The Williamsport Area High School music department is preparing to open its first musical production in two years.
“Into the Woods” is set to hit the stage beginning at 7 p.m., Friday, March 18, with a matinee performance scheduled for 1 p.m., Saturday, March 19.
The musical “follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.”
Among the cast of more than 50 students, the production stars Michael Harry as Narrator, Lydia Hall as Witch, Chase Bower as Baker, Sydney Smith as Baker’s Wife, Myla Kelley as Cinderella, Amber Hakes as Little Red Ridinghood, Elijah Nilson as Jack and Madeline Pennings as Jack’s Mother.
Director Sam Robinson, the high school’s choral instructor, said the cast and crew are excited to share their work with the community.
“The cast of ‘Into the Woods’ has dedicated a tremendous amount of time, energy and passion to make this production possible,” Louder said. “They are an extremely talented group of young artists from the WAHS music department who are excited to be a part of this experience.”
Robinson said audiences also can expect an exceptional on-stage orchestra “to underscore and complement the vocal abilities of our students.”
“‘Into the Woods’ is a particularly important show to perform right now, as the musical theatre community mourns the recent loss of its composer and lyricist, Stephen Sondheim,” Robinson added.
The high school’s last musical production, “Beauty and the Beast,” was canceled when the start of the COVID-19 pandemic closed down schools in 2020.
“It was devastating for the students to rehearse for months, only to have the actual performances taken away days before opening night,” Robinson said. “The Williamsport Area School District Education Foundation has generously stepped forward this year to make ‘Into the Woods’ a reality for us after the financial wipeout from COVID-19. Without their support, this show would have been impossible to produce.”
Advanced tickets are on sale at the WAHS main office during school hours. Tickets also will be available at the door. Prices are $10 for adults and $5 students.
