Continuously serving Kosciusko County since 1854
In just 11 short days of rehearsal, 38 students from Wagon Wheel Conservatory will bring Stephen Sondheim's musical “Into the Woods” to life in a fully staged workshop production on Saturday, July 11 at 1 p.m. on the Wagon Wheel stage.
The production is directed by Wagon Wheel Professional Theatre alumni and husband-and-wife team Matthew Janisse and Carolyn Anne Miller, giving students the opportunity to learn directly from working theatre professionals who began their own journeys on the Wagon Wheel stage, according to a news release from the Wagon Wheel.
Janisse has built an impressive professional career since his time at Wagon Wheel, appearing on the national tours of “Beetlejuice” and “Something Rotten!”, among other productions. Together, Janisse and Miller have spent the past 11 days mentoring and inspiring the next generation of performers, guiding students through the demanding process of mounting one of musical theatre's most celebrated works, the release states.
"This is what it's all about," said Sam Engle, communications and donor relations coordinator at Wagon Wheel. "This is where our professional theatre and conservatory come together. It's incredible to see Wagon Wheel nurture talented artists, watch them go on to build successful careers across the country, and then welcome them back to Warsaw to inspire and mentor the next generation of local performers. That's the full circle of what makes this place so special."
Featuring a Tony Award-winning book by James Lapine and a score by Sondheim, “Into the Woods” intertwines the stories of Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, a Baker and his wife, and a mysterious Witch. As each character sets out to fulfill their greatest wish, they soon discover that every choice carries unexpected consequences. What begins as a familiar collection of fairy tales evolves into a moving exploration of responsibility, community and what it truly means to live happily ever after.
Tickets are available through the Wagon Wheel Box Office or at wagonwheelcenter.org.
Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts is a 501c3 nonprofit organization based in Warsaw. Their mission is to enrich lives by fostering innovative educational programs, developing professional talent, and connecting communities through transformative performing arts experiences. For more information about Wagon Wheel Center for the Arts or to learn more about upcoming events, visit www.wagonwheelcenter.org.
