“Into the Woods” is a musical that takes characters from different fairytales and puts them into situations where their “happily every after” is not so easily attained.
The Muse Machine, a nationally recognized arts education organization, has produced 26 annual musicals and 14 concerts in the Miami Valley since 1982. Through the organization, students have the opportunity to participate in the annual winter musicals on stage, backstage and in the orchestra.
The organizations’s production marks the 80th birthday of the musical’s composer and lyricist, Stephen Sondheim.
“We can’t wait to bring a big, magical show like this to the Victoria Theatre,” said Douglas Merk, producer for the Muse Machine. “It’s sort of a show that will have everyone laughing one moment and then really thinking about their own lives the next.”
Although the Muse Machine will stay true to the musical’s original script, the creative team is making one significant change — the dance numbers.
“Early versions of “Into the Woods” used very little dance, but we’re going to change that,” said Lula Elzy, New Orleans-native and choreographer for the Muse Machine. “It feels like (the dance numbers) were always part of the show.”
This year’s production is marked by another significant change — this time to the directing team.
Rufus Bonds Jr. joined the creative team this year as the new director, replacing longtime director Nat Horne. Bonds is known for his performance as Collins from the Broadway cast of “Rent” and Mufasa from the national tour of “The Lion King.”
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