SCR opens 63rd season with 40th anniversary of Into the Woods on September 2
South Coast Repertory (Artistic Director David Ivers and Managing Director Suzanne Appel) opens their 63rd season with a new production of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into the Woods, running September 12 through October 18 on the Segerstrom Stage. Directed by Peter Rothstein, with musical direction by Wiley DeWeese, the popular Tony Award-winning musical – part of SCR’s American Icons series honoring artists who reshaped American culture – marks their 40th anniversary this year.
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Photos courtesy of SCR staff
Director Peter Rothstein during the first rehearsal for “Into the Woods”
This is SCR’s first production of Into the Woods and its eighth by Sondheim. The run, originally scheduled through October 10, has been extended through October 18.
When the Baker and his wife venture into the forest to break a witch’s curse, they encounter Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack (of beanstalk fame) – and familiar tales take on clever new lives. But be careful what you wish for, because “happily ever after” is never the whole story. This poignant musical comedy masterpiece celebrates its 40th anniversary with a fabulous new SCR production featuring 12 actors instead of the customary 18 or more. Ivers described Into the Woods as “an absolute masterpiece.”
A frequent collaborator with Sondheim, Lapine is a noted director, playwright, screenwriter and librettist. He wrote the books for and directed Sunday in the Park with George, Into the Woods and Passion, winning the Pulitzer Prize for Drama for Sunday in the Park with George.
One of the most influential voices shaping American musical theater today, Rothstein is a director, writer and producer recognized for pushing the boundaries of musical theater.
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(L-R) Becca Claire Hart, Hailey Truong, Mia Pinero, Katy Tang and Christian Tyler Dorey in rehearsal
Music Director Wiley DeWeese returns to SCR two years after music directing the world premiere of Prelude to a Kiss, The Musical and one year after Million Dollar Quartet.
Into the Woods features Cooper Lee Bennett (Rapunzel’s Prince/Steward), Michael Austin Deni (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), Christian Tyler Dorey (Jack), Chamblee Ferguson (Narrator/Mysterious Man), Becca Claire Hart (Rapunzel/Florinda), Danielle Hope (The Baker’s Wife), Amanda Naughton (Cinderella’s Stepmother/Granny/Giant), Valerie Perri (The Witch), Mia Pinero (Cinderella), Dylan Saunders (The Baker), Katy Tang (Jack’s Mother/Cinderella’s Mother) and Hailey Truong (Little Red Riding Hood/Lucinda).
Into the Woods. received generous support from Season Producers Apriem Advisors and Honorary Producers Sophie and Larry Cripe and John and Laura Drachman, Kenneth and Chantelle Labowe/Labowe Family Foundation and Susan Shieldkret and David Dull. The Corporate Honorary Producer is US Bank.
Tickets are now on sale and range in price from $40-$138, with additional discounts available for educators, seniors and theatergoers ages 25 and under. Tickets may be purchased online at www.scr.org, or by phone at 714.708.5555. More information is available at www.scr.org.
Special Events:
Post-Show Discussions:
Actor Talks with members of the cast: Wednesday, Sept. 23 and Thursday, Oct. 1.
Terrace Talk is a new feature for this season. SCR is taking their popular Actor Talks outdoors under the stars for a more casual, interactive experience on Friday, Oct. 9.
Community Conversation, a presentation and discussion surrounding a theme specific to Into the Woods, Sunday, Sept. 27.
Inside the Season: Saturday, Sept. 26 from 10:30 a.m.-12 p.m.
Led by members of SCR’s literary staff, this lively 90-minute session includes in-depth interviews with cast members and artists from the production staff, revealing secrets and offering insights into each play. Tickets are $14 and may be purchased in advance or at the door.
ASL Interpreted Performance: Saturday, Oct. 10 at 2 p.m.
Location: South Coast Repertory is located at 655 Town Center Drive, Costa Mesa.
