Director Caroline Hutchison warned me this musical was no fairytale - even though the entire production is based on some of those classics, where the stories intertwine to show "the power of a few ordinary people" can combine to overcome the seemingly insurmountable.
Walking into the Athenaeum Hall in Arrowtown almost took my breath away, with lights, candles, greenery, backdrops, cushions and background music creating the desired effect of being transported back in time to the eras of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel.
When the five-piece orchestra began so did the action and, it has to be said, the talent on display was mind-boggling.
For a small community, and an "amateur" production, the ability of those on stage who sing like angels and act like professionals would put others to shame.
The future is indeed bright for the theatre scene here with 15-year-old Emily Burns as Little Red Riding Hood absolutely brilliant.
It's always difficult to single out a performer in a show like this, where they are all, quite frankly, brilliant.
In this case, it's impossible with two performers clearly a hit with the audience.
Sam Hillman as Rapunzel's Prince and Lindsay Woods as Cinderella's Prince were priceless.
The over-the-top Puss 'n Boots combined with Zoolander acting skills they both displayed were fantastic; their duets were hilarious and the parts perfectly cast.
Woods actually got my award for the best delivery of a line in a show - said to Cinderella (Ailsa Woods) "I was raised to be charming, not sincere".
Ailsa Woods was gorgeous as Cinderella and sung beautifully, while Nick Hughes as the Baker and Charlotte Graf as the Baker's wife were both excellent.
Tom Maxwell as Jack was delightful and Margaret O'Hanlon as the Witch not only displayed brilliant comic timing, but a singing voice with such sincerity it gave me more than a few shivers.
The other cast members - Kathleen Brentwood as Granny and Jack's mother, Jo Blick (Cinderella's stepmother), Nikki Bodle (Florinda), Tania Pimm (Lucinda), Rodney Parker (Wolf and Steward) and Amy McMillan (Rapunzel) - are all worthy of a mention, rounding out a stellar cast.
Ken Turner (sets) and Kay Turner (costumes) should be commended for their work, which created the atmosphere that thrilled the audience.
To Caroline, thanks once again for displaying the talent our community should be proud of in such a powerful way.
Yet again, you have outdone yourself.
Into The Woods runs at Arrowtown's Athenaeum Hall until September 6.
Bookings can be made at the Lakes District Museum or the Bungy Shop.
Tickets cost $38.
