Marquee Youth’s Conservatory to stage ‘Into the Woods’

Marquee Youth’s Conservatory will present “Into the Woods” from June 18 to 20 at the renovated Arcada Theatre in downtown St. Charles. The Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine musical is comprised of more than 30 talented performers and pit musicians from the northwest suburbs, announced Marquee Youth Stage of St. Charles.

The show is directed by Colin Bokowy, with musical direction by Ollie Townsend. The Tony Award-winning musical tells the story of a childless Baker and his wife who yearn to have a child but cannot because of a witch’s curse; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. The Baker and his wife set off on a journey to break the curse, only to realize they’re not alone. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of how they set off to get their wish return to haunt them later.

The run time is two hours and 45 minutes for the full production, plus a 15-minute intermission between Acts I and II. Performances run at 7 p.m. June 18 and 19, and 2 p.m. June 20.

For tickets, go to MarqueeYouth.org. They cost $14 for children younger than 12 and seniors, and $16 for adults.

Meet the musicians

CONDUCTOR/KEYS: Ollie Townsend

VIOLIN 1: Ryan Hajak

VIOLIN 2: Marilyn Gans

VIOLA 1: Alexa Stephens

CELLO: Willian Akst

TRUMPET: Jeri Rethford

HORN 1: Brenna Jun

REED 1 (Flute/Piccolo): Kevin Jun

REED 2 (Bb/E Clarinets): Sage Overstreet

PERCUSSION: Anthony Scandora

Meet the cast

Narrator: Reagan Jorgenson

Cinderella: Mary Kate Schoessling

Jack: Parker Moran

Jack’s Mother: Rosette Pavkov

Baker: Luke Ahlquist

Baker’s Wife: Ella Kobylecky

Stepmother: Makenna Barrett

Florinda: Ella Weasler

Lucinda: Caitlyn Johnson

Little Red Ridinghood: Maggie Hancock

The Witch: Aubrey Risch

Cinderella’s Mother & Granny U/S Little Red: Holly Stone

Steward: Ryan Forde

Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf: Zach Henning

Rapunzel’s Prince: Maine Triplett

Rapunzel: Tanya Fedak

Mysterious Man: Sam Pershing

Giant’s Wife/Snow White, *Lucinda (June 19 performance): Charlee Crone

Sleeping Beauty: Kelsey La Pointe

Milky White Puppeteer: Ella Johnson

**Milky White Puppeteer (June 19 performance):

Ruby Weasler

The show’s music and lyrics are by Sondheim, with book by Lapine.

To learn more about Marquee Youth Stage and its programs, visit marqueeyouth.org.