DreamWrights' Takes a Journey INTO THE WOODS

In this beloved musical, a full host of fairytale characters come to life as they adventure into the woods and on journeys they never imagined possible. Along the way, they discover universal themes of love, loss, friendship, courage, and family. Into the Woods (music and lyrics by Stephen Soundheim and book by James Lapine) has won several Tony Awards including Best Score and Best Book since it debuted in 1986. The plot, tone, farce and tragedy woven throughout this masterpiece make for anything but a typical fairytale. From clever wordplay to intersecting themes, be prepared to experience not only moral skepticism, but communal solidarity as well.

Director Laurie Riffe says the most challenging part of bringing this musical to life is the incredible complexity of the piece. "It covers many mature themes such as loss, fear, loneliness, and survival. Sondheim's music is masterful and quite complicated. There are many logistical challenges involved with the production, including a cow that moves and eats several items, a hen that lays a golden egg, a horse, a carriage, a golden harp, and a Witch who transforms live before our eyes."

Riffe shares what is most engaging for her in directing this show. "Not only do I particularly love working with teens, this production feels important because each character takes a journey that is very real and very challenging. There are so very many different challenges that today's teens face as they navigate their way through life. More than just a compelling piece of theatre, working on a piece like Into the Woods is an incredible opportunity and a tool for me to help teens learn about finding courage and resiliency in life."

"This powerful piece encompasses the human experience and asks us all to consider the possibility of deeper compassion and empathy toward others. It is my hope that all the Into the Woods Company members will feel a deep sense of personal growth and collective pride in what we have been able to create together. It my wish that audience members will be deeply moved and will encourage friends and family to come see the work that is happening at DreamWrights!" says Riffe.

Take a journey Into the Woods with us on June 14, 15, 16, 22 and 23 at 7:00 pm and June 17 and 24 at 3:00 pm. Tickets may be purchased online at www.dreamwrights.org or by calling 717-848-8623. Advance seats cost $11 for general, $15 for reserved. General admission seats at the door cost $13. Some content may not be suitable for younger audiences. Recommended for grades 7 and up.

About DreamWrights Center for Community Arts

DreamWrights Center for Community Arts in York, Pennsylvania serves as an educational theatre and performing arts resource since 1997 and offers opportunities to explore all aspects of theatre arts from acting and designing to crewing and stage managing. DreamWrights provides creative educational experiences through inclusive intergenerational performance and theatre arts programming. To learn more about how to participate in, or attend one of DreamWrights' upcoming productions, visit www.dreamwrights.org or Facebook.com/DreamWrights.

Photo: Front L to R: Baker's Wife - Kylie Saar, Witch - Carissa Sanden, Cinderella - Paije Carbonell, Little Red - Olivia Pituch.
Rear L to R: Baker - Jonah Unger, Prince - Joe Woloson

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