From OBU News Bureau
The Department of Theatre Arts in Ouachita Baptist University’s School of Performing Arts will present “Into the Woods” from Thursday-Sunday, April 16-19, in Jones Performing Arts Center. Performances will begin at 7:30 p.m. on Thursday-Saturday, with a 2:30 p.m. matinee on Sunday.
Based on the book by James Lapine and utilizing music and lyrics from Stephen Sondheim, “Into the Woods” is nothing short of a showstopper. Daniel Stargel, assistant professor of musical theatre, described it as a weaving of fairy tales. It features several iconic characters, bringing childhood favorites back to life on stage.
The wishes and decisions of the characters, however, impact one another. They see the effects of their wishes, and what started as a perfect fairy tale starts to look more like real life — imperfect but genuine.
“As their stories intertwine, they find that they can depend on each other and come together as a community,” Stargel said.
A cast of over 20 people, a surprising set and touching moments bring out the humanity we don’t often see in fairy-tale characters.
“I think our audience will like how fun and engaging the story of ‘Into the Woods’ is,” Ethan Burrough, a freshman worship studies major from Alma, Arkansas, said. “They know these characters, and during Act II, when everything falls apart, I think they will be so invested in the story.”
Tickets are $8-10 and can be purchased at obu.edu/boxoffice or on weekdays from 1-5 p.m. at the Ouachita Box Office in JPAC. Ouachita students may receive one free ticket with their university ID. For more information, contact the box office at 870-245-5555.
Cast:
- Professor John Forkner as Narrator/Mysterious Man
- Graceanne Ashlock, a junior musical theatre major from Lamar, Arkansas, as Cinderella
- Ethan Burrough, a freshman worship studies major from Alma, Arkansas, as Jack
- Chloe Cofer, a junior musical theatre major from Branson, Missouri, as Jack’s mother
- Virginia Waterman, a senior musical theatre major from Dallas, Texas, as Milky White
- Brooks Harrison, a junior musical theatre major from Fort Smith, Arkansas, as Baker
- Jennie Higdon, a senior musical theatre major from Washington, Oklahoma, as Baker’s wife
- Hadley Gilmore, a sophomore musical theatre major from Van Buren, Arkansas, as Cinderella’s stepmother
- Daniella Rivera, a junior musical theatre major from Hot Springs, Arkansas, as Florinda
- Ella Williamson, a freshman musical theatre major from Bartlett, Tennessee, as Lucinda
- Bryce Benson, a senior graphic design major from Forney, Texas, as Cinderella’s father
- Genevieve Cooper, a senior musical theatre major from Frisco, Texas, as Little Red Riding Hood
- Erika Johnson, a junior speech communication and theatre arts education major from Cash, Arkansas, as Witch
- Kate Kelley, a junior music education major from Siloam Springs, Arkansas, as Cinderella’s mother
- Kade Loomis, a sophomore musical theatre major from Nagoya, Japan, as Wolf
- Kenzie Tatum, a senior musical theatre major from Arkadelphia, Arkansas, as Granny
- Madisyn Sallas, a junior musical theatre major from Austin, Arkansas, as Rapunzel
- Steven Hibbard, a sophomore computer science major from Crossett, Arkansas, as Rapunzel’s prince
- Xander Dalton, a junior worship studies major from Pine Bluff, Arkansas, as Cinderella’s prince
- Gavin Anders, a sophomore musical theatre major from Hot Springs, Arkansas, as Steward
- Katie Miller, a senior musical theatre major from The Woodlands, Texas, as Snow White/Puppeteer #1
- Jordyn Purtle, a freshman musical theatre and English double major from Benton, Arkansas, as Sleeping Beauty/Puppeteer #2
Crew:
- Ryder Ashlock, a junior theatre arts and criminal justice double major from Royse City, Texas, as stage manager
- Abbi Brewer, a freshman theater education major from Glenwood, Arkansas, as assistant stage manager
- Cadence Cowan, a freshman musical theatre major from Springfield, Missouri, as assistant stage manager