MHS Theater Department presents ‘Into the Woods’

Morgan High School Theatre Departments invite you to go into the woods as they take you on a fairy tale adventure. 

In the1986 musical, “Into the Woods,” American composer and play write, Stephen Sondheim, tangles the tale of Jack and the Bean Stalk, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, a Witch, the Baker, and his wife as they each journey into the woods to pursue their own goals.  However, as each of their stories unfold, they weave a web that becomes too big for them to untangle on their own.

Directed by Jennifer Fritz, MHS’s drama teacher, with the help of MHS’s new choir teacher, Rudy Corderio as music director, this talented cast has been working hard since school started. They have dedicated the last hour of the school day along with many after school hours to bring this enchanting musical to life. 

While most musicals have a leading actor and actress, “Into the Woods” opens with the six leading characters all expressing a wish that sends them into the woods. These characters are timeless favorites such as Cinderella played by senior Clara Stone, who wishes to go to the festival where she meets Prince Charming played by sophomore, Cooper Nichols. Jack, played by McEdge Dorius, wishes his cow would give milk; however, his mother, played by senior Mara Lewis, wants him to take the cow to town to sell her. The Baker, played by senior Liam Johnston, and his wife, played by senior Emma Wright, wish to have a long awaited child; however, because of a spell the witch, played by senior Aly Spagnuolo had cast years ago on his father, they needed to journey into the woods to find items to break the spell. Little Red Riding Hood, played by senior Courtney Ellis, wishes to take baked goods to her granny in the woods. 

With each of their wishes taking them into the woods, they soon learn that unexpected things happen in the woods while characters from other fairy tales invade and change their stories.

While “Into the Woods” brings favorite childhood characters together, the second act has some scary imagery that may not be suitable for children under 10 years of age. Fritz said that she is doing her best not to make it too scary, but wants to make parents aware that there is a witch and a giant that might frighten young children. 

Performances will take place in the MHS auditorium Oct. 29, 30, and Nov. 2, 4 with a matinee at 2 p.m. on Saturday Nov. 2. All other shows will start at 7 p.m. Tickets can be purchased online at mhs.morgansd.org or at the door for $9.

“Into the Woods” is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI www.MTishow.com. λ