Dramaboard to take Swarthmore Into The Woods

February 12, 2007

Editor’s note: This article was initially published in The Daily Gazette, Swarthmore’s online, daily newspaper founded in Fall 1996. As of Fall 2018, the DG has merged with The Phoenix. See the about page to read more about the DG.

Despite ample presence of wishes, witches, and loquacious furry woodland creatures, Stephen Sondheimís acclaimed musical Into the Woods is not your everyday fairy tale. However, itís quirky – and often blunt – philosophies on life, fantasy, and beans are exactly why itís been charming audiences since its premier in 1987. Now, 20 years later, Dramaboard is bringing the fractured tale to the Swarthmore main stage under the direction of Phil Katz, class of í07.

Into the Woods features rather alternative versions of the familiar stories by the Brothers Grimm, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Jack and the Beanstalk. ìHappily Ever Afterî is only the middle of the story ñ the second act has the characters once again lost in the woods, each wrestling with dilemmas and messages that take them far deeper into themselves and their surroundings than their original stories ever could. ì[Into the Woods] tells stories that are familiar to everyone, but tells them in a way that makes you reconsider them and their messages,î remarks Katz.

Sample advertisement

Katz has been planning and working on the show for two years, ìand the amount of work and energy that students have already put into it is amazing,î he says. In terms of resources, such as time, energy, and money, Into the Woods is already beginning to surpass any theatrical project previously done at Swat. In short, Katz says that his experience working on the musical has been wonderful.

The cast members appear to be having an equally rewarding experience. Alicia Lemke, who will be portraying Cinderella, remarks that her experience has been excellent and adds that ìSondheim is a musical genius, and the music is very challengingÖ The show draws on a lot of issues and messages, creating a complex and intricate plot as well as musical score.î

For a new take on memorable stories; for a probing look into the weightier matters of life, man, love, and so forth; or for the simple kick of seeing your peers performing either onstage or off, come and see Dramaboardís Into the Woods. It will be in the LPAC during Family Weekend.

Leave a Reply

Your email address will not be published.

Previous Story

Faculty Dance Concert fuses text, music, and movement

Next Story

Marjorie Murphy discusses the lasting effects of a Brooklyn teachers’ strike

Latest from News

Swarthmore Leaders React as SEPTA Announces Severe Cuts

On April 10, the South-Eastern Pennsylvania Transportation Authority (SEPTA) announced widespread service cuts and fare increases for the 2026 fiscal year. The cuts, which total a 45% reduction of service, are the culmination of several years of long-term deficits that have only

Resident Peer Leader Hiring Cycle Sees Surge in Applications

As the spring semester comes to a close, many students and administrators are well into preparations for the 2025-2026 school year. The housing lottery has finished, students have completed pre-registration for classes, and many open campus jobs, including Resident Peer Leaders (RPLs),

Dr. Wade Manora Jr. Takes on IC Role

In January 2024, the Intercultural Center (IC) announced a change in leadership for the first time since 2019. Dr. Wade Manora Jr. is the new Assistant Dean and Director of the IC, succeeding Dr. Imaani El-Burki in the role. Manora was the
Previous Story

Faculty Dance Concert fuses text, music, and movement

Next Story

Marjorie Murphy discusses the lasting effects of a Brooklyn teachers’ strike

The Phoenix

Don't Miss