and Director Note

Crew

Orchestra

Director’s Note:

Storytelling is one of the oldest art forms in existence and remains an intrinsic part of the human experience. Creating and sharing fables is a universal approach to making sense of the world around us. Some of the most cherished tales begin with the words “Once upon a time.” As children, that phrase immediately transports us to a time and place where magic exists. It is within this dreamscape of wonder and awe that we make our most profound discoveries. These whimsical narratives provide an imaginative escape while concurrently ushering us to confront the harsh realities of life. Into the Woods by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine cleverly twists the folkloric histories of beloved Grimm fairytale characters, resulting in a contemporary cultural critique that only continues to become more relevant as the musical ages. 

 

Inspired by the power and role that stories play in our lives, the directorial vision for this production is rooted in the examination of the generational heirlooms that we pass down or inherit and how they inform our moral compass and guide familial stories. Whether they be endowed antique treasures, fairytales, wishes, curses, or teachings, these relics help us make sense of the world around us, shaping our own personal journeys that will one day inspire the fables bestowed to those who come after us. 

During this five-week creative process, we have fully embraced the joyful spirit of make-believe as it is within this place of imaginative play that we learn the most about ourselves. As our characters journey deeper into the woods, they encounter forks in the road and must navigate a series of woulds and later face the consequences that come from pursuing their own ideals of “happily ever after.” When the kingdom falls to catastrophe, they must unite and weave their stories together to find resolution. 

 

The beautiful production you’re about to experience is thanks to the dedicated collaboration of many. I want to express my sincerest gratitude to the cast, crew, faculty, musicians, designers, and artistic team who met this challenging piece with grace and enthusiasm. It has been a dream to play pretend with you all and it is a creative chapter of my life that I will remember fondly. As you enjoy the performance today, I invite you to reflect on the moments in your life that have instilled a sense of magic, however fantastical or mundane as they may be. The farther we journey from adolescence, the more we realize that enchantment is sometimes the most present in life’s small moments and connections. Cherish the stories and moments that have made you who you are and carefully consider the tales or heirlooms that you pass on. 

 – Joseph Lyons-Wolf, M.F.A. (he/him