BWW Preview: INTO THE WOODS at Mac-Haydn Theatre

After a successful run of Kander and Ebb's Chicago, director John Saunders is bringing Stephen Sondheim's beloved classic Into The Woods to the Mac-Haydn stage starting July 28. The musical is composed of many classic fairy tales, including Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Jack and the Beanstalk, and takes a look at the events that occur after "happily ever after."

Joining the company as the Baker is Paul Wyatt, marking his third show at the Mac-Haydn. He couldn't be more thrilled to be back this summer, having had great experiences as Mark in Rent and Malcolm in The Full Monty. "I have had such a great time here," he exclaims. "I told them all that I wanted to audition again but also said I wanted to do other work other than performing, so last summer I was in the cast of Rent but I played in the pit of Hairspray. I'm doing the same thing this summer; playing in the pit for Sister Act and teaching at the Columbia County Youth Theatre Workshop."

Wyatt has been working alongside fellow actor Libby Bruno to develop a strong personal connection to the character and show and not to simply draw from previous productions. "I've been talking with Libby Bruno who is playing my wife and we've been talking about relationships and backstory and sharing our own experiences to really develop a connection. It's been great that we've gotten a lot of time to talk about our relationships and how our own journeys relate to the show."

In the legendary role of the Witch is Julia Mosby, also returning to the Mac-Haydn this summer after appearing as Marian Paroo in The Music Man and Woman #2 in Sondheim's Putting It Together. Mosby is incredibly excited to step into the iconic role, though it initially seemed somewhat intimidating considering past women who have also played the part. "I grew up watching the PBS special so I obviously love Bernadette Peters, but I wanted to make sure to start from scratch. I've done a great job trying to refrain from recordings of the show. The music is such a roadmap anyway dramatically and musically that you can find all of your answers there."

She adds, "There was anxiety going into rehearsals because you don't always get to tackle a role like this. It's not so much the romantic lead. She stands on her own and has to own everything she does; she can't depend on anyone else. Though I was intimidated, I have so much trust in our director John which has put my mind at ease."

Both Wyatt and Mosby can't wait to bring this production to the capital region. "It's one of the best musicals hands down. It's the show that got me into musical theatre," Wyatt tells. "I think the story is so beautiful and I hope people will be moved to reflect on their own life, especially with their family relationships."

Mosby agrees and goes on to add, "Sondheim knows the human condition so well and knows how to manifest it through his music. This is not a typical musical: it's very bare and exposed and you will feel for each character at some point no matter who you are."

For more information, visit www.machaydntheatre.org.