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Whitworth University Theatre Presents the Fall Main-Stage Production, “Into the Woods”

October 8, 2024

Be careful what you wish for as Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s fractured fairytale comes to life in Whitworth University Theatre’s fall main-stage production, Into the Woods. 

This Tony Award-winning musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, exploring the consequences of the characters' wishes and quests. Cinderella pines to attend the ball, Jack tends to his pet cow, Little Red Riding Hood sets off toward grandmother’s house, and a baker and his wife discover their dreams of a family are restricted by a witch’s curse. They all head into the woods and embark on remarkable journeys that include falling in love, slaying a giant, facing off with a wolf and more. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them. The characters quickly find this web is too big to untangle on their own and that they must work together to set everything right in the kingdom. 

We are pleased to welcome guest director and choreographer Joseph Lyons-Wolf. Lyons-Wolf is an interdisciplinary artist and physical storyteller. His core principles as an artist are inspiring creative curiosity, fostering belonging and cultivating work that is rooted in joy. He believes in a fully collaborative artistic process that honors the unique voices of all involved. Lyons-Wolf has worked in education and engagement for Disney on Broadway, where he taught master classes, contributed to curriculum creation and facilitated community outreach events. 

Whitworth's music department is a co-producer of this production. Musical Director Scott Miller, professor/director of vocal studies, has coached all of the vocalists, including several of Whitworth's vocal music majors. The orchestra for this production consists of talented students, non-students and several adjunct professors.  

The theatre department wishes to thank Art Salvage, a nonprofit creative reuse center in Spokane that supports local artists. The department applied for and received a grant from Art Salvage, allowing it to purchase the materials for the Milky White and Wolf puppets in this production.

Into the Woods opens Friday, Oct. 11, at 7:30 p.m. in Cowles Memorial Auditorium as part of One Big Whitworth Weekend. Tickets are now on sale for the show, which includes Friday and Saturday evening performances and Sunday matinees through Oct. 20. Online pricing: Adults: $20; seniors (62-plus) and non-Whitworth students: $15. Whitworth student with valid ID: $5 at the door.

About Whitworth University:

Located in Spokane, Wash., Whitworth is a Christian private liberal arts university affiliated with the Presbyterian church. The university, which has an enrollment of about 2,500 students, offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate degree programs. 

Contacts: 

Trisha Coder, associate director of media relations, Whitworth University, (509) 777-4703 or tcoder@whitworth.edu