Audiences are raving for HCPAC’s production of “Into the Woods”

(Post sponsored by Tinsley Law & Title, Holt Wrecker, R&R lawn specialists, Gibson Pharmacy)

By Shaydi Clary/HCPAC Board Member

Henderson County Performing Arts Center (HCPAC) offers the Athens community excitement with a successful first week of “Into the Woods” production.

“Into the Woods” opened on Thursday, Feb. 22 and each night has left audience members raving and excited for HCPAC’s 60th Diamond Anniversary season.

Comments that can be heard from audience members include:

“Kudos to directors, cast and crew! Outstanding performances!”

“It is great! So many talented folks tackling some very difficult and entertaining music and dialogue”

“It is a wonderful production and a fantastic way to spend an evening or afternoon!”

“Such a great show!”

“Into the Woods” is a fantastical fairytale adventure with music and lyrics written by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. In “Into the Woods” wishes come true, but not for free. A trove of storybook characters’ paths intertwine as they chase their deepest desires through an enchanted forest. However, once they receive their happily ever after, the unintended consequences of granted wishes unravel their worlds. The musical intertwines the plot of several Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales.

“Into the Woods” offers audience members the chance to see a star-studded cast of new actors and familiar faces on stage.

The cast of “Into the Woods” includes:

• Narrator - Allison Martin

• Cinderella - Ariel Smith

• Jack - Cisco Flores

• Baker - Trevor Baumgartner

• Baker’s Wife - Laura Foote

• Cinderella’s Stepmother - Maria Ogburn

• Florinda - Kara Davis

• Lucinda - Madison Hope

• Jack’s Mother - Jewel Hood

• Little Red Riding Hood - Katrina Johnson

• Little Red Riding Hood (understudy) - Leila Ligon

• Witch - Nikki DuBose

• Cinderella’s Father - Elisabeth Robb

• Cinderella’s Mother - Davette Ligon

• Mysterious Man - Matt Butterfield

• Big Bad Wolf - Timm Zitz

• Rapunzel - Madison Fuller

• Rapunzel’s Prince - Timm Zitz

• Cinderella’s Prince - Alex Miley

• Steward - Jessie Dominguez

• Steward - Ty Martin

• Giant’s Wife/Little Red Riding Hood’s Grandmother - Kristen Stewart

• Puppeteer for Milky White - Audrey Martin

The production team for “Into the Woods” includes Director Sue Oates, Assistant and Tech Director Shaydi Clary, Musical Director Beau Humble, and Stage Manager Alyce Pine.

HCPAC’s production of “Into the Woods” continues on Feb. 29, March 1, and March 2. Tickets are currently on sale and can be purchased here. Tickets continue to sell out quickly, so it is recommended to purchase tickets in advance.

For more information on “Into the Woods”, reserving seats, or how you can volunteer at HCPAC, visit hcpac.org.