SHOW TIME. “Into the Woods” has music by Stephen Sondheim, while the book is by James Lapine. The story is a combination of various fairy tales, including “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and “Cinderella.” Aves Theater’s performance takes place over two weekends: April 13-14 and April 20-21. All photos courtesy of McDaniel’s Photography.

STORYTELLING. Sophomore Sam Barans plays the narrator in the show. He has a crucial role in setting up the various intertwining plots. The show has an ensemble cast, so there are many featured characters that are critical to the show as opposed to one or two leads who take all responsibility.

WINTER TIME. While the weather in the show is not explicitly stated in the script, Aves Theater’s production featured a winter woods. There were trees sitting on stage and attached to the fly system. The trees are all painted white or decorated with fake snow.

SCARY. The first act of the show is completely kid friendly and largely tells the story of fairly tales the public is familiar with. However, the second act takes a turn for the dark. For that reason, April 20 will be a kid-friendly show of the first act only.

RUN. “Into the Woods” is performed across the nation, and Aves Theater has done it three times. Thus, it was important for the director to make it slightly different and keep evolving. The winter theme and choice to have a children’s show emphasizes the desire to make this show a different type of experience for all involved.