Upper School Performing Arts Presents Into the Woods

The Upper School’s production of Into the Woods — written by James Lapine with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim — hits the Hyde & Watson Theater on November 15 and 16. An enchanted tale with many fantastical elements, Into the Woods brings together beloved fairy-tale characters to tell a timeless story. 

A baker and his wife wish to have a child; Cinderella wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn they can’t have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break it. All the wishes are granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt everyone, with disastrous results.

“The audience can look forward to the retelling of classic, fun fairy tales, with deeper messages that are applicable to anyone,” says Evelyne Mendelsohn ’26. “I play the role of Cinderella, and this character has taught me that indecisiveness and changing your mind can be okay. As is true for Cinderella, it can take time to arrive at the right decision.” 

“I’ve loved preparing for this production,” says Mia Ramos ’26. “For the first time, we started our rehearsals over the summer — before the start of school. The production has really grown and come to life.”

The show is directed by Keri Lesnik P ’27, Middle and Upper School theater teacher, with musical direction by Neil Ginsberg, who teaches Middle and Upper School chorus. 

From wishes and witches to giants and fairy tales, you won’t want to miss this magical journey through the forest. “Wait until you see what happens when the characters get what they wish for!” says Mia.

Showtimes for Into the Woods are Friday, November 15, and Saturday, November 16, at 7:30 p.m. Friday’s show is sold out, but tickets are still available for Saturday. Click here to purchase.

The last time Kent Place produced Into the Woods was in 1993, and if you look closely, you may see alumnae from the original cast magically appear in the audience!

Cast: Zoë Espiritu ’25, Zoe Evans ’25, Sophie Ewart ’26, Emily Foerster ’27, Annalise Garrido ’28, Charlotte Grushkin ’25, Lorelei Gustafson-Johnson ’26, Cecilia Hirawat ’26, Nicole Hoffman ’28, Destiny Keith ’28, Hannah Kelley ’26, Kendi Littletree ’27, Evelyne Mendelsohn ’26, Ana Monteiro ’27, Mia Naggar ’25, Tara Nirula ’27, Mia Ramos ’26, Avery Sinclair ’26, and Jocelyn Wang ’27 

Stage manager (backstage): Geo Thatch ’25; stage manager (art direction) and logo/poster design: Willa Gross ’26; lightboard: Gracen Hill ’27; sound board: Caroline Gilbert ’27; program design: Mia Naggar ’25; cast headshots: Colette Gentile ’25; running crew: Emma McQuade ’26, Vivienne Vengroff ’27, Austen Fiala ’28, Elise Li ’28, Vivienne Schuppe ’27, Amelia Ing ’27, and Sarina Sheth ’27