University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance students, from left, Kay
McLean, of Casper; Anna Johnston, from Broomfield, Colo.; and Carson Almand, of Midlothian,
Texas, rehearse a scene for “Into the Woods.” The production runs Thursday-Saturday,
April 4-6, and Thursday-Saturday, April 11-13, at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are
scheduled at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7, and Sunday, April 14 -- with all performances
in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts Thrust Theater. (Donald Turner Photo)
The University of Wyoming Department of Theatre and Dance closes out the 2023-24 season
with “Into the Woods,” Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s beloved musical about fairytale
characters whose wishes come true -- for better or worse.
Directed by UW Department of Theatre and Dance faculty member Matthew Greenberg, “Into
the Woods” runs Thursday-Saturday, April 4-6, and Thursday-Saturday, April 11-13,
at 7:30 p.m. Matinee performances are scheduled at 2 p.m. Sunday, April 7, and Sunday,
April 14 -- with all performances in the Buchanan Center for the Performing Arts Thrust
Theater.
Tickets are $14 for the public, $11 for senior citizens and $7 for students. A nominal
processing fee will be charged for each ticket. To purchase tickets, visit the Performing
Arts box office, call (307) 766-6666 or go online at www.tix.com/ticket-sales/uwyo/6984.
“‘Into the Woods’ is one of the most popular and award-winning musicals,” Greenberg
says. “I am very excited to share this work with Laramie and University of Wyoming
audiences.”
Sondheim’s brilliant Tony-winning score and Lapine’s Tony-winning book seamlessly
fuse favorite storybook characters with what happens after the “happily ever after.”
The story follows the topsy-turvy journeys of a baker and his wife; Cinderella; Jack;
Little Red Riding Hood; and a witch -- who all wish earnestly for something but soon
discover that there are consequences to getting what they want.
The UW production has an unusual setting for the work, a school playground, in which
the characters are all children spontaneously imagining and acting out the story of
the piece.
“In our world, which can feel very polarizing, I want to tell this classic story in
a way that promotes imagination and legacy building,” Greenberg says. “Our world needs
more ‘play,’ and what better place to play and learn than on a school playground.
This musical has universal lessons, and I hope this version teaches us that the answer
is never to be selfish but rather selfless toward others.”
“Into the Woods” first premiered on Broadway in 1987, winning three Tony Awards, including
Best Score and Best Book. It has since been produced throughout the world and was
adapted into a major motion picture in 2014.
Following a sold-out New York City Center Encores! Series run in May 2022, the production
transferred to Broadway as a limited engagement beginning in July 2022, marking its
first time on Broadway in 20 years. Following critical acclaim and audience demand,
the production was extended twice and concluded its Broadway revival Jan. 8, 2023.
For more information, call Kathy Kirkaldie, UW Fine Arts coordinator, at (307) 766-2160
or email kirisk@uwyo.edu.
