Whitworth University’s students have started the practice of the first play of the new school year — a unique production of Stephen Sondheim’s renowned musical, Into the Woods. The show, a blend of fairy tales and original storytelling, marks a significant moment for the university’s theater department, which is staging this musical for the first time. The musical is being directed by Joseph Lyons-Wolf, who was brought in specifically for this production, while Dr. Scott Miller, a Whitworth voice professor, is handling the stage direction.
McKenna Simpson, a sophomore studying psychology with minors in music, theater, and theology, is playing the role of the witch. Simpson is embracing a new challenge that contrasts sharply with her usual demeanor. “It’s been a blast,” she says. “I get to be the villain, which is really different from my personality. It’s super fun to go on stage, sing and antagonize people.”
Into the Woods musical show is notable not only for being the university’s first staging of this musical but also for its different approach. According to Simpson, the production is taking a distinct spin on the classic story, aiming to provide a fresh experience even for those familiar with previous adaptations. “We’re doing something very different from most theaters,” she says, adding that the production will be playful and inviting. “Even if you’ve seen it before, it’s going to be a unique experience.”
Rehearsals for Into the Woods are in full swing, with the cast meeting Monday through Friday from 6 p.m. to 9 p.m. and Saturday mornings from 9 a.m. to noon. The week before the first play, the schedule intensifies with nightly rehearsals and the first performance is at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 11. Simpson describes the rehearsal process as well-organized and accommodating to students’ academic schedules, allowing her and her peers to balance their responsibilities effectively.
For those eager to catch a glimpse of this fresh take on Into the Woods, Simpson teases that the musical will feature some standout moments, including her favorite song, “Witch’s Lament,” which is a poignant and reflective piece according to her. Additionally, she highlights a particularly engaging scene early in the show where the intersecting fairy tale characters create dynamic stage action.
Simpson encourages everyone to experience the show, regardless of their familiarity with the story. “Even if you’ve seen Into the Woods before, this adaptation will be different and exciting. We’ve created an interactive, close-up environment that’s new for Whitworth and promises to be a lot of fun,” Simpson says.
Be sure to mark your calendars and support fellow Whitworth students, the play is scheduled for Oct. 11, 12, 18 and 19 at 7:30 p.m. and the 13 and 20 at 2 p.m. in Cowles Auditorium. For more information, visit their Instagram page @whitworthmusic.
