ORLANDO, Fla. \u2013 Jodi Benson is known worldwide as the voice of Ariel in Disney\u2019s \u201cThe Little Mermaid,\u201d but this weekend, she\u2019s inviting Central Florida audiences into a very different kind of fairy tale.<\/p>\n
Benson is starring as the Witch in Stephen Sondheim\u2019s beloved musical \u201cInto the Woods,\u201d opening Friday, July 31 at Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts in Steinmetz Hall. Performances run through Sunday, Aug. 2 \u2014 and after early shows sold out, the production added a Saturday matinee.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m so excited to be here in Orlando, performing at the Doctor Phillips Performing Arts Center,\u201d Benson said. \u201cWe sold out the first three shows and added the matinee, and we still have some great seats left.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s based on just a mix up of many fairy tales mixed into one,\u201d Benson said. \u201cAct one, of course, has this beautiful, happy ending, and act two kind of kicks in with reality.\u201d<\/p>\n
That blend of fantasy and consequence is what Benson hopes audiences carry with them when they leave the theater.<\/p>\n
\u201cI really hope that audiences kind of walk away with this concept of fairy tale and reality mixed together,\u201d she said. \u201cLife can have a little bit of both going on at the same time\u2026 the good, the bad and everything in between.\u201d<\/p>\n
For Benson, the Witch has been an especially thrilling challenge \u2014 because it\u2019s unlike anything audiences might expect from her.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve never done it before. The role of the witch is way out of my comfort zone,\u201d she said. \u201cIt\u2019s been fun, challenging, scary, frightening, exciting all mixed into one.\u201d<\/p>\n
She also joked that the biggest surprise might be seeing her unleash the Witch\u2019s sharper edges.<\/p>\n
\u201cThat Jody can be tough sometimes,\u201d she said. \u201cThere\u2019s some anger and some yelling and some screaming and some casting of spells\u2026 but it\u2019s been fun and challenging, and I am making it my own.\u201d<\/p>\n
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The production itself is rooted in Orlando, with a cast made up of local performers \u2014 many balancing day jobs at theme parks with nightly rehearsals and performances.<\/p>\n
\u201cEverybody is local right here in Orlando,\u201d Benson said. \u201cThey are either Disney cast members or they work at Universal\u2026 doing double shift working during the day and then coming to do the show and the rehearsals that night.\u201d<\/p>\n
Benson, who calls Orlando her \u201csecond home,\u201d said returning to perform here has been years in the making. After appearing in \u201cHello, Dolly!\u201d with director Kristen Sheola Paul two years ago, she was invited back \u2014 and soon the team began planning \u201cInto the Woods.\u201d<\/p>\n
\u201cThis time, this hall is unbelievable,\u201d Benson added of Steinmetz Hall. \u201cIt\u2019s by far the best sound system of a space and a venue to sing for me in the world.\u201d<\/p>\n
And while the Witch may be driven by wishes, Benson\u2019s real-world wish is simple \u2014 and heartfelt.<\/p>\n
\u201cMy prayer would be for people to have food and shelter and to have their needs met,\u201d she said. \u201cThat would be the most amazing wish to have filled.\u201d<\/p>\n
Now, she\u2019s hoping Orlando audiences will join her for an unforgettable trip into Sondheim\u2019s woods \u2014 where the magic is real, the music is iconic and the lessons linger long after the final bow.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe can\u2019t wait for you to come and see the show,\u201d Benson said. \u201cWe hope you have an incredible journey with us.\u201d<\/p>\n