Playhouse Merced presents ‘Into the Woods’

Once upon a time in a faraway fairytale land, wishes were granted – but at what cost?

That’s one of the themes explored in “Into the Woods,” a musical featuring a baker, his wife, Cinderella, Jack, Rapunzel, a witch, two princes, Red Riding Hood and a wolf with a ferocious appetite.

Playhouse Merced’s production of “Into the Woods” opens Friday and plays weekends through March 14, according to a press release.

With music written by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, “Into the Woods” is based loosely on several of the Grimms’ fairy tales. It introduces the audience to a baker and his wife, who desire to have a child. The couple must collect items from other characters to achieve their dream of having a baby, and examine the consequences of wishes and desires.

“Into the Woods” is directed by Joe Hypes and musically directed by Darrel Lingenfelter. With original costumes designed by Corey Strauss, “Into the Woods” stars Andrew Burkum as the Baker, Melissa Beckwith as the Baker’s Wife, Rachel Pearre as Cinderella, Jamie Michaels as Little Red and Paul Jackson as Jack.

Tickets are on sale now for Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 2 p.m. Purchase tickets by going online to www.facebook.com/PlayhouseMerced, calling (209) 725-8587, or visiting the box office at 452 West Main St. in downtown Merced, Tuesday through Saturday 1-5 p.m. The show is rated “T” for teen.

For more information, please visit www.playhousemerced.com.

This story was originally published February 26, 2015 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Playhouse Merced presents ‘Into the Woods’."