BW Music Theatre returns to live performance with 'Into the Woods'

The return of live music theatre at Baldwin Wallace University is drawing near as BW's nationally acclaimed music theatre program takes the stage for their first production of "Into the Woods" in more than 20 years.

Following the success of last year's virtual production of "Spring Awakening," students are ready to safely take the stage and bring to life the fairytale characters we all know and love.

Performances will run for two weeks, Wednesdays through Sundays, November 10-21, at BW's Mainstage Theatre, Kleist Center for Art & Drama. Watch the preview trailer below.

Immersing the audience

"Into the Woods" intertwines many favorite childhood fairytales, such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel, into one magical world where all their individual stories are brought together for an enchanting journey.

The BW creative team - including director Victoria Bussert, music director Matt Webb, choreographer Greg Daniels and producer Bryan Bowser - has developed an interactive production that surrounds audience members and transports them "Into the Woods."

The design team for the show, which is co-produced by BW's music theatre program and theatre & dance department, includes set designer Jeff Herrmann, costume designer Tesia Benson, lighting designer David Stoughton and guest sound designer Angela Baughman.

The three-time Tony award-winning musical won Best Musical and Best Book in 1988; James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim created the show.

Classic tales with a twist

"Into the Woods" contains themes of love, coming of age, loss and realizing that no one is ever alone. The musical is based on the Brothers Grimm fairy tales but also draws on "The Uses of Enchantment" by Bruno Bettelheim, which analyzes the Grimm fairy tales in the light of Freudian psychoanalysis.

"We are thrilled to take on 'Into the Woods,' a challenging Sondheim musical with the important theme of everyone coming together to fight a common foe," Bussert noted. "It seemed like a perfect time to present this relevant piece as we take careful steps to bring live theatre back to our stages."

Tickets, Schedule and Protocols

Tickets are required for admission to each performance and can be purchased starting October 8 via BW's ticket site at the cost of $30 for adults, $25 for seniors and $15 for students (with valid ID); BW students, faculty, staff and emeriti receive one complimentary ticket with BW ID.

Performances run Wednesdays through Saturdays, November 10-13 and 17-20 at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays, November 14 and 21 at 2 p.m. The show lasts approximately 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission.

Important note: As recommended by CDC guidelines, face masks are required to be worn indoors at BW by all individuals regardless of vaccination status.

Trailer