The Theatre Department brings audiences back to their childhoods with “Into the Woods,” a fantastic retelling of fairy tales such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, Rapunzel and Little Red Riding Hood. But don’t be fooled: This version has a few tricks up its sleeve.
This musical by Stephen Sondheim, composer and lyricist of “West Side Story” and “Sweeney Todd,” intertwines Grimm’s classic fairy tales to create drama and plenty of laughs. These characters might not be the ones you remember. This Prince Charming is not so charming, Cinderella has an interesting way of losing her shoe, Rapunzel has some serious family issues and Red Riding Hood is not so little after all. These stories are not simply stories for bedtime but are about life lessons and the challenges in trying to find your own happily ever after.
“Into the Woods” has been staged several times at MU. For MU’s first production in 1997, everything was built from scratch, including the sets and costumes. When the show was restaged in 2004, the same costumes were used with a couple of changes. In the latest version of the show, some new pieces have been added in order to update the ensemble.
Director and costume designer James Miller, who has directed everything from dramatic musicals like “Parade” to straight plays like “Brighton Beach Memoirs,” said audiences will really enjoy the show’s music, comedic moments, well-known characters and the story’s message.
“The musical is funny, but it also makes audiences think, and the music is glorious and challenging for students and audiences alike,” Miller said in an email. “The use of characters we all know allows the audience to feel a kinship with the show before it evens starts.”
The cast includes 22 people, as well as numerous crew members. Costume Supervisor Mary Hodson said a whole other world packed with costumes, makeup, wigs and plenty of action lies behind what the audience can see. But through all of the activity, the crew helps pull everything together for the audience’s entertainment.
“Our department is so close-knit that the preparation time is fun with people doing vocal warmups or running lines,” Hodson said in an email. “If there is any tension, it is the good kind created by the anticipation of performing for an audience.”
Freshman Dani Mann plays Rapunzel, a naïve and sheltered princess seeking adventure. Mann said though rehearsals are intense as opening night quickly approaches, the encouraging, lovable cast members make everything worth it.
Mann said the talented performers, comical script and lyrics are just a few reasons to see “Into the Woods.”
“Come for a laugh,” Mann said. “Come for a tear. Come for an adventure away from everyday life. The woods give us all a chance to see life from a different point of view.”
“Into the Woods” will be performed at Rhynsburger Theatre at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 5 to 8 and at 2 p.m. on Oct. 9.
