Footlight Productions, a nonprofit performance and musical-theatre company based in Prescott Valley, in partnership with Marina Productions, is presenting the acclaimed musical Into the Woods.
The show masterfully intertwines the narratives of beloved fairy-tale characters including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack of beanstalk fame and Rapunzel into a cohesive and thought-provoking story. At its heart is the original tale of a baker (played by Ellie Schaible) and his wife (Tatum Calhoun), who embark on a quest to lift the curse of a witch (Callie Voorhies) that keeps them from having children The musical delves into the consequences of the characters’ needs and actions, exploring themes of desire, responsibility, and the complex nature of ‘happily ever after.’
The creative genius behind Into the Woods includes composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim and playwright James Lapine. Their collaboration has left an indelible mark, with Into the Woods standing out as a testament to their storytelling prowess. The show debuted in 1987 to critical acclaim, securing several prestigious awards, starting with three Tony Awards in 1988, including Best Score and Best Book. The musical’s enduring appeal has led to many revivals and adaptations, including a Disney film.
More recently the show’s 2022 Broadway revival garnered significant recognition, its cast recording winning a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album in 2023. This accolade underscores the musical's lasting resonance and ability to captivate new generations of theatre goers.
Director Ben Naasz said he had to wait for the perfect moment to bring this show to the local stage. “Into the Woods has been on my list for a long time because it’s brilliant. But it’s Sondheim, so it’s really difficult here, obviously. I needed this cast that I knew could pull it off.”
Committed to delivering high-quality productions that engage and inspire the community, the company presents both youth and adult performers, so will feature a cast of just under twenty performers aged 10-70.
Naasz says, “If you want an exciting theatre experience with skilled actors, Into the Woods is the show for you.” Tatum Calhoun, the production’s musical director and performer of the Baker’s Wife, chimes in: “It's thought-provoking. It's definitely a moral show: life lessons are learned.”
Into The Woods will play in the Hazeltine Theatre May 9-17, including Saturday matinees. Tickets are available through the Hazeltine website (the-hazeltine.com). You’ll find more information on future shows and auditions on the Footlight Productions site: footlightproductions.net.
