Into The Woods JR
Music & Lyrics by Stepehn Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Directed by Joanna Chabot and Owen Beans
Music Directed by Jason Philip Solís
Be careful what you wish for, as Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s cockeyed fairytale comes to life in this adaptation of their groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning musical. Into the Woods JR. features all of your favorite characters — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and the Witch — in this lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables. The musical centers on 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 that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse, and wind up changed forever. The sophisticated score has been adapted to make it more accessible to young performers.
REHEARSAL AND PRODUCTION DATES/DETAILS:
This production is open to young performers Grades 5 – Age 18.
Rehearsals will begin February 6. Rehearsals will take place weekday evenings from 6:30-9:30 PM and weekends during the day with at least one day off per week, and usually two. No one will be called to every single rehearsal. Please come prepared to list any conflicts from February 6-March 12. No tech week or performance conflicts will be accepted.
The production will take place at The Firehouse Theatre. The production dates are March 9-12, Thursdays-Saturdays at 7:30 PM, and Saturdays and Sundays at 2:30 PM.
The tuition for this production will be $400. Need-based scholarships are available. We intend to make best efforts to cast every child who auditions.
AUDITION INFO:
Auditions will take place at The Firehouse Theatre (2535 Valley View Lane Farmers Branch, TX 75234) on Sunday, January 22 from 1-7PM.
You may sign up for an audition time at this link: Audition Sign Up
A parent/guardian will need to fill out this form along with/for their student: Into The Woods JR Audition Form
You may also choose to send in an audition video via the same audition form, filming the material listed below.
AUDITION MATERIAL:
All audition materials can be found here: Into The Woods Jr Audition Materials There are choices of music selections for male and female roles as well as tracks with and without vocals to help you learn and practice!
If interested in male character roles* please prepare the Agony audition cut or the Giants In The Sky audition cut.
If interested in female character roles* please prepare the It Takes Two audition cut or the I Know Things Now audition cut.
If interested in the Witch specifically, please also prepare the Witch’s Rap audition cut.
If interested in Rapunzel specifically, please also prepare the Rapunzel audition cut.
Please note: these auditions may be recorded for creative team members unable to attend. Any additional questions may be sent to production@thefirehousetheatre.com. Please do not call the box office.
CALLBACKS:
Callbacks, if needed, will take place January 24
CHARACTER BREAKDOWN:
*Listed gender is that of the character, not necessarily the performer, so actors should audition toward any role they see fit!
Narrator
The narrator is the storyteller who speaks directly to the audience. Large speaking role with minimal singing.
Gender: Any
Note: depending on audition turnout, this role may be played by an professional adult mentor actor.
Baker
The Baker is a good-hearted, likeable person who believes he can take on the Witch’s curse all by himself. At first, this confidence and his desire to have a child drives him, but he soon learns he needs his wife’s help to accomplish the goal. An excellent actor and singer who is both personable and capable of portraying the Baker’s strength of conviction.
Gender: Male
Baker’s Wife
The Baker’s Wife is a strong, determined and loving woman whose desire to have a child drives the action of the whole show. Her storyline helps tie all the characters’ storylines together. excellent singing and acting as well as a good sense of comedic timing.
Gender: Female
Witch
The Witch is an ancient, mysterious and manipulative woman who will do anything possible to regain her beauty and protect Rapunzel. While she may seem old and haggard, she still has the strength to control other people. This role is perfect for a good character actress and singer who can physically and vocally portray the complexities of the role.
Gender: Female
Jack
Jack, of Jack and the beanstalk, is an energetic young man who is always looking for an adventure. He begins this show as a simple little boy (his best friend is a cow), but by the end of the show he learns a few valuable lessons. An excellent singer and actor who can show great range.
Gender: Male
Jack’s Mother
Raising a son and running a farm all by herself has made Jack’s Mother a bit frazzled and most definitely overworked. A character actress with solid comic timing and good singing skills.
Gender: Female
Milky-White
Milky-White is Jack’s cow. This may be played by an actor in costume, or an actor with a puppet.
Gender: Any
Little Red Ridinghood
Little Red starts the show as a loud, bratty, pushy, glutton who happily manipulates people and situations to get her way. Eventually, she learns some valuable lessons and softens around the edges. Should have a loud, powerful voice and be a good actor with a strong sense of musicality (her songs are often rhythmically challenging).
Gender: Female
Wolf
The Wolf is a sly and dangerous character intently focused on attacking Little Red Ridinghood. An actor and singer who can physically and vocally bring the Wolf to life. Note: This role may be combined with one of the Princes.
Gender: Male
Granny
Granny is a feisty woman who is not afraid to fight the Wolf face to face.
Gender: Female
Mysterious Man
Just like the name suggests, this is one mysterious man. Everything he does is to help the Baker, but he does not explain his motives until the last moment. An engaging character actor who can speak the Mysterious Man’s often puzzling lines clearly in this non-singing role.
Gender: Male
Cinderella
Cinderella is a simple peasant girl whose one wish is to go to the Festival. Unfortunately, when her wish comes true she learns that wishes sometimes come with consequences. Cinderella’s inner beauty always shines through her sometimes clumsy and awkward exterior. A great singer and actor who is charming while maintaining a sense of humor.
Gender: Female
Cinderella’s Prince
Cinderella’s Prince is a conceited man who adamantly pursues Cinderella and can’t take no for an answer. When not chasing her, he is trying to show up Rapunzel’s Prince. A good singer and actor who can portray arrogance while still being likeable.
Gender: Male
Steward
The Steward is the servant of Cinderella’s Prince. He is dependable and willing to do whatever Cinderella’s Prince asks.
Gender: Male
Florinda
One of Cinderella’s stepsisters. Spoiled brat who cares only about herself and marrying Cinderella’s Prince. Strong actor able to portray cattiness in a bold and comical way.
Gender: Female
Lucinda
One of Cinderella’s stepsisters. Spoiled brat who cares only about herself and marrying Cinderella’s Prince. Strong actor able to portray cattiness in a bold and comical way.
Gender: Female
Cinderella’s Stepmother
Cinderella’s Stepmother is a mean, evil woman who only cares about her birth children, daughters Florinda and Lucinda. An actress who can portray both the strong distaste the character has for Cinderella as well as the love she showers on her own spoiled daughters.
Gender: Female
Cinderella’s Mother
Cinderella’ s Mother comforts Cinderella in her one short song. A singer with a strong, pleasant voice.
Gender: Female
Cinderella’s Father
Cinderella’s Father will not win any Father-of-the-Year awards. He doesn’t care about his daughter’s well-being or her actions.
Gender: Male
Rapunzel’s Prince
Rapunzel’s Prince is the pompous and arrogant brother of Cinderella’s Prince. Sibling rivalry runs rampant between the brothers, including each brother’s belief that his lady love is the most beautiful. A talented singer who can portray confidence both physically and vocally.
Gender: Male
Rapunzel
Rapunzel has been stuck in a tower for the majority of her life. Finally, she stands up to the Witch in order to get out to see the world. An excellent soprano singer.
Gender: Female