INTO THE WOODS to Play the Riverdale YM-YWHA This Spring

The award-winning teens of Riverdale Rising Stars will present Stephen Sondheim's classic fairy tale musical INTO THE WOODS at the Riverdale YM-YWHA for six performances only: Thursday, March 23: 7:30pm; Saturday, March 25: 8:45pm; Sunday, March 26: 3:00pm; Thursday, March 30: 7:30pm; Saturday, April 1: 8:45pm; and Sunday, April 2: 3:00pm.

Everyone thinks they know the stories of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. But what happened after "happily ever after?" INTO THE WOODS, a witty and sophisticated musical about the legacy we pass on to future generations, features an ingenious book by James Lapine and a timeless Stephen Sondheim score which includes the songs "Children Will Listen" and "No One Is Alone."

The original Broadway production of INTO THE WOODS won the 1988 Drama Desk Award for Outstanding Musical, as well as three 1988 Tony Awards. The show has received several major New York City revivals: in 2002 on Broadway (Tony Award-winner for Best Revival of a Musical), in 2012 at The Public Theater's Shakespeare in the Park, and in 2015 at Roundabout Theatre Company's Laura Pels Theatre (Lortel Award-winner for Outstanding Revival).

Featuring a cast of 34 performers age 12 to 18 from Riverdale, Upper Manhattan, Yonkers, and beyond, Riverdale Rising Stars production of INTO THE WOODS is directed by Artistic Director Laurie Walton, with music direction by Todd Olson and Jonathan Parks, and choreography by Emily Walton. The design team includes Eric Zoback (Set Design), Jenna Lyons (Scenic painting), Penelope Margeotes (Costume Design), David Pentz (Lighting Design), and Denise Eberly (Sound Design). INTO THE WOODS is presented by special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

Performances will be held at the Riverdale YM-YWHA, located at 5625 Arlington Avenue (just off of Riverdale Avenue and West 256th Street), in Riverdale, Bronx, NY.

Advance tickets are $13 (students/seniors) and $18 (adults) and may be purchased by calling Brown Paper Tickets at 1-800-838.3006 or online at www.riverdaley.org/boxoffice. Day-of-show tickets may be purchased at the door prior to showtime for $15 (students and seniors) and $20 (adults).

Riverdale Rising Stars was created to provide the teens of the Riverdale community and beyond a professional repertory company experience. Since its inception in 2000, the organization has expanded its programming to include Rising Stars Jr., Riverdale Repertory Company, and the Riverdale Performing Arts Conservatory (RPAC), an educational program for adults and children. Of greatest importance is the way that all build self-esteem, learn enormous respect for others, develop camaraderie and create lifelong friendships. Together, these award-winning companies provide a world of expression, passion and creativity for all ages.

The 2016-2017 theatre season at the Riverdale YM-YWHA also includes The Outsiders (teen performers: April 20-23, 2017); The Little Mermaid Jr. (child performers: May 18-28, 2017); and Disaster! The Musical (adult performers: June 21-28, 2017).

For more information on all performing arts programs at the Y, visit www.RiverdaleRisingStars.com.

The mission of the Riverdale YM-YWHA is to be the hub that brings together members of the Jewish and wider community. At the Y, individuals and families of all backgrounds and abilities gather to grow, to learn, and to deepen their understanding of themselves and their connections to one another. Rooted in Jewish values, our cultural, social, educational, health and wellness programs offer members of all ages multiple pathways into the richness of our local community life. Through our programs and partnerships, we strive to improve the quality of life in the Riverdale community and celebrate its uniqueness and its diversity. Go to www.RiverdaleY.org for more.