Lincoln Academy will soon present the popular musical "Into the Woods," by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, in collaboration with Heartwood Theater, who is sharing resources and managing publicity and ticketing. Performances are scheduled for Oct 24 – Nov 1, in the Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy.

"Into the Woods," written in 1986,  is a two-act musical with a sophisticated take on traditional fairy tales, intertwining numerous Brothers Grimm fairy tales. With a strong emphasis on archetypes and psychological reasoning of the stories, the familiar characters go well beyond the simple plot lines of tales told in children's books and American movies. The character’s wishes, desires, obstacles, mistakes and revelations create complex relationships, as various characters cross paths in the woods. Sondheim's music combines a rhythmic, haunting drive, with wit, word play and unexpectedly beautiful moments in song. 

The student cast features Felix Cunningham (Narrator/Mysterious Man),  Monette Swall (Witch),  Sarah Harris (Cinderella), Althia Willis (Cinderella's Stepmom), Eliza Chase (Florinda), Ellie Thomas (Lucinda), Finn Sullivan (Cinderella's Father), Hamilton Pierpan (Cinderella's Prince), River Brazwell (Steward),  Anderson Pierpan (Rapunzel's Prince), Addison McCafferty (Rapunzel / Cinderella's Mother), Sophia Mansfield (Little Red Riding Hood), Nathaniel Hufnagel (Baker), Katlyn Prior (Baker's Wife), Tryston Lambert  (Jack), Wynn Heninger (Milky White), Tess Flewelling (Jack's Mother), Schuyler Brazwell (Giant Voice/Granny), Rosie Adams (Snow White/Puppeteer), and Mary Gallagher (Sleeping Beauty). 

“Into the Woods” offers a huge challenge for any ensemble, and students have embraced the challenge with gusto. Even cast members familiar with the first act of the Junior Version of the title are finding great challenges in the fast paced, full-length piece.

Principal singers began learning and training on the songs during the summer, under the vocal guidance of former LA choral director, Beth Preston. Simultaneously learning to sing the challenging music of Sondheim while developing characters, dialogue and blocking has made this show an immersive experience for the entire cast, some new to the stage, others seasoned performers.

“Into the Woods” will also feature a "one man orchestra" - pianist Sean Fleming, playing a baby grand piano onstage. The tight proximity and connection between musical director and cast creates an incredible live dynamic, in the intimate Poe Theater. 

The show is costumed by Heidi Kopishke, Ryan Kohnert is tech director, and the play is designed and directed by Griff Braley. 

Five evening performances are scheduled for Oct 24 & 25, 30 & 31 and Nov 1 at 7pm in the Parker Poe Theater at Lincoln Academy.  Reservations are strongly suggested. Do so by phone: 563-1373 or email: info@heartwoodtheater.org. All adult tickets are $20. Students through college are $5, thanks to Student Ticket Sponsors - First National Wealth Management and Moody’s Diner.

Note - While the show is based on traditional fairy tales and the first act is light and fun, the darker tone of the second act, combined with the long run time, makes this production challenging for young children.

Along with many individual sponsors and anonymous grantors, generous business sponsors help provide this programming: Bath Savings Institution Associates, Inc. - Heartwood Season Sponsor; Damariscotta Hardware – Youth Sponsor; First National Bank – Education Sponsor.