FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 24, 2000
CONTACT: Lisa Lacher, (515) 271-3119
DRAKE THEATRE TO PRESENT 'INTO THE WOODS'
Drake University's production of "Into the Woods" invites the audience to follow Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Jack the Giant Killer, Rapunzel and other fairy tale characters into the forest and find out what really happened after the Grimm Brothers' happily-ever-after ending.
This Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine offers unexpected twists, tenderness, laughter and a few scary moments with the witch.
"The show takes us through a wooded maze that mirrors the complexity and paradox of everyday life," said director Clive Elliott, Drake's Daniel B. Goldberg artist in residence. "We hope, we dream, and sometimes we get our just desserts, which may not be what we expect. The moral? Be careful what you wish for."
"Into the Woods" may not be appropriate for young children as the Second Act becomes quite frightening at times, and some characters die.
Performances start at 8 p.m. March 9, 10 and 11 and at 2 p.m. on Sunday, March 12, in the Hall of Performing Arts, Harmon Fine Arts Center, 25th Street and Carpenter Avenue. Tickets are $6 for adults, $3 for senior citizens and students and those with a Drake ID. For reservations, call the Drake Fine Arts Box Office at (515) 271-3841.
Friends of Drake Arts and St. Catherine of Siena Catholic Student Center are sponsoring a TalkAbout on Friday, March 10, in conjunction with Drake's production. The event will start at 6 p.m. at St. Catherine's, 28th Street and Brattleboro Avenue.
There will be a light supper that's delightfully mindful of such "Into the Woods" characters as the Baker and Jack and his beans (with that notorious gingerbread house thrown in for good measure). After supper, Elliott will discuss this delightfully subtle and complex musical, highlighting how the brilliant use of musical motifs relate to character and plot. After his presentation, you'll be ready to go into the woods yourself, along with the cast of beloved fairy tale characters.
Cost for the TalkAbout and Friday night performance is $16 per person. Reservations are required. Reservations for both can be made by calling (515) 271-4747. Discounted tickets are available for students. Tables of eight plus Friday night theater tickets can be reserved for $128.