‘Into the Woods Jr.’ to unfold on Madison Academy campus

HUNTSVILLE – Hauntingly comic stories from fairy tales will entertain audiences during “Into the Woods Jr.,” a musical that Madison Academy is presenting.

Madison Academy students will entertain on May 6-9 on campus at the Agora in The Grove venue.

Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine concocted this irreverent look at classic fairy tales. The show won New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award and Drama Desk Award for “Best Musical.” The original cast recording won a Grammy.

Nominated for 10 Tony Awards, “Into the Woods” received a Tony for “Best Score” by Sondheim, “Best Book” by Lapine and “Best Actress in a Musical” for Joanna Gleason. A film version of “Into the Woods” was created and featured James Corden and Meryl Streep.

The story revolves on unrequited wishes for Cinderella, wanting to attend the King’s festival; Jack, a simple peon who wants his cow, Milky White, to deliver milk; and a Baker and his Wife, who fervently hope to become parents. Other characters from Brothers Grimm stories are Red Riding Hood, Jack (from beanstalk fame), Rapunzel and the dastardly Witch.

By the end of the story, the main characters’ storylines intermesh in spiderweb of confusion. They return to the quiet of the forest, but the mood declines to a sinister tone. (allmusicals.com)

Well known in theatre circles in Madison County, Terrena Mann is serving as director for “Into the Woods Jr.” The production staff also includes Choral Director Shelli Rimes, Scenic Artist Terri Speir, Scene Shop Foreman Dan Olberding, Scenic Designer Andrew Chase and Student Director Carlie Dahlke.

Tickets are $10. To buy tickets, visit showtix4u.com. In the “Search” box, type “Madison Academy.” In the Search list, click “Into the Woods Jr Spring 2021 Show.”

Show times are scheduled for May 6-8 at 6:30 p.m., along with shows at 3:30 p.m. on May 8 and May 9. The cast will present the show under the trees of Agora in the Grove, a new outdoor venue on the campus of Madison Academy. (Licensing is provided by my MTI Shows.)

The Mother’s Day matinee on May 9 will benefit Madison County Foster and Adoptive Parent Association.

Madison Academy’s address is 325 Slaughter Road in Huntsville (at the city limits with Madison).