By 1808Delaware
A familiar set of fairy tales is about to take an unexpected turn on stage in Ohio Wesleyan University’s upcoming production of Into the Woods, opening April 10. Presented by the university’s Department of Performing Arts, the production brings together a wide-ranging cast of storybook characters, blending the recognizable with the unpredictable. The result is a musical that moves well beyond traditional fairy-tale endings, exploring the consequences that follow.
Directed by faculty member Jennifer Whitehead, the show leans into the deeper themes that have made the Stephen Sondheim work enduringly popular.
“Into the Woods turns familiar fairy tales on their ears,” Whitehead said. “It examines beloved characters with a nuanced lens as they navigate what ‘happily ever after’ looks like, reminding us that our decisions can have long-lasting and sometimes irreversible consequences.”
She added that the production focuses on the idea that appearances can be misleading, echoing a line from the show’s book writer and lyricist, James Lapine: “Witches can be right, giants can be good, and no one is alone.”
Local Connections on Stage and Behind the Scenes
Several students from the broader Delaware County and north-of-Columbus area are part of the production.
- Evalyn Penley of Delaware appears as Cinderella
- Carleigh Traverse of Worthington plays Cinderella’s Mother/Granny
- Eliza Finley of Ostrander works on the costume crew
- Mary Garcia of Dublin is part of the publicity crew
Their involvement reflects the university’s strong regional ties and the role its productions play in drawing talent from across the area.
Performance Details
Performances will take place at the Chappelear Drama Center, 45 Rowland Ave., in Delaware:
- April 10–11 at 7:30 PM
- April 12 at 2:30 PM
- April 17–18 at 9:00 AM and 7:30 PM
Tickets are priced at $10 for general admission and $5 for seniors. Admission is free for Ohio Wesleyan students and employees. Organizers note that the production includes adult themes and may not be suitable for young children.
For tickets and additional information, visit the Ohio Wesleyan Performing Arts website or contact the box office at (740) 368-3855.
