HILLFIELD STRATHALLAN COLLEGE MIDDLE SCHOOL PRESENTS
Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Book by JAMES LAPINE
Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick
Original Broadway production by Heidi Landesman, M. Anthony Fisher, Rocco Landesman, Frederic H. Mayerson, Rick Steiner, Jujamcyn Theaters
Originally produced by the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, CA
Welcome to the HSC Middle School student production of Into the Woods JR. This enchanting musical interweaves timeless fairy tales with a talented cast navigating the mysterious woods. Through delightful acting, singing, and dancing, the production explores life lessons about responsibility and consequences. The creative set designs, vibrant costumes, and expert choreography bring the characters to life, offering a whimsical and heartwarming experience for all ages. Join us as we celebrate the students’ passion and talent, creating a magical journey where fairy tales come alive and stories intertwine.
Into the Woods JR. is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY (212) 541-4684 i mtishows.com
Message from the Middle School Principal
Kim KniazA heartfelt congratulations to each and every member of the cast and crew of the Middle School musical production of Into the Woods JR.! Coming together as a community to celebrate your dedication and passion for the arts is a joyful experience for us all. I commend the cast and crew for the months of commitment they have shown; whether it be rehearsals or building stage props, each student has learned new skills and nurtured new friendships. You have so much to be proud of and I look forward to seeing your creative vision take the stage. A very special thank you to the talented adults who make meaningful co-curricular activities like the musical possible. Under the passionate leadership of Ms Gutauskas, a team of faculty and staff has nurtured a safe space for students to take risks, learn, grow and express themselves creatively. Thank you for your endless energy, encouragement, and support.
Bravo!
Message from the Director of Arts
Nora Hammond '98We are thrilled to extend a warm welcome to each of you as we embark on another exciting year of the arts at Hillfield Strathallan College. Your enthusiastic support of our talented students has been instrumental in fostering a thriving and dynamic artistic atmosphere at the College.
This year promises to be a showcase of immense talent and creativity, with our students taking center stage in a myriad of captivating performances. The arts flourish at HSC, and we are proud to present a lineup that reflects the passion and dedication of our budding artists.
Our Senior Musical, Little Shop of Horrors, was an unforgettable spectacle featuring the incredible talents of our senior students, who poured their hearts and souls into bringing this classic production to life. Likewise, our Middle School Musical, Into The Woods JR., promises to be a testament to the remarkable abilities of our younger performers, showcasing their boundless energy and creativity.
For those who appreciate the wit and humour of the stage, our Senior Spring Play, Laughingstock by Charles Morey, promises an evening of laughter and entertainment. The clever writing and stellar performances by our students are sure to leave you in stitches.
But the arts at HSC extend far beyond the dramatic arts. Our Junior and Montessori School concerts throughout the year are a riot of colour and joy, showcasing the creativity of our youngest performers. Additionally, the incredible talents of our student musicians will be on full display as they take the stage in concerts featuring our various music ensembles throughout the year.
As the curtain rises on another year of creativity and collaboration, I invite you to sit back, relax, and enjoy the show. Your presence in the audience is a testament to the community spirit that makes the arts at HSC so unique. Thank you for being an integral part of our journey, and we look forward to sharing many memorable moments with you throughout the year.
Director’s Note
Ona GutaustasThank you for attending and supporting today’s Middle School production of Into the Woods JR. This show is a wild mash-up of some well-known fairy tales (storytelling à la Shrek), putting a modern spin on traditional endings and ideals. For those familiar with some of Stephen Sondheim’s other works—from the energetic and charged West Side Story and Gypsy to the decidedly creepy tale of Sweeney Todd—you are in for another musical treat! The composer’s complex-yet-catchy musical motifs are sure to have you tapping your toes throughout. Does everyone live happily ever after? Well, almost. James Lapine’s delightful and quirky libretto ultimately shares the message that, should you be courageous enough to go into the woods, you are sure to emerge transformed.
As both a teacher and a parent, I found the show’s parting words especially resonant:
Careful the things you say - children will listen. Careful the things you do - children will see and learn. Children may not obey, but children will listen. Children will look to you for which way to turn, to learn how to be. Careful before you say, ‘Listen to me.’ Children will listen.
Indeed, as a community, we must be careful and caring. Thank you, parents, for lending your children to this show and entrusting them to us here at HSC. Through enriching co-curricular experiences like the musical, they are learning how to be, joyfully!
It has been an absolute pleasure working with this dynamic cast of talented young performers, stage crew, colleagues and volunteers from the HSC community. Without this incredible team, none of this fairytale magic would have been possible.
Enjoy the show!
SCENE 1
Opening (Part 1)
Narrator, Cinderella, Jack, Baker, Baker’s Wife, Cinderella’s Stepmother, Florinda, Lucinda
Opening (Part 2)
Baker’s Wife, Little Red Riding Hood, Baker
Opening (Part 3)
Narrator, Jack’s Mother, Jack, Milky White
Opening (Part 4)
Narrator, Baker’s Wife, Baker, Witch
Opening (Part 5)
Witch, Baker, Baker’s Wife, Dancers
Opening (Part 6)
Narrator, Witch
Opening (Part 7)
Cinderella’s Stepmother, Cinderella, Cinderella’s Father, Florinda, Lucinda
Opening (Part 8)
Baker, Baker’s Wife, Narrator, Cinderella
Opening (Part 9) Baker, Baker’s Wife, Cinderella, Little Red Cinderella’s Stepmother, Florinda, Lucinda, Cinderella’s Father, Jack, Jack’s Mother, Milky White, Forest Creatures, Trees
