Testosterone Replacement Therapy in Great Falls, VA

As their primary androgen, testosterone helps men develop common male characteristics and is essential in the production of sperm. Controlled by your body's pituitary gland and hypothalamus, testosterone helps develop and maintain:

Muscle Mass

Muscle Mass

Facial and Body Hair

Facial and Body Hair

Sex Organs

Sex Organs

Healthy Libido

Healthy Libido

Healthy Libido

Bone Density

Healthy Libido

Sexual Function

Healthy Libido

Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels

When low testosterone or hypogonadism occurs, however, males begin to notice concerning symptoms that often affect their everyday lives and romantic relationships.

 Muscle Mass Great Falls, VA

When men lose significant amounts of testosterone, it alters their body's levels of testosterone and estrogen. Lower T levels usually result in abdominal fat, which in turn causes estrogen synthetize levels to increase, creating even higher levels of estrogen in the body. With more estrogen and less testosterone, a number of concerning issues begin to surface. Some of the symptoms of low testosterone include:

  • Erectile Dysfunction
  • Lowered Libido
  • Lowered Sperm Count
  • More Body Fat
  • Depression
  • Anxiety
  • Issues with Concentration
  • Male Breast Development
  • Less Muscle Mass
  • Motivation Issues

If you're a man struggling with one or more of the symptoms above, it could be because you have low testosterone. But the only way you can find out for sure is to have your testosterone levels tested by a wellness center like Proactive Wellness. If your testosterone levels are low, TRT in Great Falls, VA, may be the answer to your low-T problems.

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003
 Facial And Body Hair Great Falls, VA

Understanding The Symptoms of Low Testosterone

Are you starting to notice that you don't feel like "you" when you're at home or at work? Do you feel tired and lethargic all the time, even in your free time away from the office? Many men mistake these symptoms for being too sleepy or too busy. But the truth is, they're suffering from low testosterone. Since no two males will have the same symptoms of low T, it's prudent to recognize and understand some of the most common signs:

Erectile Dysfunction

Erectile Dysfunction

If there were two words that all men wish to avoid, it's these two. Being unable to perform in the most intimate moments isn't just embarrassing - it can affect long-term relationships and mental health. It's a difficult topic to talk about. But it doesn't have to be. Our experts are ready to help you re-light that special spark.

Low Libido

Low Libido

When you have low testosterone, sometimes the thought of having sex just isn't appealing. If you're one of the many men in the U.S. who lacks sex drive, it might not be you. I could be low testosterone. Don't settle for a mediocre sex drive - reclaim your vigor at Proactive Wellness Centers.

Lack of Sleep

Lack of Sleep

Do you work hard every day and come home exhausted, only to find that you toss and turn all night long? Whether you have undiagnosed insomnia or another sleep disorder, it could be linked to low T.

 Sex Organs Great Falls, VA
 Healthy Libido Great Falls, VA
Less Strength and Muscle Mass

Less Strength and Muscle Mass

When testosterone levels deplete as we age, men lose their ability to lift heavy items, even with weightlifting routines in the gym. If you're making a concerted effort to maintain your muscle mass and strength but aren't making gains, it could be due to low T.

Depression

Depression

Your brain is home to many testosterone receptors, but when your body has low T, it can affect your mood. With time, poor spirits can lead to serious psychological issues, like depression. However, studies show that TRT in Great Falls, VA, can rebalance your hormones, which can help relieve depression and improve your mood.

Lack of Concentration

Lack of Concentration

Do you find it hard to complete normal tasks when you're at work? Does it seem like your memory is fading? Does your spouse or significant other complain that you're not paying attention to them? The effects of low testosterone don't just affect your body - they can affect your mind and memory, too. When your testosterone levels are within normal range, brain fog and other concentration issues have been shown to go away.

 Bone Density Great Falls, VA

What are the Risks of Living with Low Testosterone?

At Proactive Wellness Centers, we understand what men must go through daily when they have low testosterone. They suffer from fatigue and lack motivation and often don't feel like their usual selves. But as bad as those symptoms sound, living with low T can have more severe health risks that that put vital organs at risk. Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003

Some of the most concerning health risks you should be aware of include the following:

 Sexual Function Great Falls, VA
heart-health

Heart Health

If you've been told by a doctor that you have high blood pressure, you're probably wondering what it stems from. Is it aging? Is it hereditary? Is it something else? According to academic research, men with low T have a higher chance of developing cardiovascular illnesses. When testosterone levels are low, red blood cell reproduction suffers. When that happens, plaque buildup in your arteries may be accelerated. With time, plaque building can lead to very serious problems like strokes and heart attacks.

Anemia

Anemia

When you have anemia, your body has a lack of or dysfunctional red blood cells, meaning your organs have less oxygen with which to function. Because testosterone has a role in healthy red blood cell production, it makes sense that men with low t have a higher risk of anemia. In fact, a 2009 study found that older men with low T are 5x more likely to be anemic than men with healthy levels of testosterone. While TRT in Great Falls, VA, isn't a cure for anemia, it will help produce more red blood cells in your body, which can prevent anemia.

Diabetes

Diabetes

If you have been diagnosed with pre-diabetes or diabetes, and you're trying to figure out why, it may be linked to your T levels. That's because men with low testosterone have a greater chance of developing diabetes as they age. Similarly, men with diabetes are much more likely to have low testosterone, establishing a relationship between diabetes and testosterone. This relationship is further solidified by the fact that men with low T have a more challenging time resisting insulin. Though TRT won't cure diabetes, studies show that men with healthy testosterone levels also have healthier blood sugar levels and are often less obese.

Obesity

Obesity

If you look in the mirror in the morning and can't stand how much body fat you've gained since getting older, you're not alone. Many aging men have problems with their waistlines. If you eat well and exercise regularly but still can't get rid of that unsightly stomach or body fat, the culprit may be low testosterone. Multiple studies have shown the link between obesity and low T. In fact, testosterone plays an important role in food metabolism by regulating insulin, glucose, and fat. Fortunately, when combined with diet and exercise, men who undergo TRT can often lose weight and enjoy improved blood glucose and low-density cholesterol levels.

Enjoy Life to the Fullest with TRT in Great Falls, VA

 Healthy Red Blood Cell Levels Great Falls, VA

Testosterone replacement therapy does precisely what it sounds like: It is a science-backed therapy that replaces low testosterone levels in men. The ultimate goal of TRT is to improve your life and well-being by balancing your hormones. Also referred to as androgen replacement therapy, TRT helps many men deal with and overcome the debilitating side effects of low T.

Originally developed by scientists in the 1930s, TRT has grown substantially in popularity over the years. Today, it is one of the most common and promising treatments for males with low testosterone.

How Does TRT Work?

Without getting too scientific, TRT works by providing your body with the testosterone it needs to function properly. Without healthy levels of testosterone, the male body can't maintain the natural processes it needs for overall health. In fact, men with low testosterone levels are more prone to serious health problems like type-2 diabetes and even heart disease. Until their T levels are restored to normal, most men suffer until they find a solution.

That's where TRT comes into play. With balanced hormones, your body can finally begin to heal, causing most symptoms of low t to diminish greatly.

Testosterone Replacement Therapy Great Falls, VA

Make an Appointment

Book Appointment phone-number (703) 822-5003

The Proactive Wellness Approach to TRT in Great Falls, VA

At Proactive Wellness Centers, our team utilizes a three-pronged approach to healing and treatment:

01

Patient Education. We equip you with the knowledge needed to take charge of your health and achieve optimal well-being in your life.

02

Prevention. We focus on preventing diseases by providing you with a thorough evaluation, which includes comprehensive diagnostics and the information you provide on your health history form.

03

Rejuvenation. Lastly, we work closely with you to implement a rejuvenation program consisting of several science-based treatments that aim to promote tissue regeneration, reduce cellular degeneration, foster healing, and slow your aging process.

Because no two patients ever have the exact same needs and treatment, your journey to journey to optimal health will be unique and tailored to your body.
However, to give you a brief snapshot of the average patient's TRT timeline may look like this:

Getting Started:

You contact our TRT clinic in Virginia. Based on your schedule, we'll arrange for a time for you to come in for your initial assessment.

Diagnostics and Evaluation:

One of our diagnostic experts will complete comprehensive testing to discover your testosterone and related hormone levels and your best treatment options.

Review Testing:

We'll sit with you one-on-one to discuss the results of your lab tests. During this session, a medical practitioner will also answer any questions you have about low T and testosterone replacement therapy.

Begin Your Custom TRT Regimen:

Based on your lifestyle, goals, and test results, we'll craft a custom TRT plan exclusively for you.

Success Coaching:

When you undergo TRT at Proactive Wellness Centers, you're never alone. We'll be by your side the entire way to ensure your treatment is going well and you're hitting your benchmarks. We'll keep track of your progress, and if there are areas that need improvement, we'll work with you to accomplish the goals you haven't achieved yet. Because, at the end of the day, a little bit of encouragement can go a long way.

Enjoy the Results:

This is the best part! With time and care, you'll begin to notice the effects of TRT and will be well on your way to enjoying balanced hormones.

 Muscle Mass Great Falls, VA

Trust The Proactive Wellness Difference

Did you know that 13 million males suffer from low T, but a whopping 90% go untreated by doctors? The reason is that conventional doctors believe that unless your Testosterone level is below the low lab reference range level, that your are "OK". At Proactive Wellness, we help you to optimize and be the best you can be, not just OK. Why be OK, when with the help of the right Testosterone dose, you can feel better, be healthier, stronger and more vibrant. If you believe that your testosterone levels are at unhealthy levels, it's time to contact Proactive Wellness Centers for testing. Living with low testosterone is a risk, but with personalized TRT in Great Falls, VA, you can minimize the harmful effects on your body.

Unlike other TRT clinics, we utilize a more complete and personalized approach to Testosterone Replacement Therapy. Our approach considers the role of DHEA, another very important hormone that needs to be balanced. And we look at Estradiol conversion, the unwanted effect where some men convert too much Testosterone to estradiol. In this case, these men (about 10%) need a medication to block this conversion, called an aromatase inhibitor. But notice that I mentioned that only 10% of men need this, but at many men's clinics, all men automatically get an aromatase inhibitor whether they need it or not. This drives Estradiol too low, causing other issues. Yes, Men need Estradiol also, but they need it in the proper proportion. Bottom line, our personalized approach ensures that you get exactly what you need, no more and no less.

Further, Proactive Wellness offers the widest range of Testosterone Replacement options so that men can choose the best for their particular lifestyle. Choose from pellets that are inserted just under the skin and last for 4-5 months, or the most popular option, Test Cypionate injections that are typically done weekly, or specialized transdermal cream or even a specialized intranasal application that mimics natural testosterone levels. Any of these methods are available at Proactive Wellness Centers so that you can get the option that is right for you.

Is testosterone replacement therapy enough? Maybe, it all depends on your goals and your lab results. Many men are also deficient in growth hormone (GH) and this hormone can also contribute to you not being your best. If this one is low, Proactive Wellness offers a range of Growth Hormone Releasing Hormone (GHRH) peptides to increase your GH levels. Many men combine this with TRT to feel their absolute best.

If you're ready to reclaim your confidence and return to loving life on your own terms, our physicians and medical team are ready to help. Don't be one of those men who constantly complain about their health but don't do anything about it. Contact Proactive Wellness Centers today to make a difference in your life!

phone-number (703) 822-5003

Book an Appointment

Latest News in Great Falls, VA

Glowing Reviews Continue for the Organic Pest Control Services that Backyard Bug Patrol Offers

Great Falls, Virginia -Great Falls, VA-based Backyard Bug Patrol has been faithfully serving communities in the Southwestern DC and Northeastern Virginia areas for many years now. In that time it has become known as a pest control company that uses many innovative methods for controlling pests inside and outside of a home. This recognition has resulted in glowing reviews continuing to be the norm for the services backyard bug patrol offers.John Mitchell, the company owner, says, “We love it when a customer takes the time ...

Great Falls, Virginia -

Great Falls, VA-based Backyard Bug Patrol has been faithfully serving communities in the Southwestern DC and Northeastern Virginia areas for many years now. In that time it has become known as a pest control company that uses many innovative methods for controlling pests inside and outside of a home. This recognition has resulted in glowing reviews continuing to be the norm for the services backyard bug patrol offers.

John Mitchell, the company owner, says, “We love it when a customer takes the time to leave a review that speaks highly of the pest control services that we offer. Not only because it creates highly positive word of mouth for our company, but also because it shows that the great efforts that we go to in order to offer the absolute best pest control services are being appreciated by our customers.”

The reviews that have been recently received by the company can be simply stated such as this one by Joanne Rodman, which reads, “Very responsive and careful about the work they do.” Rodman's review can be seen on the company’s Google Business Profile. Or they can be lengthier 5-star reviews such as this one by Jessica Bernstein which states, “I’ve been using Backyard Bug Patrol for more than 5 years now. Their treatments are quite effective at reducing the number of mosquitoes in the yard. Used to be I couldn’t even step outside without getting bitten up. Now I can comfortably enjoy being outside. Their treatments also help eliminate fleas and ticks which makes me feel better when my dog is in the yard. They are reliable and the technicians are courteous.”

The company owner went on to say tick and mosquito control solutions are definitely among the company’s most popular services. They use treatments that are not only impactful but also fully guaranteed. He says that one of the best ways for their customers to protect themselves against tick and mosquito infestations is to take advantage of the barrier spray programs that they offer, which includes monthly applications of a non-toxic and all-organic solution that is pet and people friendly. He added that it has quite the opposite effect on yard pests such as ticks and mosquitoes.

The barrier spray programs have also generated many 5-star reviews for Backyard bug patrol. Rebecca Keiser proclaimed, “We purchased the Flower Power program to control mosquitos in our yard. We definitely saw a decrease in mosquitos and could enjoy being outside in our yard much more this past summer. We've purchased the same program again for this coming summer. Backyard Bug Patrol was easy to communicate with, responsive, and on time. They even came out after a big rain to spray again for ‘added protection’. I highly recommend them.” Jeff Sexton stated in a recent 5-star review, “Returning customer, have used them for multiple years to spray and eliminate mosquitoes from the yard. On time, consistent, quick, a great experience.”

The company owner pointed out that those who are interested in making their yards more people-friendly this summer can call and ask them about their ‘flower power’ tick and mosquito repelling spray applications.

In addition to offering reputable mosquito and tick control services, the company also has ways to rid customers of other common indoor and outdoor pests, including those that may have had rodents take up residence in their homes over the winter. A recent blog article the company posted on its website is titled ‘Beware of Rats’ Sneaky Behavior in The Colder Months’ and talked about the vast amount of unseen damage these critters can cause.

Backyard Bug Patrol also uses proven termite, ant, snake, and stink bug control methods and they also are happy to provide all their services to commercial customers too. More on the highly rated pest control services that Backyard Bug Patrol offers can be seen on its website or interested persons can also refer to its Facebook Page.

###

For more information about Backyard Bug Patrol, contact the company here:

Backyard Bug Patrol John Mitchell (703) 621-7116 john@backyardbugpatrol.com Backyard Bug Patrol Great Falls, VA 22066

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Reserve a Romantic Valentine’s Day Dinner in Northern Virginia

Call ahead — these top NoVA restaurants are pulling out all the stops for Valentine’s Day.A special dinner with a loved one seems like a must no matter how you celebrate Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking to make this year’s holiday celebration even more memorable, book a table at one of Northern Virginia’s Best Restaurants for the perfect Valenti...

Call ahead — these top NoVA restaurants are pulling out all the stops for Valentine’s Day.

A special dinner with a loved one seems like a must no matter how you celebrate Valentine’s Day. If you’re looking to make this year’s holiday celebration even more memorable, book a table at one of Northern Virginia’s Best Restaurants for the perfect Valentine’s Day dinner.

A chocolate-themed restaurant is perfect for the holiday. For $140 per person, you can enjoy the Love at First Course menu, including items such as bacon-wrapped beef tenderloin drizzled with a ruby chocolate and port wine sauce. Complimentary extras include a Champagne toast and tipsy hot cocoa. 1605 Village Market Blvd. SE, Leesburg

This quaint spot has been so besieged with proposals on Valentine’s Days past that owner Youssef Eagle Essakl presented each ring as “dessert” at the end of the couple’s meal. A three-course menu for $95 per person is available. Last year’s included lobster bisque, pan-seared salmon, and a variety of desserts. 12724 Occoquan Rd., Woodbridge

Chef Jacques Haeringer has prepared a seven-course “musical celebration experience” in a romantic setting. Classical guitarist Jarrett Laskey will be strolling throughout the five dining rooms as you dine on aphrodisiacs including a lobster martini with ossetra caviar. 332 Springvale Rd., Great Falls

If you’re looking for a Valentine’s Day getaway with a Shenandoah Valley view, take a drive to the historic Ashby Inn. Starting at $1,000, you can book a stay in any one of its rooms and enjoy a dinner for two with classic menu items (duck breast, wagyu strip loin), plus chocolate-dipped strawberries, Champagne, and a dozen red roses. 692 Federal St., Paris

Roberto’s is offering a four-course prix fixe menu for $100. Start with a prosecco toast, and move on to stuffed zucchini flowers with lobster; heart-shaped lobster ravioli; roasted herb-crusted lamb chop; or potato-crusted halibut with creamed leeks. 144 Church St. NW, Vienna

Feature image courtesy The Conche

This story originally ran in our February issue. For more stories like this, subscribe to our monthly magazine.

Cyclones fall at home to West Virginia in Monday night thriller

247Sports Embed ResourceDot LoaderAMES- On a quick turnaround, Monday night brought one last opportunity for Iowa State to find success at home, as the West Virginia Mountaineers came to town on Senior Night. With Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark in the building, Iowa State and West Virginia delivered a classic, but the Mountaineers left Ames with the victory.At his final game at Hilton Coliseum, senior Gabe Kalscheur got off to a quick start offensively, scoring the first seven points for Iowa State. Kalscheur scored i...

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AMES- On a quick turnaround, Monday night brought one last opportunity for Iowa State to find success at home, as the West Virginia Mountaineers came to town on Senior Night. With Big 12 Commissioner Brett Yormark in the building, Iowa State and West Virginia delivered a classic, but the Mountaineers left Ames with the victory.

At his final game at Hilton Coliseum, senior Gabe Kalscheur got off to a quick start offensively, scoring the first seven points for Iowa State. Kalscheur scored inside and out, but also picked up two early fouls before the first media timeout of the game.

Kalscheur was inserted back into the game after a couple minutes on the bench, and continued to hit, including a triple to give Iowa State the 13-11 lead, and bring the Hilton crowd to their feet.

On the other end, Erik Stevenson keyed the offense for West Virginia. Kalscheur continued to be aggressive for the Cyclones, generally a great sign, but was called for his third foul on a charge midway through the first half.

Iowa State’s defense made things difficult for West Virginia, especially shooting from two-point range, but the success that the Mountaineers found from deep keyed them to a 21-17 lead over the Cyclones in Ames. With less than seven minutes left in the first half, ISU trailed 21-17.

Joe Toussaint provided a spark offensively for West Virginia as well, matching Stevenson with 11, as the two guards combined for 22 of West Virginia’s first 35 points in the game. Iowa State was missing Kalscheur’s defensive intensity on one end, and his scoring prowess on the other, as the team fought to get within single digits late in the half.

At the break, West Virginia held a 35-27 lead over the Cyclones, in a highly important game for both teams that could have major potential on the conference seedings.

Kalscheur continued to pour it on offensively when he returned in the second half, rattling in a triple, and then finding Osun Osunniyi for a slam to bring the Cyclones within five. Osunniyi may have had best stretch of the season for about three and a half minutes, which included the dunk, then a jumper, help forcing two turnovers on defense, finding Jaz Kunc for a triple that brought the crowd to its feet, and rattling in one more short jumper to bring the home team within just two. It was a moment that the team needed, and Osunniyi helped change the trajectory of the game with that three minute stretch.

ISU picked up the lead off a three from Jaren Holmes, and this game truly had the atmosphere of a game in late March, as each team traded blows on the court, bodies falling and diving on the floor to illustrate just how intense it really was.

Tre Mitchell was backing down a bit on Kunc, and caught the Cyclone in the face with an elbow, leading to a flagrant two foul and multiple technical fouls called. After that action and Mitchell's ejection, the Mountaineers ended up scoring five points on a free throw and a triple, cutting their deficit to just one.

Holmes then fully got into his rhythm offensively, quickly helping to get Iowa State's lead back up to seven, with just over eight minutes to play.

Robert Jones provided multiple timely buckets, as Iowa State held a 62-57 lead with just under five minutes left to play. The tension in the arena was palpable, as the fans clung to each possession by the second.

With the Mountaineers back within two, Kunc delivered a dime to a cutting Kalscheur for a layup, to help keep WVU at bay for the time being. But at nearly every opportunity, West Virginia answered. Kedrian Johnson hit one of two free throws, and it was a one point game with 2:50 to play.

Emmitt Matthews Jr. then went to the free throw line, and knocked down two shots to send the Mountaineers up by one point. Matthews followed that up with a slam dunk, and suddenly the road team was in control, with a three point lead and less than a minute to play at Hilton.

28COMMENTS

Kalscheur and ISU trailed by five points, and he hit yet another tough stepback three to keep the Cyclones in it, making the score 69-67 with 9.9 seconds on the clock. Stevenson would add one from the line, and the Mountaineers completed the late comeback, 72-69. ISU showed a lot of strong performances, including from seniors Kalscheur and Holmes, but in the end it was not quite enough to end the losing streak.

The Cyclones will wrap up the regular season on Saturday at Baylor at 11am.

T-Zone Proposal Heading To City Council After Planning Commission OKs

FALLS CHURCH, VA — After a Planning Commission recommendation on "T zones" between commercial districts and single-family homes, the proposed zoning changes next head to Falls Church City Council.In February 2021, City Council had asked planning staff to examine zoning tools allowing small residential project developments on infill sites to small for large commercial or mixed-use developments. City staff turned to T zone...

FALLS CHURCH, VA — After a Planning Commission recommendation on "T zones" between commercial districts and single-family homes, the proposed zoning changes next head to Falls Church City Council.

In February 2021, City Council had asked planning staff to examine zoning tools allowing small residential project developments on infill sites to small for large commercial or mixed-use developments. City staff turned to T zones, which are transition areas between commercial corridors and residential neighborhoods, for potential zoning updates. About 3 percent of the city's land is zoned as a transition area.

A key goal of the zoning changes are to allow more housing variety, particularly townhouse and multifamily development. Other goals of the T zone updates are to allow more neighborhood-serving retail and encourage reinvestment from larger builders.

According to a city staff report, 4 percent of the city's housing stock is townhouses, duplexes or quadplexes — 258 units. Multifamily buildings account for 54 percent of units — 3,110. Single-family homes make up the remaining 42 percent of the housing stock — 2,385.

Current T-1 zoning is mainly on North Washington Street and on Park Avenue with existing uses like Columbia Baptist Church, Christ-Crossman Methodist Church, Sunrise of Falls Church, single-family houses converted to commercial use and residential townhouses.

Find out what's happening in Falls Churchwith free, real-time updates from Patch.

T-2 zoning is on North Washington Street and Park Avenue near Maple Avenue and currently has the Kaiser Permanente facility and a small office building.

The Planning Commission recommendation to City Council calls for allowing the by-right use of triplexes and four-unit residential buildings one acre or less lots. Another recommended land use change would be not allowing residential uses in T-zones along North Washington Street north of Great Falls Street to promote commercial activity.

With Park Avenue being planned as a "Great Street" to promote multimodal transportation and more civic activities, the Planning Commission recommended making commercial uses conditional on Park Avenue For building and site design guidelines, the Planning Commission recommended a maximum height of 40 feet or three stories (the lesser of the two) for by-right buildings. However, a maximum height of 50 feet or four stories (the lesser of the two) could be requested through the special use permit process.

On affordable housing, the Planning Commission recommended an overlay taxing district to support the Affordable Housing Fund rather than a requirement for 10 percent of new residential units to be affordable.

Other building and site design guidelines and environmental guidelines were recommended by the Planning Commission.

City Council will review the Planning Commission's recommended zoning text amendments during a March 6 work session.

A Mooo-ving Portrayal in “Into the Woods”

Last year, a critically acclaimed and much beloved revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning “Into the Woods” hit Broadway, and the show was as big a hit as when it originally hit the stage in 1987.The musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, with everyone from Little Red to Cinderella to Jack and the Beanstalk exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests as fairy tales go awry.A touring production of the show, directed by Lear deBess...

Last year, a critically acclaimed and much beloved revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning “Into the Woods” hit Broadway, and the show was as big a hit as when it originally hit the stage in 1987.

The musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, with everyone from Little Red to Cinderella to Jack and the Beanstalk exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests as fairy tales go awry.

A touring production of the show, directed by Lear deBessonet and with some of the big stars who played New York, is heading to the Kennedy Center from February 23 to March 19.

Tony winner Stephanie J. Block returns as The Baker’s Wife, and Montego Glover as The Witch, Sebastian Arcelus as The Baker and Gavin Creel as Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf all reprise their roles as well.

Another who made the transfer from Broadway to the tour is Kennedy Kanagawa, who “plays” Milky White, the famous cow Jack trades for beans in hopes of finding riches. Unlike past productions of the show, where the cow is represented by a person in a cow suit or a cow-type prop, this version uses a lifelike cardboard puppet that Kanagawa controls. And he gets some of the biggest applause in the show.

“It’s not like a sock puppet or a marionette where there is a set style and language, it’s just this unique puppet, with a handle on the head and a handle on the butt, and it’s my job to make her come to life,” Kanagawa says. “It’s so much fun to do and the audience response has been so special. I’m so grateful this has kept going.”

Kanagawa became involved with the show when his friend, James Ortiz, who had been hired to design the puppets, reached out to see if he would be available for the original two-week run planned, not knowing it would run for months and head out on a tour.

What’s surprising is that Kanagawa, a New York-based actor who grew up in Great Falls, Virginia, had no prior experience puppeteering.

“This is my first time, and it’s been a very fun, crazy whirlwind process, and a very interesting learning curve,” he says. “The most challenging aspect of this track has been the stamina and endurance needed — it’s so physically demanding and not something my body was used to. When we created the movement, we didn’t have in mind the long-term effects as it was only supposed to go two weeks.”

Milky White’s puppet was only supposed to last for two weeks also, so Ortiz needed to create a second version (called Milky White 2.0) to ensure it lasts throughout the tour.

“When we were trying to establish the movement vocabulary, James and I recognized early on that cows in real life are kind of boring,” Kanagawa says. “We thought it would be more interesting to model her physicality off dogs and cats to an extent. It was our goal to help endear Milky White to the audience so the stakes of Jack selling her and then reuniting paid off more.”

“Into the Woods” is a reimagining of favorite fairy tales with lots of twists, and that makes this a show with lots of surprises and laughs, Kanagawa says.

“We go from these light stories that have a moral to really raw, real messages that are deep about life,” he says. “There are some really beautiful and resonate messages in this story that are about community and coming together and moving forward through crisis and healing, that are really great to hear in times like now.”

Tickets for “Into the Woods” start at $45 and can be purchased here.

The Kennedy Center: 2700 F St. NW, DC; kennedy-center.org // @kennedycenter

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