The Ruffin Theater opens its production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” tonight, kicking off two weekends of performances featuring a large local cast and familiar fairy tale characters.
Directed by Amy Settle, the musical intertwines stories including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel into a single story exploring wishes, family and consequences.
Leading the cast are Michael Franklin as the Baker, Mekensie Ivy as the Baker’s Wife, Kaylee McClain as Cinderella, Andrew Staheli as Cinderella’s Prince, Owen Woodruff as Jack and Naomi Burns as Jack’s Mom. Shelby Woodruff portrays Little Red Riding Hood, while PJ Charnock takes on the role of the Witch and William Mashburn portrays the Mysterious Man.
Additional featured cast members include Clint Stanley as the Wolf and Rapunzel’s Prince, Mikayla Harden-Pruitt as Rapunzel, Missy Barrell as the Stepmother, Morgan Anderson as Florinda, Kristen Staheli as Lucinda and Cinderella’s Mother, Hannah Burlett as Granny and Snow White/Giant, Maysen Litton as the Steward, Julia Bogard as Sleeping Beauty, Oliver Staheli as Milky White, James Burlett as Cinderella’s Father and Robert Charnock as the narrator.
Ensemble members include Cora Kinningham, Bailey Anderson, Jacob Anderson, Kaylnn Sartain, Orissa Stanley, Maebry, Milo, Noah Charnock and Asher Charnock.
The production also features Julia Bogard as junior director, with music direction by Andrew and Kristen Staheli.
Originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine, “Into the Woods” features music and lyrics by Sondheim and a book by Lapine. The production is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International.
Performances are scheduled for May 22–24 and May 29–30. Tickets are available through the Tipton Arts Council at tiptonartscouncil.org.
