"The cast and crew of Rockville Musical Theatre didn't get a standing ovation last Saturday night, but perhaps they should have-Their production of "Into the Woods" running through Nov. 20, is wonderful.

They take a bright and fairly new musical, with tunes and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, and run with it.

Director Gay Hill, who snagged a prestigious amateur theatre Ruby Griffith Award for last years's production of "Quilters" by the Prince Georges Little Theatre, steers a cast of two dozen talented actors and singers through a fast-moving performance. The show brings alive some well-known nursery tales, welds them together without a seam and transforms their characters into people with modern sensibilities.

Hill also designed the simple backdrop sets, which do their job of representing the woods but are less than Broadway quality- though one hardly cares when this lively cast takes the stage.

Roberta Margolies, who shared the Ruby Griffith award with Hill for her choreography, has created some lively and humorous dance numbers for the show.

But even if the cast were standing still, the striking costumes alone would provide ample entertainment.

Designed by Richard Battistelli, they include a dazzling black-sequined tailcoat for Red Riding Hood's wolf; and inky witch's cloak that transforms into a sexy Victoria's Secret outfit in a couple of heartbeats; and a colorful array of peasant dresses, princes' uniforms and ball gowns.

The story weaves together some half-dozed tales- including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack and the Beanstalk- whose characters take to the woods on various quests.