Into the Woods
Ardenwood University Theatre & Dance
musical theatre . 2025 - 2026 Season

Into the Woods

A Sondheim musical
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Opens
Oct 9, 2025
Closes
Oct 19, 2025
Runtime
2hr 45mmin w/ intermission
Venue
Ardenwood Mainstage
Synopsis

A baker and his wife set out to lift a witch’s curse, and their path crosses Cinderella, Jack, Little Red, and a hungry wolf. The first act grants each of them a wish. The second act asks what those wishes cost, and who is left to face the giant that follows them home.

Creative Team
DirectorMarcus Hale
Scenic DesignerDaniel Brooks
Lighting DesignerJames Whitfield
Costume DesignerNaomi Schwartz
Cast
The Baker's WifeMia Chen
The BakerLiam O'Brien
CinderellaAanya Kumar
Little RedSofia Novak
The WitchRuth Mensah
Production Staff
Stage ManagerJordan Rivera
Director's note

Sondheim and Lapine built a fairy tale that refuses to stop at happily ever after. We were drawn to the second act, where the community has to decide what it owes one another once the easy magic runs out. Our student company has met that question with enormous heart. Thank you for being in the woods with us.

Acknowledgements

With thanks to the Ardenwood Arts Council and Maple and Vine Catering for their support of this production, and to University Facilities for their care of the Mainstage.

Accessibility

The Ardenwood Mainstage is wheelchair accessible, with step-free entry and accessible restrooms. Assistive listening devices are available at the house manager’s desk at no charge. An ASL interpreted and audio described performance is offered at the final Sunday performance. Large print programs are available on request. To arrange seating accommodations or access services, contact the box office at least one week ahead at access@ardenwood.fake.

Land acknowledgement

Ardenwood University sits on the traditional and ancestral homelands of the Indigenous peoples of this region. We acknowledge them as the original stewards of this land and recognize the living cultures and communities who remain here today. The Department of Theatre and Dance offers this acknowledgement as a first step, and commits to learning, partnership, and support that reaches beyond these words.

With gratitude to our sponsors
Ardenwood Arts Council
Maple & Vine Catering
CoverSynopsisCreative TeamCastProduction StaffDirector's noteAcknowledgementsAccessibilityLand acknowledgementFooter