Starlight’s Youth Theatre to Present Into the Woods at the Academy of Music

NORTHAMPTON—The success of Disney’s Into The Woods movie starring Meryl Streep has energized many local musical theater groups to present the original Tony-Award-winning Broadway musical version by Stephen Sondheim.

Starlight’s Youth Theatre will present Into the Woods at the Academy of Music on May 13 at 7 p.m.; May 14 at 2 and 7 p.m.; and May 15 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $10 for children/seniors and $14 for adults and are available at the Academy of Music Box Office or online at http://aomtheatre.ticketfly.com/.

This musical brings favorite fairy tale characters such as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack and the Beanstalk to life; they set off to make their wishes come true but soon learn to be careful what they wish for as witches, giants and wolves loom.

The cast of 70 youths ages 10-18 come from all over the Pioneer Valley. “They are pushing their artistic talents to the next level—acting, singing, dancing, painting sets and creating costumes, and they are thrilled to present Into the Woods,” director Cynthia Strycharz said.

Starlight’s Youth Theatre is dedicated to providing quality education and production of children’s theater. Its priority is the development of the child, using theater as a tool to build self-esteem, communication skills and confidence.

“Focusing on process over product, we invite children to enter, enjoy and expand their imagination in the world of theater,” Strycharz said. “At Starlight’s Youth Theatre, every child has a role and learns the importance of their part to the whole process.”