Photo Flash: Porchlight Music Theatre Presents INTO THE WOODS

Porchlight Music Theatre presents the Tony Award-winning Sondheim classic Into the Woods at Theatre Building Chicago, 1225 West Belmont, from April 9 through May 30, 2010. The Press Opening is Monday, April 12 at 7:30 p.m.

There's more to the forest than witches and wolves, princes and potions in the magical musical Into the Woods. When a Baker and his Wife learn the Witch next door has cursed them with childlessness, they embark on a quest to break the spell. Along the way, they swindle, lie, and steal from Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Jack (of beanstalk fame). Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them with disastrous results. What begins as a lively irreverent fantasy in the style of "The Princess Bride" becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children.

Porchlight Music Theatre presented an award winning, critically acclaimed production of Into the Woods in 2000-01. This all-new production showcases multimedia design elements, truly special effects, and a refreshing orchestration featuring a string quartet.

Into the Woods reunites the Pulitzer Prize winning team of James Lapine (book) and Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics). The bewitchingly beautiful score features the beloved songs ‘Children Will Listen' and ‘No One is Alone.'

Porchlight's production stars Bethany Thomas (from Porchlight's Ragtime) as the Witch as well as StEve Best as The Baker; Brianna Borger as the Baker's Wife; Cameron Brune as Rapunzel's Prince, Steward, and Wolf; Christa Buck as Florinda; Rebecca Chicoine as Lucinda; Kristen Freilich as Jack's Mother; Vanessa Greenway as Cinderella's Stepmother and the Giant; Henry Odum as the Narrator/Mysterious Man; Rachel Quinn as Cinderella; Scott Sumerak as Jack; Travis Taylor as Cinderella's Prince; Jennifer Tjepkema as Rapunzel; and Jeny Wasilewski as Little Red.

The artistic team is led by Porchlight Music Theatre Artistic Director L. Walter Stearns.
Musical direction is by Eugene Dizon, choreography is by Danny Bernardo, sound design by Joseph Fosco, costume design by William Morey, video design by Liviu Pasare and scenic design by Ian Zywica.

About Porchlight Music Theatre
Porchlight Music Theatre is Chicago's music theatre leader; producing award-winning interpretations of classic musicals and cutting-edge new works on intimate stages. The company is recognized for providing nurture and challenge for stars-in-the-making as well as veteran performers. The company has staged 36 shows including four world premieres, among them, The Teapot Scandals, its first work developed through Off the Porch, Porchlight's new works program, as well as seven Chicago premieres. An Equity theater since 2004, the company has already received a total of 33 Joseph Jefferson Award nominations resulting in 11 Jeff Awards.

Ticket Information
Into the Woods previews April 9, opens April 12 at 7:30 p.m., and runs through May 30, 2010 with performances on Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 8 p.m., and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Beginning May 1st there will be additional Saturday matinees at 2:30pm. Single tickets are $38.00, and discount tickets for seniors and students are $32.00. Tickets may be purchased through the box office at Theatre Building Chicago 773.327.5252 or www.TicketMaster.com. Group Sales Discounts are available through www.GroupTheaterTix.com at 866.809.3075.

Photo credit: Michael Brosilow