representing Montezuma High School will perform an excerpt from their production of “Into the Woods” during the Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase in recognition of the school's Outstanding Musical Production Award.

Produced by Des Moines Performing Arts as the culmination of a yearlong education initiative, the showcase will be held at the Des Moines Civic Center Thursday, May 30 at 7 p.m. and will recognize a total of 102 schools from across the entire state.

The 2024 Iowa High School Musical Theater Awards Showcase, is presented by EMC Insurance Companies.

The baker’s wife, played by Faith Ferry, envies Cinderella’s chance to go to the ball and dance with the Prince. Lydia Singleton portrays Cinderella. (J.O. Parker/Chronicle Republican)

Addyson Probasco, Bryn Fantazia, Camryn Brennan, Faith Ferry, Gracie Wilson, Isabella Roorda, Jayden Doll, Kaya Latcham, Laila Kercheval, Letisia Wilson, Lily Shoemaker, Lydia Singleton, Owen Desrochers and Taylor Wilcox make up the Montezuma ensemble.

Montezuma students Isabella Roorda and Faith Ferry will perform in the Showcase’s opening number, an interschool medley.

In Montezuma’s “Into the Woods,” Isabella Roorda, the witch, warns the other that it is their last midnight. From left are Camryn Brennan, Gracie Wilson, Roorda, Kaya Latcham and Lydia Singleton. (J.O. Parker/Chronicle Republican)

Singleton will also participate in the Triple Threat Award program with other advanced performing students. The students will give a special performance at the showcase and will audition for theater camp scholarships and the opportunity to represent Iowa at the Jimmy Awards, or National High School Musical Theatre Awards, in New York City this summer.

The baker’s father, Laila Kercheval, looks back on all his missed in his son’s life in Montezuma High School’s “Into the Woods.” Kaya Latcham plays the baker. (J.O. Parker/Chronicle Republican)

Montezuma High School will also be recognized with the following awards and honors: Outstanding Musical Production; Outstanding Ensemble; Outstanding Performance in a Principal Role- Lydia Singleton as Cinderella; Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role- Isabella Roorda as the witch; Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role- Faith Ferry as the baker’s wife; and Special Recognition for Performance in a Principal Role- Gracie Wilson as Little Red Riding Hood.

Tickets to the Showcase, which start at $15, will go on sale Friday, May 17, at 10 a.m. at DMPA.org, the Des Moines Civic Center Ticket Office and by phone at 515-246-2300.

The bakers and his wife search for hair as yellow as corn in “Into the Woods” at Montezuma High School. From left are Letisia Wilson, Faith Ferry, Tayler Wicham, Hayley Burnett and Kaya Latcham. (J.O. Parker/Chronicle Republican)

The Awards Showcase will be livestreamed at IowaPBS.org as part of a collaboration with Iowa PBS. Iowa PBS will also broadcast a highlights special of the event later this summer on dates to be announced.

Grandmother and Little Red are saved from the wolf by the baker in the Montezuma Theater Production of “Into the Woods.” From left are Jacob Meyer, Gracie Wilson, Bryn Fantazia and Kaya Latcham. (J.O. Parker/Chronicle Republican)
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