Opening night of FTC’s (Fredericksburg Theater Company's) production of Into the Woods will begin with a celebratory gala at 6:30 p.m. on February 19th, 2016. The curtain will rise on the hit Broadway musical at 7:30 p.m. Guest Director and ScenicDesigner Jim Weisman helms the production, which runs weekends, February 18th to March 6th at the Steve W. Shepherd Theater, located at 1668 S. U.S Highway 87 in Fredericksburg. Show times are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 pm and Sundays at 2:00 pm. 

A selection of local wines will be served along with a variety of hors d'oeuvres. The cost to attend the opening night gala is included in the price of admission. A featured part of the evening will be a showcase of artwork on exhibit from the Fredericksburg local art organization Die Künstler. 

Executive Director Steve Reily recommends that anyone interested in attending the opening night gala to act quickly. "There is a growing enthusiasm surrounding our opening nights," said Reily. "With the food, wine and live musical entertainment, our opening nights have become extremely popular, typically selling out." 

Winner of three Tony Awards and a smash-hit film adaptation by Disney, Into the Woods is a musical fairy tale all about what happens after “happily ever after”? James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim bring everyone's favorite storybook characters for a timeless yet relevant piece and rare modern classic. The story follows a Baker and his Wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to attend the King's Festival, and Jack who wishes his cow would give milk. When the Baker and his Wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a Witch's curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone's wishes are granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results. 

The musical is considered by many to contain some of the most beautiful songs ever written for the theatre. In their review for the original 1987 Broadway production the New York Post said it was, "This century's best musical." Time magazine called it "a joyous rarity... that affords nonstop pleasure." It went on to be revived on Broadway in 2002 and was also adapted into a Disney film that grossed over $212 million worldwide. The film version also was nominated for three Academy Awards and three Golden Globes.

Excitement is very high for FTC's production, which will boast one of the largest and most elaborate sets ever assembled on the Steve W, Shepherd stage. Scenic Designer and Director Jim Weismann also had high praise for his cast. 

"When directing a show at FTC, I’ve come to expect an extremely talented group of performers to audition.  I had no idea I’d end up with the Dream Team in this show", said Weismann. "I honestly couldn’t have wished for a more talented and harder-working group of people." 

Weismann also went on to rave about the music and lyrics for Into the Woods, composed by Broadway great Stephen Sondheim.

"Sondheim is a master of the language and I think his lyrics for this show are the most superbly crafted of his career.  They’re clever, both funny and moving, clearly defining the characters and their hopes and their choices." 

Cast in the production are FTC regulars Joe Vaughan as The Narrator, Heidi Eubanks are Cinderella, Will Vaughan as Jack, Casey Cowan as The Baker, Katie Murphy as The Baker's Wife, Mackenzie Grumbles as Florinda, Lucinda Harvey as Lucinda, Mac Burnett as Cinderella's Father, Hannah Lacy as Red Ridinghood, September van der Stoel as The Witch, Rhonda Behrends as Cinderella's Mother/Granny, William Joseph as The Mysterious Man, Jeff Jeffers as Cinderella's Prince/The Wolf, Dylan Eggleston as Rapunzel, Zac Tiedemann as Rapunzel's Prince, Jacob Lacy as The Steward, Carol Ann Shepherd as The Giant, and Heidi Melton as Sleeping Beauty.

Appearing for the first time on the FTC stage is Julie Pici as Jack's Mother, Shawnie Moore as Cinderella's Stepmother, and Megan Willome as Snow White. 

Tickets for Into the Woods are on sale now and may be purchased by calling the FTC box office at 830-997-3588 or online at www.fredericksburgtheater.org. Tickets can also be purchased at the box office, located next to the theater. The box office hours are Monday through Friday, 9:00 am to 1:00 pm

About the Fredericksburg Theater Company: The mission of the Fredericksburg Theater Company (FTC) is “to provide superior theatrical programs for regional participation which entertain, educate, enrich and inspire.” Formed in 1997 by Jeryl Hoover, the theater has grown to an audience of over 10,000 annually. All performances are held at the Steve W. Shepherd Theater. FTC is a 501(c)3 non-profit organization. It has received statewide recognition from the Texas Nonprofit Theatres as well as grants from Texas Commission for the Arts and other arts endowment organizations.