Out & About

‘Into the Woods’ Arrives at Towngate Theatre

WHEELING -- Travel "Into the Woods" to a topsy-turvy fairy tale world through Stephen Sondheim songs and remarkable characters, seen from a fresh perspective.

This celebrated and much-loved musical opens the 2023-24 main stage season at Oglebay Institute's Towngate Theatre in Wheeling. Shows take place for two weekends -- Sept. 15-17 and Sept. 22-23.

James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone's favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece … and a rare modern classic. The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching.

The story follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King's Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would 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.

Cast members include Eric T. Dutton, Hanna Gonot, Skyler Dye, Sarah Hamilton, Ethan Casey, Halli Driscoll, Kim Ghaphery, Kara Jean Zanes, Shanan Stout, J. Paige Fields, Jamie L. Faulkiner, Makenzie Kimble, Hayden Heiserman, Ashley Krieger, Nate Foster and Cheyney Parsons.

Dave Henderson directs. Music director is David Scherrick and Cheryl Pompeo is the choreographer. Stage manager is Ava Mick.

Curtain for Towngate's production of "Into the Woods" is at 8 p.m. Sept. 15, 16, 22 and 23, and 3 p.m. Sunday, Sept. 17. This production is presented with support from Towngate's season sponsor Unified Bank and additional support from Carole and Doug Bissett and Wheeling Country Day School.

For more information and to purchase tickets, visit www.oionline.com.