FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE 

Sometimes wishes do come true — but at what price?

Wayne State University’s Maggie Allesee Department of Theatre and Dance invites audiences on a magical journey with Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's musical “Into the Woods,” running Nov. 1-10 at the Hilberry Gateway in Detroit.  

Co-directed by Michael J Barnes and Laura Quigley, this spellbinding production brings together iconic fairy tale characters in a story about wish fulfillment — its consequences — and the complexities of life.

“Into the Woods” intertwines the stories of beloved characters such as the Baker, Cinderella, Jack (and the Beanstalk), and Little Red Riding Hood, as they venture into the woods to fulfill their deepest desires. With Sondheim’s complex and beautiful score and Lapine’s witty script, audiences will witness a blend of whimsy and darkness as each character faces the outcome of their wishes and the ripple effects of what they thought they wanted.

"Sondheim had me hooked from the first two notes of the show — it's magical, yet deeply human,” said Quigley, co-director and second-year M.F.A. theatre performance student with a specialization in voice and speech pedagogy. “‘Into the Woods’ explores how dreams shift, how growing up means learning that our choices have consequences, and that no one is truly alone. This show resonates with audiences on many levels."

The production features a talented cast of Wayne State University students, who each bring a unique interpretation to these timeless characters.  

"Cinderella is not just a beautiful princess — she’s a young woman on a journey of self-discovery. Like her, I’m trying to figure out who I am and where I fit in,” said London Bermudez, a senior at WSU playing Cinderella, about her connection to the role. “I want to bring her honesty and authenticity to the stage so that audiences are as invested in her story as I am." 

For Joe Smentowski, a senior B.F.A. Acting student playing The Baker, he described the role as a new and refreshing challenge. 

"I’m usually cast in larger-than-life, comedic roles, but The Baker is different — he’s grounded, relatable, and his journey is so rich,” Smentowski said. “I’m excited to show my own personality in this role and take the audience on a transformative journey with me." 

Fernanda Hernandez, a senior B.F.A. acting and musical theatre minor student, plays Little Red Riding Hood. But Hernandez is quick to point out that the Little Red in “Into the Woods” isn’t the defenseless little girl often imagined. 

“She’s clever, quippy, and fiercely independent,” Hernandez said. “I love that she finds beauty and joy in the unknown — something I relate to as I navigate my final year of undergrad." 

And for Sean Del Amo Langenburg, a sophomore B.A. acting student who plays Jack, it was all about embracing the innocence of his character.

"Jack carries this sense of adventure and curiosity, and I’ve been connecting with my own childlike mindset to bring that to life,” Del Amo Langenburg said. “I hope audiences take away the importance of responsibility, while also being brave enough to explore the unknown and take risks for the ones they love." 

Performance Schedule:

• Friday, Nov. 1, at 8 p.m. 
• Saturday, Nov. 2, at 2 p.m. 
• Saturday, Nov. 2, at 8 p.m. 
• Wednesday, Nov. 6, at 2 p.m. 
• Thursday, Nov. 7, at 7 p.m. 
• Friday, Nov. 8 (Student Matinee), at 10 a.m. 
• Friday, Nov. 8, at 8 p.m. 
• Saturday, Nov. 9, at 2 p.m. 
• Saturday, Nov. 9, at 8 p.m. 
• Sunday, Nov. 10, at 3 p.m. 

Tickets are available now through the Hilberry Gateway box office and online at theatreanddance.wayne.edu. Don’t miss this unforgettable journey of “Into the Woods.”