The Department of Theatre Arts at SUNY New Paltz presents “Into the Woods,” the timeless and beloved musical that reminds us to be careful what we wish for, because we might just get it.

Performances will be given from Nov. 8 – 11 and 15 – 18 at McKenna Theatre on the New Paltz campus. This production is directed by Catherine Doherty, assistant professor of Theatre Arts, with a book by James Lapine and music and lyrics by the legendary Stephen Sondheim.

“Into the Woods” is a Brothers Grimm-inspired production offering a modern take on the classic fairy tales that are fixtures of our storytelling culture. Characters familiar from “Cinderella,” “Little Red Riding Hood” and “Jack and the Beanstalk” are forced to unite as a community and make sacrifices to protect each other and save their kingdom.

“This show is a love letter to storytelling and a love letter to narrative,” Doherty said. “I am so excited for the whole department to put the best of themselves forward for an evening of craft and magic.”

This production promises to push boundaries, with abstract set design, nontraditional casting, and playful takes on gender and identity, complemented by Sondheim’s intricate and award-winning score.

“Sondheim is a master of providing musical hints that help cast members and audiences deepen their understanding of roles and the piece as a whole,” said Katya Stanislavskaya, assistant professor of musical theatre and the production’s musical director. “Whether on a conscious or a subconscious level, we recognize ‘leitmotifs’ – recurring musical themes – that tell audiences to pay attention to, or recall, a certain character, object, emotion or idea.”

What resonates most about “Into the Woods,” Doherty says, is the play’s portrayal of the delicate balance of beauty and despair, which we all experience in our journeys through life.

“The show has some pretty dark moments in it, and watching these characters navigate those moments is fairly profound,” said Doherty. “They can’t pass through the darkness unless they have companions there to help to the other side.”

“Into the Woods” will be presented on Nov. 8 – 10 and 15 – 17 at 8 p.m., and Nov. 11 and 18 at 2 p.m. All performances will be given at McKenna Theatre.

Tickets are $20 for general public; $18 for seniors (62+), SUNY New Paltz faculty/staff, SUNY New Paltz alumni and non-New Paltz students; and $10 for SUNY New Paltz students.

Use this link to purchase tickets online, or contact the Parker Theatre Box Office at (845) 257-3880 or boxoffice@newpaltz.edu. The Box Office is open Monday through Friday from 11:30 a.m. – 4:30 p.m., and is also open for one hour prior to each performance.

Visit the Department of Theatre Arts at SUNY New Paltz for more information.