Gettysburg High School is bringing the magic of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods to the stage this weekend.
The three shows are on Friday Feb. 28 at 7:00 p.m and Saturday March 1 at 2:00 p.m. and 7:00 p.m.
Co-directed by Megan Coolbaugh and Kate Sainer, this beloved musical intertwines classic fairy tales, exploring the complexities of wishes, choices, and consequences.
With a book by James Lapine and music and lyrics by Sondheim, Into the Woods first premiered on Broadway in 1987 and has since become a favorite among theatergoers. The show brings together well-known characters such as Cinderella, Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and many more, blending humor, adventure, and deep moral questions.
Coolbaugh describes Into the Woods as “by far my favorite musical.” She praises Sondheim’s intricate score and Lapine’s compelling storytelling, emphasizing how the show communicates “complex moral stories” through its characters.
Sainer reflected on the musical’s deeper themes, saying “It’s about the choices we make and the unintended consequences of those choices. It’s so natural for humans, for everyone, to think they want something, and then when they get it, they discover it’s not what they expected or that they’re not satisfied. It’s about that human condition and realizing that at the end of the day, happiness comes from appreciating what you have.”
The musical unfolds in two acts: the first presents a whimsical journey where characters achieve their fairy-tale dreams, while the second takes a darker turn, revealing the unforeseen consequences of their choices. Coolbaugh highlights one of the musical’s most poignant moments, referencing the powerful lyrics: ‘Witches can be right, giants can be good. You decide what’s right, you decide what’s good… No one is alone.’ She explains, “At this moment, these main characters have been through trying times, with the light at the end of the tunnel just barely visible; but they are able to recognize that every story has different perspectives and outcomes depending on who is telling it.”
Sainer also highlights the show’s depth, saying, “A lot of people think about musical theater and they automatically roll their eyes because they think of something unrealistic and obnoxious… I feel like there’s a certain stereotype that comes with musicals and musical theatre, and this show really flipped that stereotype on its head. It’s about the impact you have on the future generation,” Sainer said. “‘Careful the things you say, children will listen. Careful the things you do, children will see. And learn.’”
This production has been a labor of love for the cast and crew, who have worked tirelessly to bring Sondheim’s challenging score and intricate storytelling to life. “This is a very challenging show, both in musical technique and storytelling,” says Coolbaugh. “These students have put in the work to make this a moving and memorable experience for the audience.”
Why should audiences come see Into the Woods? Coolbaugh believes the show’s unique blend of humor and depth makes it a must-watch. “The show uses comedy as a commentary on typical fairy tales, and through that commentary takes the opportunity to relate fairy tale situations to real-life events,” she says. “While the morals and subject matter of the show are very serious, the delivery of these lessons is very comical. It is a fun show with many moving parts to keep you on the edge of your seat until the very last note.”
Sainer also emphasizes the significance of live theatre: “Live theatre is so important. It’s truly magic and it cannot be repeated. Ever. Every time you see a show, it’s different. I’m not only excited for the senior class, but also the community, who have no idea what they’re walking into and might be discovering Sondheim for the first time.” She continues, “For theatre kids and dance kids, it’s different. They work tirelessly for months and then you have one weekend to see them do their thing. Come see all their hard work. Come see the magic onstage.”
With its mix of enchanting storytelling, timeless music, and profound life lessons, Into the Woods promises to be a truly memorable experience. Don’t miss your chance to step into the woods and witness this captivating production at Gettysburg High School!
Tickets are on sale through the GASD Webstore: bit.ly/IntotheWoodsTickets25.
Cast
Narrator/Mysterious Man Grayson Wallace
The Baker’s Wife Savannah Schneider
The Baker Brody Granger
The Witch Emma Kirk
Cinderella Tessa Trax
Little Red Ridinghood Audrey Trax
Jack Shelby Steele
Jack’s Mom McKaylah Mahone
The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince Max Carlson
Rapunzel’s Prince Maddox Glass
Cinderella’s Stepmother Sophia Willard
Lucinda Phoebe Kauffman
Florinda Jeze Abma
Cinderella’s Mother/Granny Maya Robinson
Rapunzel Anna Strauss
The Giant Sarah Rice
Milky-White Hannah Campbell
The Steward Caden Miller
Ensemble
Jason Visher, Mahlia Crunnel, Maren Miller, Winaida Flaherty, Anna Perry, Leif Andresen, Olivia Hall, Abby Weaver, Ava Hovet, Elizabeth Gliem, Sam Roberts, Isla Lewis, Aurelia Visher, Angel Chipps, Giada Langville, Gwen Zipp
Director/Vocal Director: Megan Coolbaugh
Director/Choreographer: Kate Sainer