Into the Woods Jr. comes to life

Wishes, curses, and fairy-tale magic took over Yorktown Stage as performers ages 12–16 brought Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s "Into the Woods Jr." to life last weekend. Young actors enchanted audiences as Cinderella, Jack, the Baker and his Wife, and the Witch in a lively retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables.

Michelle Foard, who recently starred as Fiona in "Shrek," Mary Poppins in "Mary Poppins," and Ariel in "The Little Mermaid," directed the production.

“Directing this production has been an intricate and rewarding experience, from navigating overlapping storylines to shaping ensemble dynamics and helping young performers find sincerity beneath the humor,” she said.

The collaboration necessary to bring the story to life, she said, creates a sense of community that helps the show resonate with audiences.

“Into the Woods reminds us that wishes carry responsibility and that no one faces the consequences of their choices alone,” she said. “Beneath the fairy tale structure is a story about navigating life’s milestones and learning to move forward through joy, loss, and hardship, not only as individuals, but as a collective community.”

She added that there is something special about watching young performers “play characters who evolve beyond their stereotypes into complex people with real choices.”