News

The Broadway play, Into the Woods, which is based on a book by James Lapine and includes a score by Stephen Sondheim, will open Wednesday, April 22 at Southern Illinois University Edwardsville. 

Into the Woods, which has also won several Tony Awards, including Best Score, Best Book, and Best Actress in a Musical, will run through Sunday, April 26 at SIUE’s Dunham Hall Theater. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday-Saturday and 2 p.m. on Sunday.

The play is about a childless baker and his wife who wish to begin a family. Their encounter with a witch, who places a curse on them, sets the couple on an amazing quest where they encounter fairy tale characters from the Brothers Grimm such as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Cinderella.       

“As evidenced by Into the Woods, Stephen Sondheim redefined the genre of musical theatre and how music plays a role in storytelling,” said Marc Schapman, the play’s musical director and associate professor in the SIUE Music Department. “The most amazing aspect of Sondheim’s creation is his penchant for detail and how those musical intricacies play a role in the development of his characters and the drama.” 

“In fairy tales, characters are not known for their subtlety,” Schapman said. “Their motives are crystal clear. Every character learns important lessons about life, relationships and growing up. Sondheim presents us with moments of musical transparency throughout the score that beautifully highlights this sentiment.”

Into the Woods is a co-production between SIUE’s Department of Theater and Dance and Department of Music, spearheaded by director, Peter Cocuzza and his creative team Schapman, musical director; Roger Speidel, set designer; Dr. Laura Hanson, costume designer; James Wulfsong, lighting designer; Katherine Slovinski, props designer; Tonya Franson, sound designer; Shawna Trusty, make-up designer; Diamond White, wig designer; and Meagan O’Neill, stage manager.

Tickets are general admission at $12 for adults and $10 for seniors and all others, including students with a valid school I.D.  Discounted tickets are available for groups of ten or more, perfect for school outings.  

For more information, call the Fine Arts box office at (618) 650-2774 or toll free at (888) 328-5168, extension 2774. Also visit, siue.edu/artsandsciences/theater or email theater-tickets@siue.edu.   

All productions are open to the public. The departments of Theater and Dance and Music are part of the College of Arts and Sciences. 

Photos: Shown from left to right are students: Alexis Roman of Effingham (baker’s wife), Halley Robertson of Granit City (witch) and Miles Tillman of O’Fallon (baker).