South Bend Civic Theatre Presents INTO THE WOODS, Now thru 8/12

What happens after ‘happily ever after?’ Fairy tale favorites Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack (of beanstalk fame), Rapunzel and others find out the very real truth of ‘be careful what you wish for.’ Told in the gorgeous music of the legendary Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods is a fun and fascinating grown-up take on dreams, wishes, and the price paid when our fantasies come true.

What begins as a lively and spirited tale turns into a reflection on the meaning of community, responsibility and the lessons we pass to our children. The New York Times invited audiences to “follow the music. It will take you take you somewhere wonderful.” Into the Woods ranks as the most popular score by the prolific Sondheim, featuring “Agony,” “Giants in the Sky,” “No One is Alone,” “Children Will Listen,” and “Into the Woods.”

The New York Times said that Into the Woods has “moments that pierce the heart as no other musical.” In praising the show, the Times reviewer noted that each word of Sondheim’s lyrics “is matched by a note that seems to explode into darkness, triumph and wonder all at once. What other composer can give you so many feelings in a single line? So by all means, go to Into the Woods. Admire the view. But above all, listen.”

Famed composer/lyricist Stephen Sondheim teamed with book writer James Lapine to create this beloved modern musical from the original tales of The Brothers Grimm. The original production won three Tony awards in 1988 and a 2002 Broadway production was named best revival at the Tony’s, adding to its staying power. This summer, New York’s famed Shakespeare in the Park series features a star-studded production in Central Park.

For SBCT, Stephanie and Stephen Salisbury direct Amy Barker, Thomas Eiser, Barbara Garland, Dawn Hagerty, Justin Hissey, Kara Kane, Sean Leyes, Kelly Loughlin, Natalie MacRae, Jennifer Medich, Jacob Medich, Caitlin O’Brien, Rachel Raska, Margaret Rhein, Kristen Riggs, Joe Roman, Andrew Ross, Steven Russell, and Alexandria Sadowski.

Stephanie and Steven Salisbury have been local theatre fixtures for over a decade onstage and off. Steve appeared with SBCT in the musicals Oklahoma, My Fair Lady, Hello Dolly, and Rent. He says, “My wife & I have been working together behind the director's table for several years, and even though this is our first show directing at SBCT, we have really been looking forward to this opportunity & we can't wait for people to see the vision we have for this outstanding piece of work. Stephen Sondheim is truly one of the theater world's most precious gems and being able to mine his work with this group of people is going to produce an outstanding theater experience for our audiences.”

Note on age appropriateness: Into the Woods contains some adult themes and situations. Parental discretion is advised for children under 12.

Into the Woods performs in the Wilson Mainstage Auditorium, 403 N Main St in South Bend, tonight, July 27-August 12. Tickets are $18 Wednesday and Thursday (7:30 PM), $21 Friday, Saturday (8:00 PM), and Sunday (3:00 PM). Call the Box Office 574-234-1112 (open 12-6 weekdays) or go online: www.sbct.org. Thanks to sponsors Villing and Company, Majority Builders, Roger Senkbeil – AXA Advisors, and Lexus of Mishawaka.

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