Searching for the happily ever after 'Into the Woods' at Little Theatre of Bedford

BEDFORD — The baker and his wife long for a child, Cinderella wishes to attend the king's festival, Jack just wants his cow to give milk. Everyone is wishing for something that is out of reach in Stephen Sondheim's "Into the Woods."

How the characters navigate their wishes is the basis for the popular musical with a dark side that will be performed at Little Theatre of Bedford May 12-15 and May 19-22.

Storybook characters from familiar fairy tales are interwoven into a story where their wishes for a happily ever after are more like "be careful what you wish for" as each character must realize the cost of getting what their heart desired.

Directed by Daniel Baker, "Into the Woods" features a cast of 24 and is the final show of the season.

Indiana Primary 2022: Four vying for seats on Shawswick Township advisory board.

Baker, who directed LTB's "Beauty and the Beast" in 2019, which had the highest attendance of any LTB show in history, said directing "Into the Woods" has actually been more challenging than "Beauty and the Beast."

"There's a ton going on in this show. Each character has a specific part and a plot, and if you've missed that, you've missed something crucial," he said.

He said the music is more challenging and the story itself — not a predictable fairy tale — calls for actors who can play the dark comedy that's required.

Baker fell in love with the unique story the first time he saw the movie version as a choir student at BNL.

"I thought it was cool how they incorporate all the characters and they all sync together," he said.

Baker said the show has PG-13 guidance but it's not for language or vulgarity, but rather the mature themes.

"The woods is a metaphor for life and each character represents an area in your life where you have to mature and grow up. At the beginning of the show, all these characters want something," he said. "They get their wishes but later in the show, all the choices they made to get their wish have come back for payday. That is the message, your actions have repercussions and what you wish for may not be what you really need."

Deep roots: Williams man writes book about Hoosier state's magnificent trees.

The musical numbers might not be as well known as other mainstream musicals but are beautiful and rich in storytelling, including "Children Will Listen," "Into the Woods" and "I Know Things Now."

Ashlyn Taylor plays Little Red Riding Hood. A senior at Bedford North Lawrence High School, Taylor said "Into the Woods" rehearsals began in February when BNL was also rehearsing for its spring musical, in which Taylor also had a role. She has been super busy but it's been worth it.

"I'm a big fan of this show. Little Red has been my dream role ever since I saw the movie," she said.

LTB newcomer Tara Thatcher plays one of Cinderella's stepsisters.

"I love this show and I love attending musicals," she said. "A friend said I should do it. It's been a great experience, everyone is really encouraging."

Katelyn Allen, who plays the mother of Jack, auditioned because she had such a great time as a cast member in "Beauty and the Beast."

"It's super fun and you get to meet a lot of new people," she said.

Latest Lawrence County news: Lawrence County Commissioners approve new speeding ordinance for county roads.

Eight performances of the new musical are scheduled.

Cast list

Jeff Albertson — Mysterious Man

Jacob Bostic — Rapunzel's Prince

Tom Trent — Narrator

Emma Willoughby — Rapunzel

Michael Bruce — Big Bad Wolf

Ashlyn Taylor — Little Red Riding Hood

Megan Regan — Granny/voice of Giant

Tammy Taylor — Cinderella's mom

Harry Taylor — Steward

Ben Federick — Cinderella's prince

Katelyn Allen — Jack's mother

Alyssa Dusendang — Snow White

Jenny Paige — Evil stepmother

Josh Pena — Cinderella's father

Tara Thatcher — Lucinda / Evil stepsister

Jordan Rainey — Jack

Katie Upham — Cinderella

Savannah Sexton-Wisley — Baker's wife

Aaron Baker — Baker

Shawna Girgis — Witch

Josh Henion — Milky White

Brynn Volbrecht — Florinda / Evil stepsister

Zahra Girgis — Sleeping Beauty

Daniel Baker — Director

Rachel Fishback— Assistant director

Sierra Crane — Stage manager

If you go

What: "Into the Woods," music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim

When: May 12-15, 19-22. Evening performances at 6:30 p.m., Sunday matinees at 2 p.m.

Where: Little Theatre of Bedford, 1704 Brian Lane Way

Tickets: $12 students under 18; $15 adults. Call the LTB box office at 812-279-3009 to reserve tickets.

Details: Show runs 2 hours, 45 minutes with a 15-minute intermission; rated PG-13

Contact Times-Mail Staff Writer Carol Johnson at cjohnson@tmnews.com or 812-277-7252.

This article originally appeared on The Times-Mail: 'Into the Woods' musical coming to Little Theatre of Bedford