Renton High School’s musical play production Into the Woods showcased beloved characters from different fairytale stories who all venture through the woods to fulfill their individual wishes. However, the characters are soon to be faced with the consequences of their wishes and their actions. The musical play lasted for five days at the IKEA Performing Arts Center (IPAC) with tickets sold for $15 per person. The show contained a live pit orchestra of RHS students who learned 70 new pieces of music, led by RHS Orchestra Director, Mr. Bores. RHS Vocal Director, Mr. Lim, supported casted students rehearsing and learning new pieces of music leading up to the show, as well as contributed to playing in the live orchestra pit with other students. Also involved in this production was Mr. Booker’s students with their industrial technology skills to help build the sets. 

The process of the show started on March 11, 2025, led by RHS Drama Production Director, Mrs. Khelghatian. Musical auditions were announced by the RHS drama club, asking students to come prepared to sing a chosen song at the IPAC. One student who was casted into the musical, Lucia Urquiza, who played Jack’s Mother, mentioned, “I didn’t know what I was going to sing until seconds before I went on stage…the stage felt huge and there were so many people there that I didn’t know. It was uncomfortable at first, but the theatre community is so kind and welcoming. So that feeling didn’t last long.” Although it was last minute preparation for Lucia, she decided to join the musical for her love of performing and singing. By the end of their last rehearsal, Lucia explained how she was looking forward to the show’s opening night. She said, “I was so excited to get to share what we’d been working on with our school’s community.” In all, she hopes the audience found the show enjoyable and recognized the hard work behind the production in order to bring the musical play to life!  

After the show, Lucia shared a reflection about being part of the musical. To everyone who contributed to the show, she wants to say, “I’m so incredibly proud of each of you – I love you!” She stated that due to the wonderful community throughout the musical, she was able to make new friends and find a community that felt like a second family to her. 

Tremendous efforts have been put into the musical play performance both on and off the stage, including the contribution of our Lead Costume Designer Lourdes Gray, Stage Manager Nick Ingles, and Set Coordinator/Designer Sophia Hun. As well as assistance from students who were the technology & backstage supporters. From casted students to students and staff behind the scenes, thank you! Not only did Renton High School produce a successful musical play production, RHS also showed off the talents of our amazing students!

Lead Costume Design: Lourdes Gary

Stage Manager: Nick Ingles

Set Coordinator/Designer: Sophia Hun

Technology/ Backstage Support: 

Greyson Bush (Team Lead)

Alaysia Mekauong

Daniela Argueta

Sophia Hun

Ameera Dukuray

Jayden Andrews

Emma Lyons Reynolds

Bibi Escrenso

Toney Riggins

Abigail Doran (Understudy)

Christian Cruz Martinez

Set Building Team: 

Carlos Alfaro Castillo

Jordan Farias Castro

Alexander Garcia Cermeno

Mozamil Haidari

Andreas Hunt

Madelyn King

Vinnie Lightfoot

Angel Lopez Moreno

Crystal Martin

Trent Mckinney

Paulina Miguel Bautista

Tatiyanna Minnis

Anthony Nguyen

Benjamin Nguyen

Javier Quezada Espinoza

Elisabeth Richards

Jovan Rodriguez

Kjeir Rush

Hector Santa Maria

Anthony Severance

Yovani Soto Davalos

Aman Sulayman

Brian Tran

Jacob Tran

Torrin Tse

Recab Velazquez Valencia

Keon Voegele

Henry Vu

Lyna Vu

Maxim Zinovyev

Joshua Shaw

Violas

Cellos

Bass

Orchestra (Continued)

Michelle Nguyen, Aleena

Souvannavong

Saul Keith, Kayla Pasag

Tracy Ngo

RHS Administration:

Principal Mr. O’Connell

Assistant Principals Ms. Konkol & Mr. Powell

Dean of Students Ms. Whiton

IB Coordinator Mr. Collie

Directors:

Production Director: Mrs. Sara Khelghatian

Orchestra Pit Director: Mr. Jackson Bores

Vocal Director: Mr. Jerry Lim