Cinderella, Penn State New Kensington sophomore Isabella Bordonaro, left, gets advice from her mother, alumna Juliann Motosicky, during rehearsal for “Into the Woods.” Photo by Regina Cherish.
Three-day run for annual spring stage production
Thursday-Saturday, April 16-18, Forum Theatre
UPPER BURRELL, Pa. -- After three months of rehearsals, the Penn State New Kensington cast members of "Into the Woods" have learned their lines, developed a stage presence and perfected the timing, so when the curtain goes up at 7:30 p.m., Thursday, April 16, in the Forum Theatre, they will be ready. The Drama Club members are on their marks and anxious to open the three-day run of the spring production that is directed by Bill Mitas, instructor in theater arts.
The musical intertwines the plots of several Grimm’s fairy tales -- "Little Red Riding Hood," "Jack and the Beanstalk," "Rapunzel," and "Cinderella." The 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.
“It has some wonderfully exciting character studies that offer students a great opportunity,” said Mitas, who earned the campus’ Excellence in Teaching award in 2013. “It is well written and appealing to all. I think it a good fit for both our students and audience.”
The Tony award-winning play is adapted from the book by James Lapine with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim. It debuted in San Diego at the Old Globe Theatre in 1986, and premiered on Broadway in 1987. Bernadette Peters played the part of the witch. The film version was released last year.
The cast 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.
“The students are working hard with lines," said Mitas. "They will be ready for show time."
Tickets for the production are $7 for students and $15 for the general public, and are available by calling 724-448-8942.
For a list of cast, characters and crew, visit http://www.nk.psu.edu/46165.htm
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Rehearsing for their roles in the Penn State New Kensington play
“Into the Woods," the Wolf, freshman Nathan Traini, left, meets
Little Red Riding Hood, sophomore, Wati Kumwenda.
Photo by Regina Cherish.
(Regina Cherish contributed to the article. The senior communications major is an intern in the
Penn State New Kensington Public Relations office.)