Cast selected for campus musical based on
fables by the Brothers Grimm
Opens April 16 for three-day run
Bill Mitas, instructor of theater arts at Penn State New Kensington, has selected the cast for the characters in the spring production of "Into the Woods," a dark comedy based on characters from the books by the Brothers Grimm. The campus production will run for three days, April 16 to 18 in the campus' Forum Theatre.
The cast, currently in rehearsal, features Isabella Bordonaro, Juliann Motosicky, Nathan Traini, Erin Bruce, Candice Kubican, Becky Minda, Beth Minda, Jonathan McCabe, Wati Kumwenda, Laura Gensamer , Megan Goedicky, Chris Capo, Matthew Mlynarski, Klase Danko, Kaylyn Farneth, Leonard Morris, Mitchell Hastings, Nick Keller, Marissa Russo and Jadyn Perry.
In addition to Mitas, the crew includes assistant manager Chris Capo, vocal director Beth Minda, and music director Rob Stull.
The Tony award-winning play is adapted from the book by James Lapine with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. Grimm’s storybook characters are brought together for a fairytale about wishes, family and the choices we make. The story revolves around the wishes of four characters -- a baker and his wife who want to have a child; Cinderella who wants to attend the king's festival; and Jack who just wants his cow to give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.
For more information, contact Mitas at wrm14@psu.edu
“Into The Woods”
Director: William R. Mitas
Assistant Director: Chris Capo
Vocal Director: Beth Minda
Music Director: Rob Stull
Cast and Characters
CINDERELLA , Isabella Bordonaro,
A young, earnest maiden who is constantly mistreated by her stepmother and stepsisters.
CINDERELLA'S MOTHER, Juliann Motosicky
Deceased with her soul guarding and aiding her daughter from a tree.
CINDERELLA'S PRINCE, Nathan Traini
Vain and gorgeous, he is a disloyal lover who is currently searching for the next new, exciting thing.
CINDERELLA'S STEPMOTHER, Erin Bruce
Mean-spirited, demanding stepmother of Cinderella.
FLORINDA, Candice Kubican, and LUCINDA, Becky Minda
Cinderella's stepsisters who are black of heart. They follow in their mother's footsteps of abusing Cinderella.
GIANT, Beth Minda
Voiceover, the Giant's wife is an angry and vengeful 'monster.' She is seeking restitution for her loss.
JACK, Jonathan McCabe
Feckless Giant killer who is 'almost a man.' He is adventurous, naive, energetic, and bright-eyed.
JACK'S MOTHER, Beth Minda
Browbeating and weary, Jack's protective mother who is independent, bold, and strong-willed.
LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD, Wati Kumwenda
A spoiled young girl who is strong-willed, quick-wited, fearless, yet youthful and naive.
MYSTERIOUS MAN, Laura Gensamer
A mischievous vagrant and nosy meddler. He is a good-natured protector and observer.
NARRATOR, Laura Gensamer
An intellectual and pleasant story-teller who helps to orchestrate the show and illustrate lessons to the audience.
RAPUNZEL, Megan Goedicky
A loopy-but-lovely maiden who is sheltered by the Witch and terribly lonely. She yearns to experience the world.
RAPUNZEL'S PRINCE, Chris Capo
Just as vain and gorgeous as his Prince brother, he is always chasing the newest, most exiting endeavor.
THE BAKER, Matthew Mlynarski
A harried and insecure baker who is simple and loving, yet protective of his family. He wants his wife to be happy and is willing to do anything to ensure her happiness but refuses to let others fight his battles.
THE BAKER'S WIFE, Klase Danko
Determined and bright woman who wishes to be a mother. She leads a simple, yet satisfying life and is very low-maintenance yet proactive in her endeavors.
THE WITCH, Kaylyn Farneth
Sarcastic, ugly-then-gorgeous, obsessive protector of Rapunzel who is straightforward and aggressive.
WOLF, Nathan Traini
Hungry and insatiable hunter who takes advantage of the weak by misleading and captivating his prey.
STEWARD, Leonard Morris
Cinderella’s Prince's loyal assistant,
GRANNY, Juliann Motosicky
Little Red Ridinghood’s sweet old Granny
CINDERELLA’S FATHER, Mitchell Hastings
Cinderella’s Loving Father
MILKY WHITE, Nick Keller
Jack’s Best Friend
SNOW WHITE, Marissa Russo
SLEEPING BEAUTY, Jadyn Perry