‘Into the Woods’ brings fairy tales, music to the UW-Stevens Point stage
For the Gazette
STEVENS POINT – Join Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and other fairy tale characters as they journey “Into the Woods” Nov. 5-7 and 11-13 through the University of Wisconsin-Stevens Point Department of Theatre and Dance.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, the musical “Into the Woods” will be performed at Jenkins Theatre in the Noel Fine Arts Center at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 5, Nov. 6, and Nov. 11-13. Matinees will be held at 2 p.m. Nov. 7, and Nov. 13. Face coverings will be required for audience members.
A Tony Award-winning musical, “Into the Woods” weaves together the stories and memorable characters of several classic fairy tales, including “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Cinderella” and “Rapunzel,” while introducing new characters. Premiering on Broadway in 1987, it was revived in 2002. A Disney film adaptation was released in 2014, featuring Meryl Streep, James Corden and Emily Blunt among the main characters.
“This is a timely show about making choices,” said director Mark Hanson, associate professor of musical theater. “It has many of the metaphors of fairy tales – the idea that something is looming out there, so you have to think about the consequences of your actions.”
“Into the Woods” also has catchy tunes and beautiful melodies that will leave audiences humming afterwards, said Hanson. “We are featuring amazing students with strong vocals.”
Elaborate sets and costumes, featuring both student and faculty designers, will transform the students and stage and bring the different characters to life. “We are creating our own world, capturing expectations yet shaking things up a bit,” Hanson said.
UW-Stevens Point hasn’t staged a large production like this since before the pandemic, he said.
“We’re eager to get audiences back for an enjoyable evening in the theater.”
Purchase tickets online at tickets.uwsp.edu, by calling 715-346-4100, or by visiting the Information and Tickets Office in Dreyfus University Center in Stevens Point.