For the cast of Gettysburg High School’s Into the Woods, this production is more than just a performance—it’s a journey of self-discovery. As they step into the roles of fairy tale characters, they find themselves reflecting on the very themes that make the show so powerful: longing, consequences, and what it truly means to get your wish.
Senior Grayson Wallace, who plays both the Narrator and the Mysterious Man, describes the challenge of switching between his two roles. “I think there are some similarities between myself and the Narrator. Just because he’s formal and also wants to take things not-too-seriously,” he says. “Then the Mysterious Man is just kinda crazy, and that’s fun to express that side of myself.” He looks forward to his dramatic exit, but also to watching his fellow castmates shine—especially Emma Kirk’s performance of Last Midnight and the emotional quartet of No One Is Alone.
For Kirk, who plays the Witch, stepping into the role has changed her entire perception of the character. “This character has so much more depth than I could have imagined,” she explains. “After studying her, I don’t hate her as much as I did when I was little. I have a lot of empathy towards her, even though she’s cruel.” She hopes audiences will see beyond the villainous exterior and recognize the Witch’s emotional complexity, especially through her songs.
Savannah Schneider, the Baker’s Wife, connects deeply with the character’s restless desire for something more. “She gets what she wants, only to learn she still wants more,” Schneider reflects. “We are all joined by our moral—or immoral—ways. This show is a reflection of the human spirit.”
Brody Granger, who plays the Baker, sees his character as the heart of the show. “I think this character is what draws this musical together,” he explains. “It’s a really important character, and when you give it a lot of attention, a lot of time, and a lot of acting, it really brings the show together.” Playing the Baker has also been a fun challenge. “He’s kinda dumb, and I like that,” Granger admits. “He’s easy to act, and there’s a lot of different emotions going on, and that’s really cool.” When asked what makes the show great, Granger said “It’s a great cast. There’s a lot of talent here and we’re bringing something to life.”
For many in the cast, Into the Woods is a bittersweet milestone, marking not just the end of a production but the closing of a chapter in their high school journey. “I’m really sad this is my last show,” Kirk admits. But with just one weekend to bring their months of hard work to life, the cast is ready to take audiences on a journey of magic, music, and self-discovery—one that might just be closer to real life than any fairy tale.
Come see the show February 28th at 7pm and March 1st and 2pm and 7pm! Tickets can be bought at the door or at the GASD Webstore: bit.ly/IntotheWoodsTickets25
Hannah Campbell, intern, is a senior in high school and has lived in Gettysburg for 10 years. She enjoys writing fictional stories and historical research papers and is thrilled to be able to write for Gettysburg Connection.