MEDIA RELEASE

Performances at HPA’s Gates Performing Arts Center November 11-14

“Once upon a time,” one of the best-known phrases in the English language, comes to life in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s iconical musical, “Into the Woods.” The show is being presented by Hawaii Preparatory Academy’s Ka Makani Theatre at 7 p.m., November 11-13, and at 4 p.m. on November 14 in the school’s Gates Performing Arts Center. Tickets, which are only available at the door, are $10 for adults and $5 for students.

Based on stories by the Brothers Grimm, most of which have been modified over decades to a more politically correct, positive form, the musical explores wishes and desires through two very different acts. The first act centers on the well-known characters of Cinderella, Jack of beanstalk fame, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel, as well as two lesser known characters, the Baker and his wife. Each character wants something “more than anything,” and is either thwarted or assisted by the neighborhood witch, the Big Bad Wolf, and two Prince Charmings.

While the first act deals with how people go about getting what they want, the second act examines what happens after they get what they want. “Happily ever after” does not exist in a world where life moves on, and the idea that somehow one wish can ensure happiness forever is a fairy tale that is perhaps better left untold. The play contains wonderful themes for discussion between parents and children, as well as an incredible musical score by America’s master musical composer.

The show is directed by Sheryl Goodspeed with musical direction by Marina Tichotsky. Set design is by Honokaa High School art teacher Doug McDowell and lighting design is by Jared Terpak. Angel Prince is the choreagrapher, assisted by Liz MacDonald. Lolly Davis is assisting with costumes.

The cast features HanaSara Ito as the Narrator, Julia Varboncoeur as Cinderella, Dean Macy as the Baker, Delaney Ross as the Baker’s wife, Becca Barrett as Jack’s mother, Austin Dale as Jack, Leah Smith as Little Red Riding Hood, Gabi Geiger as the Witch, Kara Erickson as Rapunzel, Mitchell Parris as Cinderella’s prince, Kai Fink as Rapunzel’s prince, Logan Martin as the Big Bad Wolf, Alex Disney as Cinderella’s stepmother, Linnea Gregg and Angie Shumov as Cinderella’s stepsisters, Tomi Peebles as Cinderella’s mother, Molly Mackay-Smith as Little Red’s grandmother, Pat Chirathivat as Cinderella’s father, Duncan Michael as the Mysterious Man, Phong Hoang as the Steward, and Katie Boehm as the Giant, with a chorus composed of Allex Blacksmith, Kimi Cantyne, Lara Ebert, Katie Holdcroft, Lily Hoskinson-Weinstein, Miel Krauss, Lauren Richards, and Nani Welch Keliihoomalu.

For more information, call 881-4099.