Pantochino Teen Theatre Journeys INTO THE WOODS in Connecticut

Pantochino Teen Theatre will offer Milford an amusingly different way to think about everyone's favorite fairy tale characters through their production of Into the Woods JR., it was announced today by Freddie Gershon, CEO of Music Theatre International (MTI). The show featuring

thirty young actors from 12 to 17 years old will play three performances, August 13 and 14 at the Milford Center for the Arts on Railroad Avenue in Downtown Milford.

With a book by James Lapine and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods JR. is based on the Broadway production which won several Tony Awards, including Best Score and Best Book. The musical follows a Baker and his Wife who learn they've been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door. The couple embarks on a quest - swindling, deceiving and stealing from such already-victimized characters as Cinderella, Little Red Ridding Hood, Rapunzel and Jack (fresh off the beanstalk!) - to get the special objects required to break the spell. However, the story doesn't simply end "happily ever after" as each character must now face the consequences of his/her decision. "We're thrilled to be bringing this wonderful musical to life with these young actors," said director Bert Bernardi. "Our Teen Theatre is our fastest growing program at Pantochino," he added.

Pantochino Teen Theatre offers young actors the opportunity to work with professional directors and designers outside the academic setting, and on a schedule matching that of professional summer stock theatre companies. Into the Woods JR. has been cast, learned and rehearsed in a brief but immersive two weeks. Bernardi directs the show with Justin Rugg as musical director. The design team includes Jimmy Johansmeyer (costumes), Jeff Carr (lighting) and Nathaniel Dobas (sound).Bryan Kirby of Orange, a student at the University of Connecticut, serves as production assistant.

The cast includes young actors from Milford, Monroe, Fairfield, Easton, Guilford, Stratford, Bethany, Shelton and Chicago, Illinois!

Performances of Into the Woods JR. are Saturday, August 13 at 5 & 7:30pm and Sunday, August 14 at 2pm. All tickets are $10. and available online at www.pantochino.com. Into the Woods JR. is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).