KU Theatre to stage Sondheim musical 'Into the Woods'


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LAWRENCE — The University of Kansas Theatre will stage the popular musical "Into the Woods" at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10 and Nov. 15-17 and at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and Nov. 18 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall. The play features a book by James Lapine and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

John Staniunas, associate professor of theatre, is directing and choreographing the musical; Ryan McCall, University Theatre accompanist, is musical director and conductor of the nine-piece orchestra for the production. Cynthia Evans, a second-year graduate student in scenography, is scenic designer; Dennis Christilles, associate professor of theatre, is lighting designer, and Delores Ringer, associate professor of theatre, is costume designer.

"Into the Woods" debuted in in 1986 at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego and premiered on Broadway in 1987. Bernadette Peters' performance as the Witch and Joanna Gleason's portrayal of the Baker's Wife brought wide acclaim to the production during its original Broadway run, and it won several Tony Awards, including Best Score, Best Book and Best Actress in a Musical.

Combining the well-known fairy tales of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk and Little Red Riding Hood with the story of a Baker and his Wife, "Into the Woods" follows the characters as they further explore the consequences of their characters' wishes and quests.

"Fairy tales and folk stories are among the oldest forms of literature and the abundance of these tales is powerful testimony to the great desire of humans everywhere for a good story," Staniunas said. "Unlike myths and legends, which are meant to teach, to indoctrinate, to pass on the culture's central beliefs, fairy tales exist primarily to entertain."

In the musical play, the Baker and his Wife desperately want a child but have been cursed with childlessness by a witch. They must perform various missions involving the characters in the other fairy tales to break the spell.

"After a series of failed attempts, the two finally are able to perform the tasks necessary to break the spell," Staniunas said. "Once the characters have accomplished their goals, they then learn about the pitfalls of greed and gluttony. Finally, they learn about the need for community and family when they must unite to fight against the wife of the giant Jack killed who has decided to come back for revenge."

Reserved seat tickets for "Into the Woods" are on sale in the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, 864-3982, and Lied Center, 864-ARTS, and on-line at kutheatre.com. Tickets are $20 for the public, $19 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff, and $10 for all students.

The University Theatre will host more than 950 Kansas high school theatre and music students for a special matinee performance Thursday, Nov. 15.

Members of the cast for the KU musical production include (listed by name, class, major, parents' names, high school, and role):

DOUGLAS COUNTY
From Lawrence
Lily Lancaster, freshman, theatre major, daughter of Leslie Bennett and Josh Rosenbloom and Bruce Lancaster, Free State High School, Snow White.

From Lawrence
Katherine Dick, junior, vocal performance major, daughter of Keith and Jeannette Dick, Free State High School, Sleeping Beauty.

JOHNSON COUNTY
From Fairway
Joe Winans, graduate student, opera performance major, son of Paula Winans and Dave Winans, Leavenworth High School, Rapunzel's Prince.

From Leawood
Sara J. Blakesley, graduate student, music major, daughter of Scott and Joyce Blakesley, Blue Valley North High School, Cinderella's Stepmother.

From Olathe
Elaina Smith, junior, theatre/voice major, daughter of Gary and Betty Smith, Olathe North High School, Jack's Mother.

Alexander Goering, senior, vocal performance major, son of Mr. and Mrs. Barton L. Goering, Spring Hill High School, Jack.

From Overland Park
Sofia Belhouari, freshman, design and musical theatre majors, daughter of Sandra Graantello, Blue Valley North High School, Cinderella.

Katie Martin, sophomore, music therapy major, daughter of Paul and Maura Martin, St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Lucinda.

Hailey Lapin, junior, theatre and journalism majors, daughter of Todd Lapin, Blue Valley Northwest High School, Florinda.

From Shawnee
Andrew Shaw, junior, music education major, son of Pam and Greg Shaw, Shawnee Misssion Northwest High School, Cinderella's Father.

Shannon Buhler, senior, theatre performance major, daughter of Paul and Sherry Buhler, Shawnee Mission Northwest High School, Baker's Wife.

RENO COUNTY
From Hutchinson
Lynsey Becher, senior, theatre performance major, daughter of Pat and Jan Becher, Hutchinson High School, Cinderella's Mother/Giant/Grandmother.

SEDGWICK COUNTY
From Wichita
Jonathan Chapman, freshman, engineering major, son of Katherine Newton and Timothy Chapman, Beloit, Maize High School, Steward.

SHAWNEE COUNTY
From Topeka
Charlie Stock, senior, theatre performance, son of Mark Stock and Sally Fox, Washburn Rural High School, Narrator and the Mysterious Man.

Out-of-state students

MARYLAND
From Williamsport
Ed Schubel, senior, theatre/voice major, son of Scott and Nettie Schubel, Williamsport High School, Cinderella's Prince and the Wolf.

MISSOURI
From Fayette
Lacey Eaton, graduate student, voice major, daughter of Fred and Sheri Eaton, Fayette High School and Central Methodist University, Rapunzel.

From Wildwood
Jaclyn Nischbach, freshman, theatre major, daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Nischbach, Eureka High School, Little Red Riding Hood.

PENNSYLVANIA
From Wexford
Julia Geisler, graduate student, opera performance, daughter of Lloyd and Robin Geisler, Witch.

WEST VIRGINIA
From Morgantown
Joseph Carr, senior, theatre/voice and music education, son of Tim and Margaret Carr, Free State High School, Baker.


Mon, 11/05/2012

author

Charla Jenkins

Media Contacts

Erin Curtis Dierks