“Into the Woods,” a Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim about wishes and what can happen when they come true, will be presented by Western Wyoming Community College’s Performing Arts Department.
The performances are scheduled to take place Friday and Saturday and April 13, 18, 19 and 20 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee on April 20 at 2 p.m.
The story follows a childless baker and his wife in their quest to have a child. Their paths are crossed by well-known characters from the Brothers Grimm such as Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and more.
When a magical witch arrives at the baker’s house, she tells them that in order to have a child, they must find the cow as white as milk, the cape as red as blood, the hair as yellow as corn and the slipper as pure as gold. Only then will they be able to have a child. Their trip to the woods intertwines all the characters we know and love as they all strive to have their wishes granted, and deal with the consequences that appear when their wishes come true.
This performance at Western is unique in that the lighting, sound, stage, costumes and make up will all be run and designed by students.
Steven Burggraaf, a first year musical theatre student from West Valley, Utah, is excited to be portraying the role of the baker.
“Every rehearsal I find myself learning something new about the Baker; more about who he really is, his insecurities, his faults and flaws, and his fears,” Burggraaf said. “I’ve been able to really find so much of myself in the Baker, and I hope that I am able to put some of myself into him”
Burggraaf has really embraced the theme of the show saying, “Into the Woods” is a show about wishes, consequences, shortcomings in humanity, and the problems that arise in families and how to can get through them and any trial.
“No matter what you may be going through, somehow, ‘Into the Woods’ can connect to you. Come see the show, it’s a blast for the actors and it’s a blast for the audience. So join us, deep into the woods,” Burggraaf said.
Laura Stewart, a second year musical theatre student from Rock Springs, is playing Cinderella and thrilled about the roll.
“I really enjoy the show as a whole, especially trying to bring Cinderella to life and capture her depth,” Stewart said. “Her story is more than just the stereotypical princess caricature.”
Stewart has been able to connect with her character through the music.
“I’ve really discovered how much the notes a character sings influences their character. Singing is heightened speech for when words aren’t enough, so Cinderella’s qualities are magnified in her singing,” Stewart said. “I am confident that this show will be just as exciting to watch as it is to perform.”
Associate Professor of Musical Theatre and Voice, Eric-Richard de Lora, is pleased to be staging such a complex and thought-provoking show.
“Audience members should come and be prepared to think about what the story truly means.” De Lora said. “The student community has really come together to make the show happen. It’s a real validation of the overarching theme of the show, of communities working together to achieve a common goal.”
Children under five are not permitted to the evening performances; however, they are welcome to attend the Saturday matinee.
Tickets are $10 for adults and $6 for children, students, and seniors. For questions and tickets, please call the performing arts office at (307) 382-1721, visit wwcc.tix.com, or check the mustang connections app at http://www.westernwyoming.edu/app.
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