Desires, curses and consequences
Aspire's "Into the Woods" will take audiences on a musical adventure with their favorite storybook characters starting Oct. 4. From left: Noah Graybeal, Cinderella's Prince/Wolf; Elaina DeJong, Cinderella; Avery Hudson, Little Red Riding Hood; Annabelle Brasch, the Baker's Wife; and Elias Underhill, the Baker.
Courtesy photo
A musical journey of desires, curses and consequences will come to life on the Midge and Pepper Smock Family Theatre stage when Aspire's production of "Into the Woods" opens at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 4.
With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, "Into the Woods" brings together favorite storybook characters for a timeless, yet relevant, piece that is considered a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are described as "enchanting and touching."
"Into the Woods" follows the Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the king's festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn they cannot have a child because of a witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.
One of Sondheim's most popular works, Aspire's "Into the Woods" will be under the musical direction of Scott Michaelsen. Relatively new to the area, Michaelsen has already made his mark with several local companies.
"I love the story of 'Into the Woods' and the intricacy of the score that is always revealing new clever details, despite having done the show twice before," Michaelsen said in a Wednesday news release. "Also, I had a marvelous time working with Aspire on 'Spamalot' earlier this year and was thrilled to work with the company again."
Nick Lyons may be more familiar to Aspire audiences as a performer (Capt. Walker in last season's "The Who's Tommy," Nick Bottoms in "Something Rotten," the Monster in "Young Frankenstein"). Lyons will be directing for the first time for Aspire.
"I have always loved shows that have a lot of room for creative choice and design," Lyons said. "'Into the Woods' has beautiful music, a very thought-provoking yet hilarious book and some really powerful moral messages."
"Into the Woods" runs through Oct. 13. Tickets range from $15 to $28. Discounted group rates are available.
Info: aspirecda.com