ST. PETERSBURG — American Stage in the Park returns this spring with an outdoor production of “Into the Woods,” Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s beloved musical based on Grimm’s fairy tales. “Into the Woods” runs March 25 through April 26 at Demens Landing Park, 525-549 Second Ave. SE, St. Petersburg.
Tickets are currently available. For prices, showtimes, and more information, visit americanstage.org.
Dating back to 1986, “Into the Woods” intertwines several classic fairy tales, taking audiences on a journey that goes far beyond “happily ever after.” In crafting the Tony award winning show, Lapine and Sondheim plucked traditional storybook characters from the pages of Grimm’s fairy tales and recast them in a timeless and relevant piece. Primary characters are pulled from “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Rapunzel,” and “Cinderella.”
Directed by Helen R. Murray, “Into the Woods” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. According to the theatrical licensing agency’s website, the story follows 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. Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later with disastrous results.
For Murray, bringing “Into the Woods” to Demens Landing Park is a wish come true.
“When I first saw it, I actually skipped school and rode the metro into D.C. to see it at The Kennedy Center,” Murray said. “It is one of those theatre experiences that has stayed with me. The way the stories intertwined, the lovable but fallible characters, the idea of what comes after ‘happily ever after’ — it was just magic.”
It’s that same magic Murray brings to this outdoor production, blending personal nostalgia and theatrical innovation.
The cast of the American Stage production includes Ryan Joustra, Edward L. Simon, Morgan Tapp, Katie Davis, Cody Taylor, Becky Keeshin, August Bagg, Kristin Carbone, Larry Alexander, Kayah Bonilla-Mas, Troy Brooks, Delores McKenzie, Marguerite Reed, Mariela Zeno, Anthony Gervais, Culver Casson, and Jonathan O’Brien.
Costume designer Cass Duimstra will blend whimsical fairytale style with practical, Florida-friendly glamour. Puppetry by Michael Horn will bring beloved character Milky White to life — the cow that Jack (of beanstalk fame) traded for magic beans.
Set under the open sky at Demens Landing Park, “Into the Woods” in the Park promises an enchanting atmosphere where the music, storytelling, and community come together. Audiences can enjoy the show picnic-style on blankets or in reserved seating — a perfect way to welcome spring and experience professional theatre in an unforgettable setting.
“Into the Woods” features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim with book by James Lapine, and is directed by Helen R. Murray with music direction by Jeremy D. Silverman and choreography by Jessica Kerner Scruggs.