Feature: The Luke Neuhedel Foundation presents a charity production of INTO THE WOODS

A group of Long Island performers and artists are performing for a good cause through June 30 in the Luke Neuhedel Foundation production of Stephen Sondheim's and James Lapine's classic "Into the Woods."

Dubbed "Luke Fest", putting on a piece of musical theatre has become an annual tradition to honor Luke Neuhedel - a young boy who died of a rare form of liver cancer in 2002 at the age of three - and to raise money for families coping with children diagnosed with cancer.

"When Luke was in the hospital we decided there were so many other people who needed assistance," said Luke's father, Paul Neuhedel - who pays Milky White in the production. "They were struggling with all the expenses. We met the most amazing people while Luke was sick that we said we wanted to do something to help them."

Although they were hoping to form the foundation and raise money with Luke, after his passing they made the steps to get the charity off the ground in 2002.

The idea of Luke Fest was born out of a celebration celebrating Luke's first year of survival in 2000, Mr. Neuhedel said.

"We met so many wonderful people through the year [he was diagnosed], we had a big backyard party. We invited doctors and nurses and neighbors and all the people we had met," he said.

Where the first celebration was a backyard party, the second year grew into a street fair on Maria Regina Roman Catholic Church's grounds - where the Neuhedel family has been worshipping for decades.

Eventually, Luke Fest was combined with the family's love of theatre - many are involved on the community and regional level - and the group decided to put on a show to raise money.

"We've done six or seven theatre productions now and they get bigger and bigger every year," said Mr. Neuhedel.

And although most of the people in the show never knew Luke, he said, his spirit is alive in the performance.

All of Mr. Neuhedel's surviving children star in the show, he said - including Guenevere Neuhedel as Cinderella.

She said that "Into the Woods" in particular spreads a message that is inherently part of Luke's foundation.

"One of the last songs in the show is called 'No One is Alone.' We can help the children in the hospital and help them to realize that they are not alone," she said. "They have people to support them - they have friends, they have family, even strangers just donating money to help them so they can have the best quality of life they can while they're here."

The Neuhedel family makes it clear that none of this would be possible without the dedication of the performers, the aid of Maria Regina Church, and the newfound help of StageLight Entertainment - which provided costumes and designed the sets.

Audiences will have the opportunity to see the show at Maria Regina this weekend on Saturday June 17 at 8 pm. From there, the production will relocate to the Garden City Casino on June 30 at 6 pm for a special dinner theatre rendition.

"The show brings joy," said Mr. Neuhedel. "And I think people coming it gives them joy to raise money and awareness. We'll keep doing what we can to help as many people as we can."

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"Into the Woods" is presented by the Luke Neuhedel Foundation through June 30. For more information and to purchase tickets visit www.lukefund.org.

Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Book by James Lapine.

Directed by Becky Neuhedel, Musical Direction by Michael Janover, Voice Direction by Joseph Anthony, Choreography by Morgan Faye Neuhedel, Scenic Design by Chris Rosselli of Stagelight Entertainment, Costume Design by Becky Neuhedel, Lighting Design by Chris Rosselli, Sound Design by Nick Hintz, Assistant to the Director Rob Neil, Assistant to the Director, Choreographer, Costumer and Set Designer Paul Neuhedel.

Starring: Kevin Russo as the Narrator/Mysterious Man, Guenevere Neuhedel as Cinderella, Joseph Bebry as Jack, Becky Neuhedel as Jack's Mother, Kevin Hansen/Joseph Anthony as The Baker, Katey Russo/Alexis Monetti as Baker's Wife, Aly Kantor as Cinderella's Stepmother, Kevin Brogan as Florinda, Ian McGorty as Lucinda, Sean Horace as Cinderella's Father, Morgan Faye Neuhedel as Little Red Ridinghood, Mary Gunther as the Witch, Geri Lynn Scenga as Cinderella's Mother/Granny/Giant, Rob Neil as Wolf/Rapunzel's Prince, George Neuhedel as Cinderella's Prince, Gabriella Maresco as Rapunzel, Greg Frank as the Steward, Paul Neuhedel as Milky White, Ensemble: Paul Neuhedel, Eddie D'Atri, Marina D'Atri, Caroline Lopez, Alexander Neuhedel, Maria Neuhedel.

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