Eric Stahl and Abigail Gilbert are the Wolf and Little Red Ridinghood in MCT's production of "Into the Woods."
The Missoula Community Theatre produces one of Stephen Sondheim’s most beloved shows, “Into the Woods,” March 10-20 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.
“Into the Woods” is a musical compilation of Brothers Grimm fairy tales which take the audience on a fantasy ride of complex relationships, the unknown dangers ahead on any journey and the consequences of decisions and wishes. At the same time, it’s a funny, brilliant tale of well-known characters, told and sung through a lens of dark comedy.
The Baker and his Wife hope to have a child; Cinderella aspires to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack 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.
This glorious adventure features music and lyrics by the late Sondheim and script by James Lapine. Joseph Martinez is directing the show and Dr. David Cody is the music director. “Into the Woods” is billed PG-13. The Missoula Community Theatre produced the show in 2000 and a concert-style version in 2010 in conjunction with the University of Montana Opera Theater.
“Revisiting ‘Into the Woods’ after 22 years has been exhilarating,” says Martinez, who also directed the 2002 show. “You want to make sure you’re not retelling the story like the time before, so I always want to challenge myself and see what we could do differently with the same script. I really like this new journey we are taking with the production.”
The musical debuted on Broadway in 1987, winning Tony “Best” awards for Score, Book, and Actress. The 2014 Disney film received several nominations for Academy and Golden Globe awards.
Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Thursdays and Fridays, 2 and 7:30 p.m. Saturdays and 2 and 6:30 p.m. Sundays, March 10-20, with a catered premiere party March 10. Tickets are on sale online, by phone at 406-728-7529 or at the MCT box office, open noon-5 p.m. weekdays.