(MIDDLETOWN, NJ) -- The MAC Players at the Middletown Arts Center presents Into The Woods over two weekends, October 18–20 and October 25–27, 2024. James Lapine and Stephen Sondheim take everyone's favorite storybook characters and bring them together for a timeless, yet relevant, piece... and a 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 they cannot have a child because of a Witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.

The Tony Award-winning book and score are both enchanting and touching. Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick. This will be the ninth production of the Middletown Arts Center’s community theater group and will be led by Director Kathy Connolly with Musical Director Matt Ebersole, Choreographer Samantha Amaral and Assistant Director Victoria Keiser.

The Cast of Into The Woods, photo by Fawn Nocera Photography

The MAC Players production features Lindsay Abbott (Witch), Caitlin Alongi (Baker’s Wife), Vincent Eaton (Baker), Michael Abramov (Jack), Alexandra Varga (Cinderella), Jessica Freeland (Rapunzel), Amanda Winter (Cinderella Mom/Granny and Giant), Jessica Cogan (Jack’s Mom), Caitlin Martin (Little Red Riding Hood), Brenden Kortenhaus (Rapunzel’s Prince), Soren Morici (Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf), Ethan Bryan (Steward), John Paul Durazzo (Narrator/Mysterious Man), Kim Vogel (Florinda), Felicia Russell (Lucinda), Christine Jay (Step Mom) and Trish Tyler (Milky White/Cinderella’s Dad).

Performances take place Friday, October 18 and Saturday, October 19 at 7:00pm; Sunday, October 20 at 2:00pm; Friday, October 25 and Saturday, October 26 at 7:00pm; and Sunday, October 27 at 2:00pm. Ticket prices range from $15–$30 for adults ($5 student/senior discount) with reserved seating. Tickets are available for purchase online or by calling the MAC Box Office at 732.706.4100.

 The Middletown Arts Center is located at 36 Church Street, Middletown, NJ (next to the Middletown Train Station). Free parking is available onsite with additional free parking available in the station-metered lot on weekday evenings after 6:00pm and on weekends.

The Middletown Arts Center (MAC) is an award-winning, state-of-the-art facility in Middletown, New Jersey that offers performances, exhibits, classes, demonstrations and camps centering on the arts. Its convenient location across from the Middletown train station on Church Street enables easy access and its expanded MAC Annex Education Building is minutes away next to the Middletown Reformed Church. The MAC is operated by a non-profit 501c3, the Middletown Township Cultural and Arts Council dedicated to bringing quality arts programming and events to Middletown and surrounding communities. Visit middletownarts.org for more information and to join their mailing list for updates on classes, camps and activities at the Middletown Arts Center.