Into the Woods Jr Program

Made possible in part by the following:

Welcome to Leeds Center for the Arts!

We are delighted to have you here for our production of Into the Woods Jr! Written by the critically acclaimed Stephen Sondheim, this Tony Award winning production first debuted on Broadway in 1987 and is still one of musical theatre’s most beloved shows. With a cast of recognizable fairytale characters all seems to be predictable in the beginning, but as they journey through the woods nothing is as it seems. The classic trappings of happy endings and true love fall away as we begin to realize that “nice is different than good.” Through the twists and turns of the story we can take away many different conclusions, but perhaps the most profound message is that every action we take can have an effect on others.

Our greatest joy at Leeds is working with young people, and we are thrilled to present a truly special group of amazing talent in this show. We strive to encourage them to realize their full potential, not only as artists, but as human beings and this group is the perfect example of both. They have done a marvelous job understanding and presenting the nuanced themes of the play and executing very difficult music. We could not be more proud!

Here at Leeds we continue to strive to engage and inspire through respect and collaboration to bring great art to Clark County and the region. You have already done your part by joining us on this magical journey, and hope you will continue to play a role as an audience member, donor, sponsor, or subscriber in 2022 and beyond!

Tracey Miller President of the Board of Directors Leeds Center for the Arts

Upcoming Events SPARK: Triple Threat Class Ages 11-17 Mondays starting 2/28 The Waiting Room

By Patrick Mitchell Staged reading April 16, 2022

The Kentucky Arts Council, the state arts agency, provides American Rescue Plan funds to Winchester Council for the Arts with federal funding from the National Endowment for the Arts

Leeds is funded in part by a grant from South Arts in partnership with the National Endowment for the Arts.

2021 GOOD GIVING CHALLENGE William Chris Aaron Jen Algire Anonymous Anna S Arnett Alexander Arnett Aaron Arnett Bennett & Bemedji Asher Peter & Mary Ann Benson Wendy Berryman Robert Blanton Vic & Mary Bloomfield Martha E Brown Lisa Burchfield Rebecca Campomanes Mark & Carlisle Mayer Super Shine Car Wash Michael N. Caudill Penny Chambers W. Brett Cheuvront Melissa Christopher Blanton Coates Lisa Combs Karen Combs Lanna Comer Ronald Conboy-Holden Shurla Cooper Caleb Crosby The Crosby Family Kaeton Crosby Halee Cunningham Kara Davies Olivia Davis Dr. Rebecca Bartee & Synthia Deese Roni-Anne Denham Morgan Denny Cicely Dore Ken & Joe Ann Dove Michael & Nancy Dunn Harry Enoch Jason Epperson William E. Esarey Ian Ferrell

DONORS

Dee Fletcher Daniel Florence Martha Gamble Paulette Givens Will Glasscock Betty-Jane Glasscock Godlaski Family Joy Graham Beth Ann Griffith MD Thomas Guerra Melissa Hall Carlean G Hefner Wanda Hobbs Sally Horowitz Paul Howard Kelly Hutchens Jane M Hutchens Juliann Irwin Ron, Melody & Wyatt Jackson Mike & Becky Jackson Lisa Johns Shonda Johnston Beth Willett Jones Jefferey Justice Fred & Julie Kerber The Knight Family Pete Koutoulas Minda Kohner-Coogle Alfredo Leo Jeffery & Janet Lewis Patrick Lee Lucas Judy Mace Twyla Martins Len Midden Joseph Miller Anthony & Mary Miller The Miller Family Richard & Patricia Monohan Donna Moore Steven & Ann Muntz Chuck & Barbara Morgan Rebecca Mozingo

Cassidy Mullins Jim Newman Ashley Norman John Norman Mark Pascuzzi Kathleen Piercefield Troy J. Posey Lalana Powell The Preston Family Mary Quertermous Candance Quisenberry Barbara Ramlow & Michael French Amy Schwab Mary S. Shearer Mark Simon Ruthi & Rankin Skinner Sara Sleightholm Nathan C. Smith Therese Smith Crystal Smith Katherine Strode Jaclyn Taylor Sharon & Bob Thompson Lara Thornbury Kirsten Thorstad Jim Trimble Nancy Turner Madonna Turner Fara Tyree Brad Ulery Roy & Erin Wagner Lawrence Weathers Madalyn Wells Stormy Wesley Perry Williams Debbie Williams Gary Wiseman Janice Wyatt Beth Wyatt Mary T. Yeiser

SPOTLIGHT ON

EDUCATION SPARK

Our brand new arts education program is LIVE! Check out our current offerings in music, acting, and dance!

Triple Threat Class begins Monday, Feb. 28th. Visit our website to register!

YOUTH BOARD The Leeds Youth Advisory Board consists of highly motivated high school leaders from the greater Winchester area. It meets biweekly to work on arts- based projects, strengthen leadership skills through seminars, and enhance the greater community through enrichment opportunities.

Visit our website for more information.

SCHOLARSHIPS We work hard to make the arts accessible for all, and want to give youth the tools they need to succeed in arts- based higher education and careers.

We offer two scholarship funds: The Gordon Liddle Fund for private arts instruction, and the Vanessa Rogers Fund for higher arts education.

Visit our website for more information.

summer camps musical theatre intensive june 6-18, 2022 ages 7-12 put on a full production from start to finish in two weeks!

june 20-july 1, 2022 ages 12-18 this two week intensive is designed to grown your skills in singing, dancing, and acting, culminating in a musical theatre revue!

registration info coming soon!

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim Book by James Lapine Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine Original Broadway production produced by Heidi Landesman, M. Anthony Fisher, Rocc Landesman, Frederick H. Mayerson, Rick Steiner, Jujamcyn Theaters.

Originally Produced by the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, CA INTO THE WOODS JR is presented through a special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.MTIShows.com

A note from the

Director

With every show that I am involved with at Leeds, I am always blown away by the level of commitment, creativity, and collaboration that each and every member of the cast, creative team, and community bring to it. This show is certainly no exception!

These twenty-one beautiful young people have created something so special in just eight short weeks. I am proud of their vulnerability, dedication, and willingness to jump headfirst “into the woods.”

It has been one of my greatest joys to work with them, especially after such a long time apart.

Although this is a condensed version of Into the Woods, the heart of its message still holds true. These tales may be rooted in fantasy, but we can see our own reality in many of them. We are all connected to each other: in the choices we make, the obstacles we face, the acceptance of our faults, and the acknowledgement of our strengths.

“Careful the tale you tell, that is the spell. Children will listen.” Let’s strive to live each day with intention! Our words and actions go much further than we realize… So let us create the kind of world we want by investing in our children!

Into the Woods will always hold a special place in my heart. In 2016, it was one of the first shows I was involved with at Leeds, it introduced me to lifelong friends, and reminded me of my love for theatre. It sent me down the path I am on now, and for that, I am forever grateful. Now six years later, my hope is that this experience has shown these incredible young people their profound potential, and reminded them that your wishes can come true if you not only appreciate what you have, but discover what you are capable of becoming.

Finally, I would like to thank the amazing team that made this show possible. Steve Crosby, Mary Kate Knight, Jordan Lewis, Kieshaun Butts, and Tracey Miller - you all have my heart!

You are the best in the business, and have created a safe and nurturing place for young artists to thrive. To the cast and crew of Into the Woods Jr….. break a leg!

Ellie Miller Director Into the Woods Jr.

Into Woods the

jr.

Cast (in order of appearance): Narrator..................................................................................................Raegan McCormick Cinderella.............................................................................................................Ella Cooper Jack............................................................................................................................David Lin Baker....................................................................................................................Drew Wyatt Baker's Wife.......................................................................................................Amari Gilkey Florinda............................................................................................................. Sylvia Coogle Lucinda..................................................................................................................Sadie Hess Stepmother..........................................................................................................Mina James Little Red Ridinghood.............................................................................................CJ Wesley Milky White...................................................................................................Carter Johnston Jack's Mother......................................................................................................Grace Owen Witch......................................................................................................................Addy Reed Cinderella's Father..................................................................................Phoenix Berryman Cinderella's Mother..............................................................................Caroline Brookshire Mysterious Man...............................................................................Trent Conboy - Holden Wolf..................................................................................................................Jathan Briscoe Rapunzel...................................................................................................................Erin Cain Granny........................................................................................................Kennedy Preston Rapunzel's Prince.........................................................................................Charlie Preston Cinderella's Prince.........................................................................................Dylan Diguette Steward.......................................................................................................Shaniyah Brown

Creative Team:

Director............................................................................................................................Ellie Miller Music Director............................................................................................................Steve Crosby Producer.....................................................................................................................Tracey Miller Stage Management........................................Jordan Lewis, Kieshaun Butts, Sara Sleightholm Set Painter...................................................................................................................Wylie Caudill Lighting Designer.......................................................................................................Becki Tonges Sound Designer........................................................................................................Nathan Smith Costume Designer..............................................................................................Mary Kate Knight Wig Designer............................................................................................................Tammy Knight Set Designer.............................................................................James Miller, Lawrence Buckland Puppet Design...........................................................................................................Brian Elligson Production Photography........................................................................................Sally Horowitz Headshot Photography..........................................................................Homestead Studios LLC

Into Woods the

jr.

Musical Numbers

Opening.....................................................................................................................Company Cinderella at the Grave.......................................................Cinderella, Cinderella's Mother Hello, Little Girl..........................................................................Wolf, Little Red Ridinghood I Guess This is Goodbye/Maybe They're Really Magic...............Jack, Baker's Wife, Baker I Know Things Now............................................................................Little Red Ridinghood A Very Nice Prince...........................................................................Cinderella, Baker's Wife Giants in the Sky...............................................................................................................Jack Agony.........................................................................Cinderella's Prince, Rapunzel's Prince It Takes Two.............................................................................................Baker's Wife, Baker Stay With Me...................................................................................................................Witch On the Steps of the Palace....................................................................................Cinderella Finale.........................................................................................................................Company Ever After.................................................................................................Narrator, Company Children Will Listen......................................................................................Witch, Company

Photography or recording of today's performance is strictly prohibited.

Special Thanks To...

Lexington Children's Theatre, Jeff Stone, Mason Rhodus, Justin Garza, Jackson Becker, Elena Guerra, Families of the Cast

Cast

Meet the

Phoenix Berryman - Cinderella's Father Phoenix, an 8th grader at RDC this year, discovered his passion for theater four years ago with a small role in Aladdin Jr. Since then, he has acted in several other plays, most recently James and the Giant Peach and Frozen Jr. He is looking forward to his upcoming role in Into the Woods Jr. (Leeds), as well as The Wizard of Oz at Robert D. Campbell Jr. High. His hobbies include playing VR games, playing board games with his family, and learning the trumpet.

Jathan Briscoe - Wolf Jathan Briscoe is a Senior at Carter G. Woodson Academy and will be playing the role of Wolf. He is so excited for this opportunity. This is his sixth show with Leeds. A few of the productions he has been a part of are Aladdin Jr. (Genie), Seussical: The Musical (Wickersham Brother), Mamma Mia (Pit Singer), Frozen Jr. (Kristoff), and Once On This Island (Tonton Julian). He hopes to have more opportunities and grow as a family with many other theater companies just like here at Leeds. Jathan also is a Governor’s School for the Arts 2021 Musical Theatre Alumni. He is the Vice President of the Leeds Center for the Arts Youth Advisory Board.

Jathan really hopes you enjoy the show and take an adventure into the woods!!

Caroline Brookshire - Cinderella's Mother Caroline Brookshire is excited for her first show at Leeds! She is in 7th grade at RDC Junior High where she is currently preparing to be the Cowardly Lion in the school’s production, Wizard of Oz. Caroline has appeared in Baker Intermediate School’s musicals; Singing in The Rain as Kathy Seldon and Frozen as a townsperson. She was also fortunate to be included in GRC’s production All Together Now. Outside of theatre she is an active member at Calvary Christian Church, 4-H Sewing Club, and RDC’s Yearbook Club. She was also chosen to represent her school in the All-State Choir.

Shaniyah Brown - Steward Shaniyah is a freshman at Western Hills High School. She has been participating in musical theater since she was 7 and has appeared in numerous shows including Shrek (as Donkey) with ACTivate, Frozen (Olaf) with Innovation, and Once on this Island (Agwe, god of water). She is very passionate about all forms of art including fashion design, painting, and music production. She also plays the clarinet at school. She is so glad and excited to be able to do this show in the time of the pandemic!

Cast

Meet the Erin Cain - Rapunzel

Erin Cain is beyond happy and excited to be back at Leeds for her senior year!

Erin is a 12th grader at Bourbon County High School and has been doing musical theater since she was 4. Her last show was a virtual production of The Little Mermaid where she played the role of Atina. Her favorite roles that she’s portrayed have been Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz, Mayzie in Seussical, Rafiki in The Lion King, Isir in Aladdin, and Alice in a disco version of Alice in Wonderland.

Aside from theater Erin loves to play soccer, travel, and be around her family and friends. She is so thankful for all Leeds has done for her and is really excited to perform as Rapunzel alongside this incredible cast and crew. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Trent Conboy - Holden - Mysterious Man Trent is fifteen and has been in many Leeds productions. The last thing that he performed in was a school show called All Together Now. His favorite role he has played is Shrek in Shrek the Musical. Other than performing, Trent likes to skate around town and play his guitar.

Sylvie Coogle - Florinda Sylvie is very excited to be in Into the Woods Jr. She is a 7th grader at RDC. Some of her favorite roles have been Young Anna in Frozen Jr. and Lina Lamont in Singin’ in the Rain Jr., both at Baker Intermediate School. She wants to thank Ellie, Steve, Tracey, and her parents for being so encouraging and kind.

Ella Cooper - Cinderella Ella Cooper is a Senior at GRCHS in Winchester. Some of her past productions include Youth Theatre of the Bluegrass’ Frozen Jr. (Anna), as well as Aladdin Jr. (Jasmine), James and the Giant Peach (Dance Captain), and Mary Poppins (Jane) at Leeds Center for the Arts. She is also the President of the Leeds’ Center For the Arts Youth Advisory Board and a Governor’s School for the Arts 2021 Musical Theatre Alumni. Ella is thrilled to be performing again at Leeds, and she hopes you enjoy the show!

Cast

Meet the

Dylan Diguette - Cinderella's Prince Dylan has been in a plethora of shows, ranging from Mulan Jr during his sixth grade year, to The Laramie Project during high school. He would like to thank Ian Ferrell for getting him started in theater, Bo List for always keeping him in line, and so many more for being there for him and supporting his dreams. He hopes you enjoy the show and wishes each of you a very happily ever after.

Amari Gilkey - Baker's Wife Amari Gilkey is a senior at Great Crossing High School. This is her first show at Leeds. Amari has been performing since she was 7. Her favorite roles have been: Belle in Beauty and The Beast, Snow White, and Little Inez in Hairspray.

Amari also participates in choir and has been to KMEA and ACDA a total of five times. This is her second time performing in Into the Woods, her first being canceled by the pandemic. She is so excited to be back on the stage and loves that she’s found a place at Leeds.

Sadie Hess - Lucinda This is Sadie's third official show at Leeds!! She also participated in the Leeds Summer Intensive and Spark Classes. When she's not on stage, Sadie loves to draw, bake, write songs, and freak out with her friends over fictional book characters. She would like to thank the amazing cast, crew, and directors for everything. Thank you for coming and enjoy the show!!

Mina James - Stepmother Mina James is a sophomore at Great Crossing High School, and this will be her first performance at Leeds. Mina’s favorite past performances include Alice in Wonderland (March Hare), The Best Christmas Pageant Ever (Alice Wendelken), High School Musical (Kelsi) all with Lexington Children’s Theatre, and Frozen Jr. (Sven) with the Youth Theatre of the Bluegrass. Outside of the theatre, Mina participates in vocal competitions and dance classes.

Cast

Meet the

Carter Johnston - Milky White

This is Carter’s fourth Leeds’ show, having been in Aladdin Jr., James and the Giant Peach Jr., and most recently in Schoolhouse Rock Jr. Live. He has also appeared in Baker Theatre Department productions of Frozen Jr. (Olaf) and Singin’ in the Rain Jr. (Don Lockwood), as well as Shearer Musical Theatre’s The Lion King KIDS (Scar) and Aladdin KIDS (Aladdin). Carter will also take the stage at the end of April as the Tin Man in Robert D. Campbell Theater Department’s The Wizard of Oz. When not performing, Carter enjoys dancing and playing soccer. He would like to thank his parents for always supporting him (and driving him all over the place) as well as his Leeds Family. Enjoy the show!

David Lin - Jack David Lin is thrilled to join the cast of Into the Woods! The 10th grader from Lexington was last seen in Our Town. David participates in the Bluegrass United Homeschool Community in academics, soccer, and performing arts. His favorite roles are Les in Newsies with The LEXington Theatre Company, James in James and the Giant Peach, Maxwell Smart in Get Smart, Albert in Bye Bye Birdie, Joe in Schoolhouse Rock, Live!, Sheldon in Junie B. Jones, and Edmund in The Lion, the Witch, & the Wardrobe. David plays violin in the CKYO Symphony Orchestra and holds 15 fiddle championships. He is also the National Jr Fiddle Champion Runner-Up.

Raegan McCormick - Narrator

Raegan McCormick is a 7th grade student at RDC and is glad to be back at Leeds. Raegan has been a part of the Leeds family for several years. She recently went to Leeds Intensive Summer Camp and is excited to be the Narrator in Into the Woods Jr. Raegan is a big part of her school’s theatre department and loves being in the chorus there too. Outside of theater, Raegan likes to spend time with her friends, go to church, read, and play soccer. She would like to thank her family and all of the Leeds staff for being so supportive and helpful. Enjoy the show!

Kennedy Preston - Granny

Kennedy is excited to back on the Leeds’ stage! An 8th grader from Lexington, she was last seen as “Rebecca” in OUR TOWN. Kennedy has been seen on the Leeds stage in JAMES AND THE GIANT PEACH, SCHOOLHOUSE ROCK and several summer camp showcases and gala performances. When she isn’t performing, she loves being with friends, hanging with her twin and family, and having fun.

Cast

Meet the

Grace Owen - Jack's Mother

Grace is a busy freshman at GRCHS. She participates in Musical Theatre, Dance, Guitar, Piano, Voice and Swim Teams. She has trained in the arts for many years at Dancer's Pointe, Leeds, Lexington Children's Theatre, Town and Village School of Dance, and now Cohort at GRC. Her favorite roles include Snoopy in A Charlie Brown Christmas, Claude in The Best Christmas Pageant Ever, May in Junie B. Jones, Molly in Annie, Olive in Ella Enchanted (Lexington Children's Theatre), Gertrude McFuzz in Seussical (Town and Village), Peter Pan in Peter Pan, Young Fiona in Shrek, and Grandma in The Addams Family Musical 2022 (School Plays at Campbell and GRC.) In 2021 she won 4th place in the statewide Kentucky State Fair Talent Classic performing "Notice Me Horton". She is very excited to play "Jack's Mother."

Charlie Preston - Rapunzel's Prince Charlie Preston is a sophomore at Great Crossing High School in Georgetown.

He has been in multiple musicals at Leeds including Mary Poppins, Aladdin, and James and the Giant Peach. He has also been in A Grand Night for Singing with UK Opera Theatre. Charlie is also a member of the Leeds Youth Advisory Board.

Charlie is Rapunzel's Prince in Into the Woods, and he is very happy to be part of the family at Leeds.

Addy Reed - Witch Addy is thrilled to be able to perform again! Addy is a senior at GRCHS where she is a drama/dance major in Cohort Integrated Arts along with being the soprano section co-leader in her choir, Cardinal Singers. She is also going to be playing Morticia in GRC’s spring musical, The Addams Family. Addy was a former member of the Leeds Youth Advisory Board from 2018-2021 where she served as secretary (2020-2021). Addy is a future Wildcat at the University of Kentucky where she will be a speech communication major. Addy loves this production and hopes you enjoy the show!

CJ Wesley - Little Red Ridinghood

CJ is so excited to be in this musical. Into The Woods is one of her favorites! She adores Leeds and enjoys her time with them so much. She has been in numerous shows with them including summer camp productions, and their newest program called Spark! She always creates the best memories with her Leeds Family and can’t wait to share this fantastic show with everyone.

Cast

Meet the Drew Wyatt - Baker

Drew has been in many shows in and outside of Leeds. The first show he did at Leeds was Lion King Junior followed by Aladdin, James and the Giant Peach, and now Into the Woods Junior. He has also been in a few camp shows and just recently did the SPARK program at Leeds. He is thrilled that all of you have come to see the show and hopes you enjoy it!

M MASON

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