Dallastown will stage “Into the Woods” from March 27-30 as its annual spring musical.
This musical is based on multiple Brothers Grimm fairy tales, featuring well-known characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Cinderella, among others.
Sophomore Layla Myers, playing Little Red Riding Hood, explains that the setting of the show, “takes place in the woods, but also snapshots the characters’ lives in their homes.”
At the heart of the story is a baker and his wife (Luke Miller and Jules Gutekunst), who long to start a family but are hindered by a curse placed upon them by a witch (Chelsea Cottrell). Their journey to break the spell intertwines with the lives of other beloved storybook characters, leading to unexpected consequences and entertaining mishaps.
Senior Julie Cioffi plays the role of Cinderella and says taking part in this show is a dream come true.
“This is my favorite show ever! I saw it on Broadway and in eighth grade, my best friend and I always talked about wanting to do ‘Into the Woods’ for our senior show, so this feels like a full circle moment,” she said.
Retired English teacher Amy Anderson, one of the show directors, gave some insight into how she and music teacher Mrs. McCleary chose “Into the Woods” as this year’s show.
“We chose “Into the Woods” because it has 18 parts and Dallastown has so many talented students. We also chose it because it has a full orchestra,” Anderson said.
One of the best parts of the show is the instrumental.
Anderson explained, “Mr. Kaliszak has over 40 students in the pit this year. The pit is larger than the cast!”
These students work hard for several months to prepare enough to put on the best show they can.
“We began after school rehearsals during the first week of January,” Cioffi said. She went on to explain that as the show came closer, they added evening practices each week from Monday to Wednesday.
Prior to opening night, they will travel to elementary schools for a preview, will perform for the Senior Citizen’s Conference, and will do a parent preview.
Tickets can be purchased online for $12 per seat. Showtimes are at 7 p.m. on March 27, 28 and 29. There are also matinee performances on March 29 and 30 at 2 p.m.
