The Hypocrites' INTO THE WOODS Begins Performances Tonight at Mercury Theater Chicago

Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N Southport Ave., presents The Hypocrites' production INTO THE WOODS, directed by Geoff Button* with Musical Direction by Matt Deitchman, previewing February 6, opening Tuesday, February 11 at 7:30 p.m. and running through Sunday, March 30.

With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and the book by James Lapine, The Hypocrites bring their heightened and playful sense of theatricality to the beloved musical INTO THE WOODS. INTO THE WOODS tells the epic fairytale of several Brothers Grimm characters including the Baker and his Wife who learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse. As they set off on a journey to break the curse, the couple encounters Jack of Beanstalk fame, Little Red Riding Hood and the Wolf, Cinderella and her suitors, and the Witch herself. While everyone's wish is granted, the consequences of their actions return to haunt them.

Winner of three Tony Awards including Best Score, Best Book and Best Actress in a Musical, INTO THE WOODS, opened in 1987 on Broadway at the Martin Beck Theatre where it ran for two record-breaking years. It also won the 1988 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, and the original cast recording won a Grammy Award. New York Daily News exclaimed INTO THE WOODS has a "Spellbinding score" that is "Witty enough to make old stories fresh for adults, lovely enough to enchant youngsters." New York Post raved that the musical is "Dazzling!" and "Refreshing!"

INTO THE WOODS stars Sarah Bockel (Cinderella/Rapunzel), Michael Brown (Rapunzel's Prince/Cinderella's Father), Hannah Dawe (Red/Stepsister), Joel Ewing (Baker), Kate Harris (Jack's Mother/Cinderella's Stepmother), Allison Hendrix (Baker's Wife), Hillary Marren (Witch/Granny), Aubrey McGrath (Jack/Steward), Blake Montgomery (Narrator/Mysterious Man) and Will Skrip (Cinderella's Prince/Wolf).

The musical is brought to vivid life on stage with revolutionary staging, a set designed by William Boles, lighting design Heather Gilbert, costume design by Sally Dolembo, sound design by Joshua Horvath and choreographed by Katie Spelman.

Founding Artistic Director Sean Graney* created The Hypocrites in 1997. It is currently run by Artistic Director Halena Kays* and Managing Director Megan Wildebour*. The Hypocrites are recognized as groundbreakers that defy the audience's expectations. The company has grown significantly in the past few years, receiving acclaim for productions at Steppenwolf Garage (Threepenny Opera and 4:48 Psychosis), Goodman Theatre, Museum of Contemporary Art, DCA Storefront and Chopin Theater. The company's smash-hit production of Our Town, directed by David Cromer, transferred in 2009 to Off-Broadway, Los Angeles and Boston. Pirates of Penzance has appeared at American Repertory Theatre twice and will enjoy another run at Actors Theatre of Louisville in 2014. American Theatre Wing, best known as the creator of the Tony Awards, presented The Hypocrites with one of the 2013 National Theatre Company awards this year. The Tennessee Williams Project, also created by The Hypocrites, is currently running at the Chopin Theatre through March 2nd. For more information, please visit www.the-hypocrites.com

The beautifully renovated Mercury Theater Chicago is an intimate jewel-box in the heart of the Southport Corridor, a sophisticated neighborhood of restaurants and boutiques just steps from Wrigley Field. A delightful theater destination, Mercury Theater Chicago takes care of guests from the moment they arrive with valet service, dining at its adjoining restaurant, Deleece, and post-show libations at Cullen's Bar & Grill.

Under the leadership of Executive Director L. Walter Stearns, INTO THE WOODS is the first on four shows in the Mercury's 2014 season, and will be followed by the coming of age musical AVENUE Q, devilishly delightful THE ADDAMS FAMILY- THE MUSICAL and the return engagement of Chicago's holiday musical THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER. Single tickets are available starting at $29, a 3-show subscription starts at $75 and 3-show subscription plus THE CHRISTMAS SCHOONER starts as low as $100.

INTO THE WOODS runs February 6 through March 30, 2014. The press opening is Tuesday, February 11. The performance schedule is: Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 2 p.m. and 8 p.m. and Sundays at 3 p.m. Individual tickets range from $22-$59, and are available online at www.MercuryTheaterChicago.com, over the phone at 773.325.1700, or in person at 3745 N. Southport Avenue, Chicago.

*=denotes The Hypocrites company member

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