Our annual Gambol production is a lively fairy-tale-turned-wrong story this spring. "Into the Woods," with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, takes what is thought of as “happy ever after” and gives it a twist of reality. The musical is presented to the public at 8 p.m., April 6, 7 and 8 and at 2 p.m. April 9 in Troy Theater.

It seems that Into the Woods characters are not quite what you remember from childhood. An ambivalent Cinderella, a bloodthirsty Little Red Ridinghood, a Prince Charming with a roving eye, a Witch who raps, these are the cockeyed characters in this fractured fairy tale for the stage.

When a Baker and his Wife learn the Witch next door has cursed them with childlessness, they embark on a quest for the special objects to break the spell. They venture “into the woods” to retrieve a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold. Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood, Rapunzel, and Jack (the one who climbed the beanstalk), all get caught up in the plan to make the potion. Along the way, they meet everyone from Granny and the Wolf to Cinderella's stepmother and the “mysterious man.” Everyone's wish is granted at the end of Act One, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, when a Giant comes seeking revenge and what began as a lively and irreverent fantasy in the style of "The Princess Bride," becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children.

The characters make us remember our own dreams of a prince charming, and of climbing a beanstalk, when we were children. The costumes, provided by Stages of downtown Wheeling, and set, courtesy of Wheeling Jesuit Director of Performing Arts Dave Henderson and his stagecraft class, all take their cue from the “once upon a time” feel of the show. The cast, which is one of the largest to come to the stage at Wheeling Jesuit, has some new talent, and some old favorites.

Frederick Walker, a sophomore chemistry major, has the lead of the Baker in his first production. While it's not as complicated as some things he has done in the past, being the lead in his first show at Wheeling Jesuit is a challenge.

“It's been fun doing something I wouldn't normally do,” says Walker. “But now I just have to get over my lack of confidence when I sing my solos.”

Lauren Matthews, a senior psychology major, is also undertaking a lead role in one of her first productions.

“Because this role is completely different from my normal personality, its allowed me to grow as an actress and a person,” says Matthews. “The humor in the show has been great fun as well.”

But, there are some in the cast who have played an active role in theatre throughout their time at Wheeling Jesuit. Charles Graytok, a senior management major (Little Shop of Horrors, Carnival), has been involved in theatre since his freshman year, when he landed the lead of Seymour in Little Shop. Like the rest of the cast, there have been challenges for him as well.

“The music is more difficult than any show I've done,” says Graytok. “I always want to do well, but since this is my last Jesuit show I especially want to do well.”

“Everyone wishes to leave a legacy,” says Matthews. “This show has such a good moral, that I hope I can just touch one person's heart. Its sad to have to leave this behind, but I'm glad to offer the opportunity to the future talent of WJU.” Director Dave Henderson, is very proud of the cast and crew for all their hard work.

“This cast has been wonderful in dealing with the complicated music and intricate bits of this show,” says Henderson. “The WJU Chamber Singers, Judith Barrows our stage manager, and the Stagecraft class have also done a wonderful job with the set and helping with box office and other things around the stage. It's going to be a wonderful show!”

Reservations are recommended for Into the Woods performances. Please call Wheeling Jesuit University at 304-243-2000, from 9 a.m. - 5 p.m. Monday through Friday. Tickets are priced at $7 for adults, $6 for seniors, and $3 for children under 12, Wheeling Jesuit employees and other high school and college students. Admission for Wheeling Jesuit University students is $1.