INTO THE WOODS: Music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine
Directed by: Joel Murphy
Musical Director: Madeline Harts
Choreographer: Gina Schuster
AUDITIONS: March 28-30, 7:00 PM, at the Aurora Players Roycroft Pavilion. Call backs will be held on March 31 and April 1. Please note: Proof of Covid-19 vaccination is required in order to audition for this show.
Please plan to sing a portion of a song from Into The Woods. You may not be asked to sing the entire song, but please be prepared to showcase your vocal range with your choice of song.
REHEARSALS: Rehearsals start around mid-July (TBD).
SHOW DATES: Opening September 30 for 4 weekends. Possibility of special, preview matinee on September 24th.
Play Synopsis
The story follows a Baker and his wife who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to escape her impoverished circumstances and dance with the Prince; and Jack, who’s got his head in the clouds and a mother who would like him to be grounded in reality. When the Baker and his wife learn of a Witch’s curse that will prevent them from ever having children, they must set off into the woods to break the spell. Also in the woods is Little Red on the path to visit her grandmother, and a Wolf who would like to lure her to stray; Rapunzel who longs to leave her tower; and two Princes pursuing love. By the time everyone has their wish and are seemingly about to live happily ever after, the consequences of their actions loom over them. The community must overcome casting blame to unite and save the life they know from impending doom! It just might be that living “happily ever after” comes at the cost of great sacrifices.
CAST – CHARACTERS AND DESCRIPTIONS (Note: ages are flexible. Gender descriptions may be flexible as well, pending review of the licensing rights contract, which was not available at the time of this posting.)
THE BAKER: Male, later 20s to 45, Baritone (vocal range top G4). A harried and insecure baker who is simple and loving, yet protective of his family. He wants his wife to be happy and is willing to do anything to ensure her happiness. He refuses to let others fight his battles.
THE BAKER’S WIFE: Female, later 20s to 45, Mezzo-Soprano (vocal range top G5). A determined and bright woman who wishes to be a mother. She leads a simple, yet satisfying life and is very low-maintenance, yet proactive in her endeavors.
THE WITCH: Female, 35 to 55, Mezzo-Soprano (vocal range top G5). Sarcastic, ugly-then-gorgeous, obsessive protector of Rapunzel. She is straightforward and aggressive.
CINDERELLA: Female, 20 to 35, Soprano (vocal range top G5). A young, earnest maiden who is constantly mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters.
JACK: Male, 20 to 30, Tenor (vocal range top G4). The feckless giant killer who is ‘almost a man.’ He is adventurous, naive, energetic, and bright-eyed.
LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD: Female, 18 to 30, Mezzo-Soprano (vocal range top F5). A spoiled young girl who is strong-willed, quick-witted, fearless, yet youthful and naive.
CINDERELLA’S STEPMOTHER: Female, 40 to 60, Mezzo-Soprano (vocal range top F#5). The mean-spirited, demanding stepmother of Cinderella.
CINDERELLA’S PRINCE: Male, 20 to 45, Bass-Baritone (vocal range top Gb4). Vain and handsome, he is a disloyal lover who is currently searching for the next new, exciting thing.
FLORINDA and LUCINDA: Females, 25 to 35, Mezzo-Sopranos (vocal range top Ab5). Cinderella’s stepsisters who are hard hearted. They follow in their mother’s footsteps of abusing Cinderella.
JACK’S MOTHER: Female, 50 to 65, Soprano (vocal range top Gb5). Browbeating and weary, Jack’s protective mother is independent, bold, and strong-willed.
RAPUNZEL: Female, 20 to 30, Soprano (vocal range top A5). A loopy-but-lovely maiden who is sheltered by the Witch and terribly lonely. She yearns to experience the world.
RAPUNZEL’S PRINCE: Male, 20 to 45, Bass-Baritone (vocal range top E4). Just as vain and handsome as his Prince brother, he is always chasing the newest, most exiting endeavor.
THE NARRATOR: An intellectual and pleasant story-teller who helps to orchestrate the show and illustrate lessons to the audience
THE MYSTERIOUS MAN: Male, 50 to 65, Baritone. A mischievous vagrant and nosy meddler. He is a good-natured protector and observer.
CINDERELLA’S MOTHER: Female, 40 to 55, Soprano (vocal range top F5). Deceased, with her soul guarding and aiding her daughter. Note: role may be voiced only.
THE WOLF: Male, 30 to 40, Baritone (vocal range top Gb4). A hungry and insatiable hunter who takes advantage of the weak by misleading and captivating his prey.
THE STEWARD: Male, spoken. Ensemble singer.
FOUR FEATURED DANCERS: Any gender, 15-35. For choreographed scene changes, shadow-puppet elements and other minor characters as needed.