Open Air Theatre Closes INTO THE WOODS, 9/11

The Regent's Park Open Air Theatre has announced the complete cast for its production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's INTO THE WOODS.  Helen Dallimore (Cinderella), Beverly Rudd (Little Red Riding Hood), Simon Thomas (Rapunzel's Prince), and Michael Xavier (Wolf and Cinderella's Prince) will be joining the previously announced cast members.  These include Hannah Waddingham (The Witch), Jenna Russell (Baker's Wife), Marc Antolin (Swing), Valda Aviks (Granny), Billy Boyle (Mysterious Man), Gaye Brown (Cinderella's Stepmother), Sophie Caton (Swing), Alice Fearn (Rapunzel), Mark Goldthorp (Steward), Amy Griffiths (Lucinda), Mark Hadfield (Baker), Amy Ellen Richardson (Florinda), Ben Stott (Jack), and Gemma Wardle (Cinderella's Mother).

In celebration of Sondheim's eightieth birthday, the Open Air Theatre season closes with this production of INTO THE WOODS, co-directed by Timothy Sheader and Liam Steel. Perfectly placed within the Open Air Theatre amphitheatre, the musical gives the stories of The Brothers Grimm a dark and humorous twist.

Hannah Waddingham was nominated for an Olivier Award for her portrayal of Desiree in Sondheim's A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC and played the Lady of the Lake in SPAMALOT in the West End and on Broadway. Jenna Russell won an Olivier Award for SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE and subsequently transferred with the production to Broadway where she was nominated for a Drama Desk and Tony Award.  Helen Dallimore originated the role of Glinda in the West End production of WICKED.  Her other credits include the Australian production of SPRING AWAKENING.

INTO THE WOODS will run from August 6 to September 11.  For more information, visit www.openairtheatre.org.

Photo Credit: Linda Lenzi