(WEST WINDSOR, NJ) -- Generations of favorite storybook characters come together for one stellar production during "Into the Woods," presented by Off-Centre Stages at Mercer County Community College's Kelsey Theatre, January 19-21, 2024. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take characters known and loved by all and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece – and a rare modern classic.
The story 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.
The production is set in a highschool drama/music classroom at the fictional Trinity High – which is scheduled for demolition – with former students gathering for one last reunion. One of them opens a book, and the students are transformed into the beloved “Into the Woods” characters – a creative spin that truly elevates this enchanting musical.
Cast members include Lorraine Perri (Florence, NJ) as the Witch; Edward Forsthoffer (Hamilton, NJ) as the Narrator/Mysterious Man; Mary Sudol (Ewing, NJ), Baker’s Wife; William Kamps (Burlington, NJ), Baker; Samantha Phillips (Hamilton), Cinderella; Nicholas LaRussa (Hamilton), Jack; Cassidy Remeniski (Maple Shade, NJ), Rapunzel; Casey O’Neill (East Brunswick, NJ), Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf; Matthew Maiolo (Monroe Township, NJ), Rapunzel's Prince; Suzanne Houston (Pennington, NJ), Jack’s Mother; Theresa Perri (Florence, NJ), Cinderella’s Stepmother; Allana Harrell (Hamilton Township, NJ), Lucinda; Melissa Albert (Princeton, NJ), Florinda; Samuel Zdanowic (Hamilton), Steward/Cinderella’s Father/Milky White; and Leah Panuccio (Princeton), Granny/Cinderella’s Mother/Giant.
Show dates and times for “Into the Woods” are Friday, January 19 at 8:00pm, Saturday, January 20 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm, and Sunday, January 21 at 2:00pm. Performances take place at the Kelsey Theatre on the MCCC West Windsor Campus, 1200 Old Trenton Road. Tickets are $26 for adults and $24 for children and students, and may be purchased online at www.kelseytheatre.org or by calling the Kelsey Box Office Monday through Thursday, 9:00am - noon, at (609) 570-3333.
The Kelsey Theatre is wheelchair accessible, with free parking next to the theater.
The production is produced by Matthew Patalona, Madelyn Curtin, and Marissa DiPilla, directed by Jonathan Edmondson, music directed by Madelyn Curtin, and stage managed by Stephanie DiPilla.
For a complete listing of adult and children's events, visit the Kelsey website or call the box office for a brochure.
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