Into The Woods Playbill

STEVENS HIGH PERFORMING ARTS DEPARTMENT PROUDLY PRESENTS:

INTO THE WOODS!

THE MUSICAL

Stephen Sondheim

Music & Lyrics by James Lapine

Director

Vocal Director

Music Director Technical Director

Activities Director Activities Office

Book by

Stephen Farruggia

Ann Deckert

Jordan Seidel

Jake Matkins

Jared Vasquez

Cynthia Bennet

Jennifer Broderick

Assistant Director

Company Stage Manager

Assistant Stage Manager

Assistant Tech Director Graphic Designer

Mackenzie Layson

Sadie Colbeck

Avery Dupont

Taryn Seaholm

Ansley Eddy

Noah Westergaard

Crew Heads

Sound Lighting

Scenic

Properties

Hair/Makeup

Costumes

Marketing

Soup Ryan

Christian Lanier

Ansley Eddy

Jessica Ketel

Liz Wittmis-Curtis

Alexis Derby

Kenna Stewart

Asst. Sound Head: Josh Dwyer

Asst. Lighting Head:Logan McMachen

Asst. Scenic Head: K. Austin Jacobs

Asst. Run Head: Chloe Sanders

Asst. Properties Head: Griffin Calahan

Asst. Costumes Head: Audrey Scott

with Music Theatre International (MTI).

THE CAST

PHOTOS AND VIDEOS DURING THIS PERFORMANCE ARE STRICTLY PROHIBITED BY LAW.

JUST RESPECT THE MAGIC OF LIVE THEATRE - LIVE!

The Witch Tae Swanson

The Baker Caleb Allen

The Baker’s Wife Deirdre Martin

Cinderella Tori Peterson

Little Red Ridinghood Kaci Kirschenman

Jack Charles Lester

Jack’s Mother Kelbie Powers

Narrator/ Mysterious Man

Josiah Dupont

Rapunzel Haley Hoffman

THE CAST

Cinderella’s Prince Jaxyn Seamons

Rapunzel’s Prince Noah Westergaard Wolf

Karsen Krein

Florinda Alessia Boschetti

Lucinda Josefine Stanley

Cinderella’s Stepmother Enrich Patdu

Steward Nicholas Tilles

Cinderella’s Mother Lauren Tilles

Granny Brettly Schmitz

MUSICAL NUMBERS

Act 1

Prologue: Into The Woods Narrator, Cinderella, Jack, Baker, Baker’s Wife, Stepmother, Florinda, Lucinda, Jack’s Mother, Little Red Ridinghood, Witch

Cinderella At The Grave Cinderella, Cinderella’s Mother

Hello, Little Girl Wolf, Little Red Ridinghood

I Guess This Is Goodbye Jack, Maybe They’re Magic Baker’s Wife

I Know Things Now Little Red Ridinghood

A Very Nice Prince Cinderella, Baker’s Wife

First Midnight Company Giants In The Sky Jack

Agony Cinderella’s Prince, Rapunzel’s Prince

It Takes Two Baker, Baker’s Wife

15 minute intermission

Act 2

Second Midnight Company

Stay With Me Witch

On The Steps of the Palace Cinderella

The Potion Jack, Witch, Baker’s Wife, Baker, Mysterious Man

Finale: Ever After Company

Bows & Exit Orcherstra

Director

BIOGRAPHIES

Stephen Farruggia, a theater actor, playwright and Director for 20 years, Stephen has thoroughly enjoyed his first year directing at Stevens High School. One of the greatest things about working as a Director of theater at a high school it’s all the young men and women you get to know and help chase their dreams. Stephen and his wife Bridgett also own and run Seraphim Theatre in Rapid City. It has been his dream to combine his passion for the arts as well as teaching here at SHS.

Ann Deckert is in her 31st year in the Rapid City Area schools and her 15th year of teaching choir at Stevens High School. Together with her colleague, she teaches Advanced Women’s Choir, Poetry in Motion, Singers, Concert Choir and assists teach Women’s Choir 9. Mrs. Deckert has served as vocal coach for several musical productions throughout her time at Stevens. Mrs. Deckert is actively involved in the South Dakota chapter of American Choral Directors Association and has served in several leadership roles including Past President and Executive Co-Chair for SD Junior Honor Choir. In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her husband, all things musical, exploring the beautiful Black Hills, camping, gardening, and walking her dog!

Jake Matkins is the Technical Director of Stevens High School. He started his journey on this very stage and has traveled to several different countries performing with The Young Americans. He attended The Young Americans College of the Performing Arts and graduated with an Associates in Performing Arts (Vocal Emphasis). He performed and taught on 8 different tours that included portions of The United States as well as, Japan, Hong Kong, Thailand, South Korea, Malaysia, and Singapore. The group he was apart of put on a 3-5 day long performing arts workshops. They would teach the participants a 45 min show where they have all the solos and big moments. The shows were not a particular play or musical, but a variety show with mash ups from all over the globe. They would change cities every 3-5 days for a 3–5-month period working with hundreds of thousands of kids across the world.

Vocal Director

Technical Director

BIOGRAPHIES

Music Director

Jordan Seidel was born and raised in Rapid City and is currently the Assistant Band Director at Rapid City Stevens High School. Jordan directs the Concert Band, Blue Jazz Band and the Stevens Drumline, while splitting duties for the Cadet Band, 9th Jazz, Blue Raider Marching Band, and the Raider Pep Band. Jordan also travels to Black Hawk Elementary as well as Canyon Lake Elementary for 5th Grade Beginning Band. The additional activities such as Raider Rarities, Pit Orchestra, and collaborating with the extraordinary music faculty are some of Jordans favorite moments. The dedication to a professional and fun learning environment lead to Jordan being a recent recipient of the South Dakota Bandmasters Dennis Hegg Young Bandmaster Award. Jordan has been active in theatre since 2005 as an actor, stagehand, musician, or orchestra director.

Milky White says “thanks for coming to Into The Woods!”

And, she’d like to thank the academy, her parents, Jack, The Witch, and the Props dept. for everything they’ve done for her! She hopes you enjoy her show!

THE ORCHESTRA

Violin

Jackson Swartz

Adelaide Morgan

David Robbins

Merrick Mason

Megan Stagner

Bass

Maddie Lomeli

Bassoon

Isaac Holland

Percussion

Samuel Blackett

Sophie Bernhard

Viola

Morgan Boll

Celine Chang

Flute

Kathryn Johnson

Cello

Zaidee Peterman

Ethan Palmreuter

Clarinet

Connor Knigge

Trumpet

Kristoffer Short

Nathan Davis Horn

FEATURING:

Keyboard

Barton Torbert

Piano

Andrew Belsaas

A Note From the Officers...

Dear patron of the arts,

Wow! What a year we’ve had here at SHS! We’ve sure appreciated our “back to normal” in the theatre department, and we’re beyond thankful for your support during our season!

This year has been nothing short of difficult for our actors and crew, both physically, mentally, and emotionally. These shows were HARD, and our incredible performers and crew members have blown us away with their talents on and offstage. Back in August, when we were made aware of leadership change, we were, of course, nervous for how this year was going to pan out. For most of the Officers, it’s our senior year, and we had to start it off with the new leadership learning to take the helm. Luckily, Stephen got right to work, quickly rewiring some of our ways, but altogether he kicked us in motion for the success of this season.

Our successes would fall short without the help of the many leaders in our school and in our community. In particular, we could not have had our successes without the amazing activities office here at Stevens. Jared Vasquez, Cynthia Bennett, and Jennifer Broderick were at the helm of everything we needed, and always were there to support us. We also thank Dr. Simon, the superintendent, the SHS administration, and the incredible staff here at Stevens. We must also acknowledge the companies who sponsored our season: Riddles Group, Meyer Dana Orthodontics, Black Hills Energy, Liv Hospitality, and Black Hills Federal Credit Union.

This year, 100+ students were involved in our program, onstage, offstage, and in the pit. These numbers promise us optimism for the future of Stevens High Theatre, and it reminds us the good we’re doing for the students at Stevens. No other extracurricular club can say that they constantly have over 100 students working for their program every month of the school year, on a collaborative goal (a live show). Our program is thriving, and we could not do it without the constant support from the Fine Arts staff: Mrs. Ann Deckert, Mr. George Dragoo, Mrs. Tammy Schnittgrund, Mr. Barton Torbert, Mr Jordan Seidel, and Ms. Arika Beals.

All in all, live theater is back and better than ever at Stevens, and we thank YOU, our audience, for your incredible support in all that we do.

From the bottom of our hearts, thank you,

Noah Westergaard Mackenzie Layson

President Vice President Publicist Secretary Outreach

Mara Northcutt Enrich Patdu Sadie Colbeck

Josiah Dupont (Mysterious Man/Narrator) is very excited to be a part of this musical. He would like to thank his best friends for helping him through all of the good and bad that comes with high school. He would also like to thank his best friend Shelby, who left this world too early. He hopes that she would be proud of where he is now and everything he has done since she left. Josiah would also like to thank Shelby’s family for everything they’ve done for him. He would like to say a huge thank you to his parents, step-parents, and the rest of his family for being there for him, not only in the drama department, but also through wrestling and the numerous extra-curriculars he has taken part of. Lastly, he would like to thank his girlfriend, Sadie, for being there, not only for him, but also his family. Josiah hopes you enjoy Into the Woods that he has put so much effort into. Enjoy the show!

Ansley Eddy (Assistant Technical Director/Scenic Head) is so excited to have been able to design this show’s set and bring it to life as crew head. She was thrilled to have such a large crew to work with. Ansley will be going to USD next year as a part of the honors program for Pre-Physical Therapy and will hopefully be spending some time in USD’s scenic shop.

Christian Huffmon (Marketing) is so happy to finally be a part of a show! He has been working with Kenna for the lobby display and other advertising for Into The Woods. When not making trees, Christian spends his time as a manager at McDonald’s and spends time with friends.

Kaci Kirschenman (Little Red) is thrilled to be a part of this year’s musical. She is a member of Concert Choir and Singers and is excited to show what she can do. Some of her previous productions include Side Show: The Musical and War of the Worlds. Her highlights of senior year include being a captain of the marching band, colorguard, and participating in the Solo and Ensemble contest. Kaci enjoys singing, dancing, reading, hanging out with her friends, and having fun!

Grace LaGrande (Scenic/Run) is so pumped for this show! She had tons of fun during her time in Scenic and Run Crew for Into The Woods and throughout this year. She’s previously done crew for Jabberwock Asylum, Peter and the Starcatcher, and Side Show. She’s enjoyed the friends she’s made through the years. Aside from drama, Grace plays softball and pool (lots of it.) She plans to further her studies at University of Minnesota. She hopes you enjoy the show!

Christian Lanier (Lighting Head) is looking forward to his final musical before graduation. He been in lighting for the productions of Pirates of Penzance, War of the Worlds, and Jabberwock Asylum. Christian wants to thank the fantastic work of all the members of the crew, as well as the excellent performances from the actors.

Mackenzie Layson (Assistant Director) couldn’t be more thrilled for you to see Into the Woods tonight! It is a honor that Mackenzie was able to be the assistant director of this show. She would like to thank her director, Stephen, for giving her the opportunity to do this, and her parents for supporting her through her journey. Next fall, Mackenzie plans to go to Black Hills State University to get her general education requirements done before she transfers to University of South Dakota to pursue her degree in Theatre. Although Mackenzie is sad to leave, she couldn’t be more grateful for the time she’s spent here with the Stevens Drama Department.

OUR 21-22 THEATRICAL SEASON IS SPONSORED BY:

SENIOR BIOGRAPHIES

Caleb Allen (Baker) is very excited to end high school with another musical. He has learned so much from Side Show (Terry) freshman year and being in choir the last four years. He would like to thank everyone who has been a part of this production. He is forever thankful for his family and friends for being there for him through all of his extracurriculars. Caleb hopes you enjoy the show!

Sophie Bernhard (Percussion) is excited to be a part of her very first Stevens theatrical performance. She is excited to showcase her percussive talents in the pit. Sophie wants to thank her friends Deirdre and Kelbie for pushing her to be a part of this performance.

Samuel Blackett (Percussion) is a percussionist in this year’s pit. He was also in pit his freshman year for Side Show. He is the first chair percussionist and drumline section leader at Stevens, and has a handful of All-State appearances on his band resume. He enjoys watching football, playing basketball, and binging old sitcoms.

Morgan Boll (Viola) is enjoying playing the first viola part in the pit immeasurably. This performance is his first time playing in a theatrical musical here at Stevens High School, and he’s very grateful to Mr. Seidel for the wonderful opportunity to learn so much with the rest of the ensemble. He’s an accomplished violist with three years in the J. Laiten Weed Honors Orchestra program and all four years in the South Dakota AllState Orchestra event. He is also a relatively accomplished beatboxer, who’s performed twice in the Raider Rarities. He will be pursuing music and business at the University of South Dakota, and is very happy to perform in this musical.

Celine Chang (Viola) is thrilled to be able to be a part of the pit for the musical. She has been playing the viola since 4th grade and has attended All-State Orchestra for the past 5 years. Aside from orchestra, Celine enjoys reading, hanging out with friends, and playing a few games. She is very thankful to be able to play in the musical in her last year of high school.

Sadie Colbeck (Stage Manager) is so excited to end her last year with Stevens High Theatre as Stage Manager for Into the Woods. She has loved her experience with not only the past director Ms. Arika Beals, but also Stephen Farruggia for the amazing work he has done this year. She hopes he directs the Stevens High Showstoppers to be the best they can be in future years. Sadie would also like to thank her numerous choir teachers, including Mrs. and Mr. Torbert, Mrs. Deckert, and Mrs. Kintner, for showing her what hard work looks like. She would also like to thank her parents and the rest of her family for being there for her with every concert and event. She is eternally thankful for the friends she has made along the way. Lastly, she would like to thank her boyfriend Josiah and his whole family for becoming some of her closest friends and becoming part of her family. Thank you all for supporting the Stevens High Performing Arts department.

Nathan Davis (Trumpet) Into the Woods is Nathan’s first production at Stevens High School, and he couldn’t be more excited! Nathan has especially enjoyed listening to and learning the fantastic music Into the Woods has to offer! He has always wanted to perform in a musical, being inspired by his favorite musicals: Singin’ in the Rain and Annie. When not performing in the pit, Nathan can be found practicing other materials on trumpet and piano, or playing video games with friends. He would like to thank his sisters and Mr. Seidel for inspiring him to take this opportunity!

Deirdre Martin (Baker’s Wife) Though this is Deirdre’s first show with Stevens High Theatre, she is not new to performing. She has spent her years in high school being a part of several fine arts programs, such as choir, orchestra, and marching band. Her involvement in the arts continues outside of school as an Academy of Dance Arts dancer, National Honor Society for Dance Arts President, and Black Hills Community Theatre cast member and choreographer. She would like to invite you to visit stopline3. org to learn more about protecting Minnesotan waterways.

Ethan Palmreuter (Cello) is excited to be playing cello for Into the Woods. This is his first theatre production he has been a part of at Stevens. Aside from playing cello, Ethan participates in band, where he plays oboe. Next year, Ethan plans to study Music Education.

Kelbie Powers (Jack’s Mother) is returning to the stage once again to play Jack’s Mother in Into the Woods. She has never been a mother before, so this is extra exciting for her. For the first time ever, she’d like to be cliche and thank her parents for the love and support they’ve given her through her four years at Stevens. She would also like to thank her friends for putting up with her begging to audition for this show. Finally, she thanks you, the audience. Enjoy the show!

David Robbins (Violin) is excited to be playing violin again after scheduling conflicts have hindered his participation in orchestra. Other than playing violin, he enjoys playing drums, vibes, electric guitar, and bass guitar. After high school, he plans on pursuing Computer Science at SDSMT. David would like to thank his parents, who have provided him numerous opportunities to express himself through music and explore other aspects of life.

Kristoffer Short (Horn) is very excited to be involved in his first theatrical production at Stevens. Some of his musical successes have been participating in Junior Honor Choir, All State Choir, and Senior Honor Choir. He has also recently earned 6 superior ratings at the annual Region VIII Solo and Ensemble Contest. In the fall, Kristoffer will be attending Wichita State University to pursue a degree in Vocal and Instrumental Music Education. He would like to thank his late father, Mason Short, who would always push Kristoff to do his best in the Fine Arts.

Josefine Stanley (Lucinda) couldn’t be happier and more excited to be able to be a part of this year’s musical. Stevens High School is the third high school she has been to and is happy to say that she has now been able to be a part of musicals from each school. From her other high schools, including, Chitty Chitty Bang Bang (the aristocrat dancer, bamboo dancer, and background dancer,) The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee (Charlito “Chip” Tolentino) and Into The Woods (Lucinda). Josefine would like to thank her best friend Maddy, her mother, father, stepmother, sisters, other family and friends for supporting her and allowing her to have these opportunities.

Kenna Stewart (Marketing Head) is very excited to be a part of Into The Woods! As a senior, this is her first time being a crew head. It was a lot of fun for her to step off the stage and create something that can be enjoyed by the audience before even stepping into the theatre.

Tae Swanson (Witch) is very excited to be back on the Stevens HS stage after her time in Jabberwock Asylum for her last show in high school. She is thankful for her experiences and the friends she made along the way over the last four years. She also wants to give a huge thanks to Stephen Farruggia, the theatrical director, and the band directors Mr. Seidel and Mr. Dragoo. Without their encouragement, none of what she has accomplished would have been possible. She appreciates the difference that each of these educators makes in the lives of all of the students they teach. Finally, she is ready to finish this adventure and begin the next with a bang, or rather, a wish.

Nicholas Tilles (Steward) is really excited to perform in his first musical. This is his third production he’s been in, his other credits include Peter and the Starcatcher and Jabberwock Asylum. In his free time, he practices his saxophone, reads, and has fun with friends along with some homework. He would like to thank you all for coming and hopes you enjoy the show.

Noah Westergaard (Rapunzel’s Prince) is bittersweet to be opening his final HS production. Noah looks back highly at his accomplishments through the years, such as at the 2022 State One Acts festival, where he won Superior Individual Acting (Jabberwock Asylum). and Superior ratings for his Theatrical Design (The Jungle Book). Noah has enjoyed Concert Choir and Singers, where he has received recognition for his talents. Such as, two years of SDHSAA’s All State Choir, and numerous superior awards at the Region VIII Solo and Ensemble Contest, including perfect score vocal solo, and superior ensemble pieces. Noah also has enjoyed his time as Drama Club President, always working hard with the activities office and other officers to maintain the success of our shows and club. All while being the graphic designer for the department. Noah plans to continue his education at Black Hills State University for Graphic Design and Mass Communication. Noah’s involvement in theatre and choir were by far the best and most rewarding part of high school and he is forever grateful for his involvement, friends, and memories made a part of the fine arts. Noah would like to particularly thank his fine art educators, Mrs. Deckert, Mr. Torbert. Ms. Beals, and of course, Stephen. He also thanks his parents for being his biggest fans for every concert, every show, and everything else he’s been a part of, and every other way they’ve supported him. He hopes you enjoy Into The Woods! And thank you for supporting the performing arts at SHS!

Production Crews:

Lighting/Sound:

Maisha Cross

Josh Dwyer

Christian Lanier

Logan McMachen

Isabella Norton

Soup Ryan

Tiara Tigner

Run Crew:

Ansley Eddy

Lilli Gordon

Azura Kliegl

Ella Kidd

Taylor Larson

Scarlet Marcus

Chloe Sanders

Costumes:

Alexis Derby

Destiny Hansen

Bricelyn Jenner

Euana Matute

Sydney Meissner

Macy Northcutt

Audrey Scott

Giana Williams

Properties:

Griffin Callahan

Chase Stewart

Abigail Hodgens

Jessica Ketel

Sean Pelayic

Alaina Towey

Box Office Volunteers:

Hair & Makeup:

Addyson Allgier

Annika Christopherson

Liz Wittmis-Curtis

Grace Kelly

Mei Lin O’Connell

Isabel Rossknecht

Isabella Wood

Xander Kohut

Marketing:

Maisha Cross

Abigail Hodgens

Christian Huffmon

Mara Northcutt

Kenna Stewart

Noah Westergaard

Set/Build/Paint:

Endora Croyle

Molly Douthwaite

Heaven Genzlinger

Lilli Gordon

Chelsea Hartmann

K. Austin Jacobs

Ella Kidd

Grace LaGrande

Eden Otten

Kyleigh Randolph

Chloe Sanders

Eli Schuab

Evan Woods

Scenic Design: Ansley Eddy*

Alessia Boschetti, Sadie Colbeck, Celine Chang, Alexis Derby, Ansley Eddy, Austin

Jacobs, Bricelyn Jenner, Jessica Ketel, Kaci Kirschenman, Rowan Kozak, Karsen

Krein, Grace LaGrande, Mackenzie Layson, Charlie Lester, Euana Matute, Mara

Northcutt, Enrich Patdu, Jax Rossknecht, Miaya Sanders, Brettly Schmitz, Audrey Scott, Josey Stanley, Tae Swanson, Noah Westergaard, Liz Wittmis-Curtis.

Upcoming Fine Arts Events:

April 27 - SDHSAA Large Ensemble Contest

May 5, 6, 7, - All State Jazz/Show Choir

May 12 - Band Concert

May 17 - Orchestra Concert

May 20 - Choir Pops Concert

May 21 - Senior Directed One Acts

May 29 - Graduation

DIRECTOR

Stephen Farruggia

DIRECTOR’S NOTES

When I first fell in love with theatre I was around 10 years old. I watched the Broadway recording of Into The Woods on PBS and sat there mesmerized for 3 hours taking in all the magic of the stage. Being able to do this show, even just the first act, has been a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to come back to the very show that got me started on my theatrical path. I can happily say I’ve had so much fun helping make this show with all these wonderful young

people. Even though due to the limited rehearsal time we had, we could only produce act 1 of this show, I know you’ll be very happy with the show. (Act 2 is depressing anyway! Haha) Act one gives us a full story arch and conclusion on its own. I’m proud of all these kids willing to learn and work hard on very difficult music. Bravo!

~Stephen Farruggia

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR’S NOTES

Into the Woods is an amalgamation of many stories colliding into one masterful presentation. There are groups of people from each story, with different goals and targets to complete their individual overall task. They all share the same stage at the same time, intertwining and looping around one another. They all are after the same ending though. Happy ever after.

The different departments of crew have many minor steps that lead to major goals to ensure a high probability of success for the show. As those steps were being made you could see the similarities of the show to the reality of putting the show on. Watching individuals grow and interact within and outside of their department was its own masterful presentation. Just like the characters in this play, everyone had a drive to achieve the goal they had set before themselves. There were never moments where things seemed lagging behind, which led to plenty of time to creatively add their style and unique elements that brought this show to life. There is nothing better than seeing students express their own creative freedom. “No” was never an answer in this process. Always a, “let’s try it and see what happens!”

We hope that as you enjoy this production, that you can witness how different groups of people with their own goals, can still come together for a greater purpose. No matter how different in age, wealth, or where you come from, all can be treated equally. No voice is too small or unheard.

TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

Jake Matkins

~Jake Matkins