Jessie Austrian, Ben Steinfeld, Alison Cimmet & More Set for NYC-Bound INTO THE WOODS at the Old Globe

The Old Globe today announced the full cast and creative team for the second production of the 2014 Summer Season, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning musical Into the Woods, which made its World Premiere at The Old Globe in 1986. The production is an inventive reimagining by Fiasco Theater, directed by Noah Brody and Ben Steinfeld, in a production that originated at McCarter Theatre Center. The acting company includes Jessie Austrian (Baker's Wife), Noah Brody (Lucinda, Wolf, Cinderella's Prince), Matt Castle (Pianist), Alison Cimmet (Witch), Paul L. Coffey (Mysterious Man), Andy Grotelueschen (Milky White, Florinda, Rapunzel's Prince), Liz Hayes (Cinderella's Stepmother, Jack's Mother), Claire Karpen (Cinderella, Granny), Patrick Mulryan (Jack, Steward), Ben Steinfeld (Baker), and Emily Young (Little Red Ridinghood, Rapunzel). The creative team includes Lisa Shriver(Choreographer), Derek McLane (Scenic Design), Whitney Locher (Costume Design), Tim Cryan (Lighting Design), Darron L West (Sound Design), Matt Castle(Music Director, Orchestrations), Michael Perlman (Associate Director), and Marcy Victoria Reed (Stage Manager).

One of the greatest musicals of all time returns in triumph to its birthplace, nearly three decades after its world premiere at The Old Globe, in an inventive new production from the critically acclaimed Fiasco Theater that originated at McCarter Theatre Center. Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's Tony Award-winning masterpiece weaves together beloved fairy tales, then ventures into the unknown territory of life after "happily ever after." Directors Noah Brody and Ben Steinfeld conjure a mythical world of theatrical invention where an ordinary rope becomes Jack's famous beanstalk, a ladder becomes Rapunzel's enchanted tower, and the power of transformation creates a beguiling theatre of the imagination.

"It's a very special and happy thing to hear Into the Woods once again singing through the hallways of The Old Globe," said Artistic Director Barry Edelstein. "Sondheim and Lapine's masterpiece of the American stage started here nearly 30 years ago, and today it's infused with witty and moving new life by the thrilling imaginations of Fiasco Theater. I'm honored to give San Diego audiences a chance to know Fiasco's artistry and to see this great musical again in Balboa Park."

Into the Woods will run July 12 - August 10, 2014, with Opening Night on Thursday, July 17 at 8:00 p.m., on the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the Old GlobeTheatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center. Subscription tickets to the Globe's 2014 Summer Season range from $92 to $332. Single tickets start at $29. Tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the Box Office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.Performance times: Previews: Saturday, July 12 at 8:00 p.m., Sunday, July 13 at 7:00 p.m., Tuesday, July 15 at 7:00 p.m., and Wednesday, July 16 at 7:00 p.m. Regular performances: Tuesday and Wednesday evenings at 7:00 p.m., Thursday, Friday, and Saturday evenings at 8:00 p.m., Saturday and Sunday matinees at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday evenings at 7:00 p.m. There are no matinee or evening performances on Saturday, July 26. Discounts are available for full-time students, patrons 29 years of age and younger, seniors, and groups of 10 or more.

In an effort to welcome all families in San Diego to enjoy the magic of theatre, The Old Globe is happy to offer autism-friendly performances, presented in a family-friendly and supportive environment for children and adults on the autism spectrum and their families. There will be an autism-friendly performance of Into the Woods on Saturday, August 9 at 2:00 p.m. Slight adjustments will be made to the production including fewer loud noises and flashing lights that may be challenging for some audience members.

Additional features help make the experience safer and more enjoyable for children with autism and other sensitivity issues. A pre-show visit to the Globe, called"Meet Your Seat," is offered on Saturday, August 2 at 10:00 a.m. to familiarize children with Balboa Park and the Old Globe Theatre. An online social story will be available shortly for parents to view and print at home that outlines in words and pictures the experience that families will enjoy during their trip. The lobby of the theatre serves as a quiet area for children who may need to leave their seat during the show, and on-site volunteers will be on hand to assist families as needed as they arrive at the Globe and throughout the performance. On December 13, the Globe will offer an autism-friendly performance of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!

Into the Woods is supported in part through gifts from Conrad Prebys and Debra Turner, Paula and Brian Powers, Gloria Rasmussen, and June Yoder. Additional support is provided by City National Bank.

Photo Credit: T Charles Erickson