The twists and turns of several fairy tales taken from the Brothers Grimm are intertwined in the next Eastern Mennonite University theater offering, Into the Woods, a musical by Steven Sondheim with book by James Lapine.
Directed by Justin Poole, assistant professor of theater at EMU, Into the Woods will be performed in the Main Stage Theater at 7:30 p.m. on April 4, 5, 10, 11 and 12, plus a 3 p.m. matinee on Sunday, April 6. The show will run approximately three hours with intermission.
Information regarding age-appropriateness for EMU events is available through the theater office at 540-432-4360 or theater@emu.edu.
Into the Woods weaves together the main characters from fairy tales like Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella and others. The story revolves around a childless baker and his wife on a quest to begin a family, and their interaction with a witch who has placed a curse on them. In a departure from the standard plot line, the musical explores the consequences of these characters’ wishes.
“Into the Woods is a sprawling story filled to the brim with complex characters and dark magic,” said Poole. “The story provides ample opportunities to push the limits of our imaginations as we explore innovative ways to stage complex theatrical moments. I want audiences to leave the theater feeling that they have had a visceral, engaging experience that transcends what they have felt while watching a film or other mediated form of entertainment.”
Reserved tickets are $15 for adults ($17 at the door) and $12 for seniors, non-EMU students and EMU faculty/staff ($14 at the door) and $6 for EMU students. Tickets are available through EMU’s box office: 540-432-4582, emu.edu/box-office/. Group rates are available.
Cast:
Rachelle Kratz, stage manager
Dylan Bomgardner, assistant stage manager
Sierra Comer, assistant stage manager
Hailey Holcomb, assistant stage manager
Hattie Berg, assistant director
Chris Parks, dramaturg
Bethany Chupp (sophomore)
Shannon Dove
Heather Evans (junior)
Andrew French
Dorothy Hershey (first-year)
Jeremiah Hines (first-year)
Caitlin Holsapple (sophomore)
Heidi Jablonski (senior)
Holly Jensen (junior)
Elisha Keener (junior)
Eric King (senior)
Jaclyn Kratz (sophomore)
Katie Miller (senior)
Ezrionna Prioleau (first-year)
Emily Shenk (junior)
Sarah Sutter (first-year)
Sam Swartzendruber (sophomore)
Isaac Tice (senior)
Robert Weaver (first-year)
Phil Yoder (junior)
Rebekah York (sophomore)