Franklin High School goes ‘Into the Woods’

Fairy tale characters from “Cinderella,” “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Rapunzel,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” and a host of other fairy tale icons will take the stage at Franklin High School as the students present Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods.”

Directed by Lucinda Bires, the school’s annual spring musical will be performed on Friday, March 31, and Saturday, April 1, at 7 p.m. and on Sunday, April 2, at 2 p.m. Performances will be held at Franklin High School’s McDade Auditorium.

“With the amount of talent our students have, I felt like they could do this show very well, and present it to the community, fully,” said Bires.

The musical highlights the singing and acting abilities of the students as it intertwines plots of several well-known fairytales. The story is woven together by a childless baker and his wife, and a witch, who has cast a spell on them.

“I would encourage the community to come out and see the show, one to support the fine arts at Franklin High School. We have so many talented students, and I think it’s important for the community to show support for our students and what they do,” Bires said.

Secondly, she said, the community is going to love the family-friendly show. It has a great storyline mixed with comedy.

Bires, who also serves as the musical director at Franklin High School, said the music department has been busy gearing up for the production since rehearsals began in January. About 45 students are involved in the cast. There are ten seniors in the production that have lead and supporting roles in the show.

“I have some very talented students that are great at being on the stage. They do well with stage directions as well as with the singing and acting. So far at rehearsals, they have done beautifully at taking on the show, and working so very hard, grasping their characters, and learning the storyline that ‘Into the Woods’ is about,” Bires said.

The music department produces one musical, annually, which is supported solely by ticket sales. The orchestra will be directed by Joshua Long.

The song, “Into the Woods” is repeated throughout the show, and serves as one of the musical highlights. “No One is Alone” is another standout.

Other recent productions presented by the school have included “Footloose,” “Beauty and the Beast,” “Anything Goes,” “The Wizard of Oz,” “The Sound of Music” and “Cinderella.”

Contact this contributing writer at gmwriteon@aol.com.


How to go

What: “Into the Woods,” Franklin High School’s annual spring musical

When: Friday through Sunday, March 31 through April 2. Show times are 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

Where: McDade Auditorium at Franklin High School, 750 E. Fourth St.

Admission: Tickets are $10 for adults, $8 for seniors, and $5 for students. Starting March 27, tickets may be reserved by calling (937) 743-8611, ext. 1203. Tickets can also be purchased at the door, day of the show.

More info: Tickets may be reserved by calling (937) 743-8611, ext. 1203. Tickets will also be available at the door.

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