"Into the Woods" debuts at Elgin Opera House
By Charles Trowbridge
Voice News & Features Editor
Posted 11/18/2009
Beginning Nov. 20, at 7:30 p.m., "Into the Woods," a musical containing several interwoven fairy tales from Brothers Grimm, will debut at the Elgin Opera House.
"Into the Woods" is, according to the theatrical posters printed for the performance, "What's after happily ever after." The storyline contains several classical characters such as Little Red Ridinghood, Jack (of Jack and the Beanstalk), Rapunzel and Cinderella.
Directed by EOU theater professor Kenn Wheeler, the musical features EOU senior Fune Tautala as Cinderella's Prince, freshman Jeff Poe as the Baker, and alumnae Jennifer Sasser and Jeanette Smith as Little Red Riding Hood and Cinderella, respectively.
"The show is basically about all the fairy tale characters we used to learn about as kids, except in a different light," Tautala said. "Everything doesn't end with a happy ending."
Rehearsals, according to Tautala, have required a lot of energy and effort.
"Because we're working with such a wide variety of experience levels, rehearsals have been difficult sometimes, but everyone is putting their best foot forward," he said. "The singers are all great, and the music is brilliantly put together."
The show, though featuring several EOU students, is still considered a community production.
"People should come watch the show to support the community," Tautala said. "Everyone has worked so hard to show the community their talents; come watch the show to support all the hard work the actors have put forth!"
"Into the Woods" will show six times: Nov. 20 at 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 21 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.; Nov. 27 at 7:30 p.m.; and Nov. 28 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for groups of ten people or more, and $6 for "nosebleed" seats.
