Red Octopus Theatre presents Sondheim’s award-winning musical ‘Into the Woods’ through April 26 in Newport

By OREGON COAST TODAY

The Red Octopus Theatre Company presents a world of magic, mystery and consequence with the award-winning musical “Into the Woods” at the Newport Performing Arts Center through Sunday, April 26.

Part fairy tale, part fever dream and part human drama, “Into the Woods” weaves together the stories of Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and more — only to plunge them all into a second act where giants walk the earth and happily-ever-after is far more complicated than any storybook promises.

Winner of multiple Tony Awards, including best original score and best book, the show has enchanted and unsettled audiences for nearly 4 decades, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim based on a book by James Lapine.

Directed and choreographed by Darcy Lawrence, the production features a large cast of Oregon coast performers, with vocal direction by Katrina Theodore and orchestra conducted by Terry Voss.

“Into the Woods is one of those rare musicals that gives you everything — the magic, the romance, the comedy, the spectacle — and then asks you to sit with what it all really means,” Lawrence said. “We all go into the woods with a wish. What we find there, and who we become on the way out, is the real story.”

The cast includes Marc Montminy and Megan Walters as the Baker and his Wife, Kate Miller as Cinderella, Cody Larsen as Jack and Lucy Furuheim as Little Red Riding Hood. Courtney Kittel appears as the Witch, with Jim Erickson in dual roles as the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince. Alicia Wood plays Rapunzel and Pete Theodore serves as the Narrator and Mysterious Man, alongside a full ensemble of local talent.

Behind the scenes, the production is supported by a creative team including assistant music director Milo Graamans, stage manager Brian Robrecht, set designer Gary Herd, costume designer Jeri Harris, props designer Jason Holland, lighting designer Ron Miller and sound designer Chris Lewis.

“Into the Woods” runs through Sunday, April 26, with performances at 7 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays, at the Newport Performing Arts Center, located at 777 W. Olive St. Tickets range from $20 to $28. For more information, go to coastarts.org or call 541-265-2787.

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