Willowbrook to present fall musical, ‘Into the Woods’

Classic fairy tales from the Grimm brothers will get a dark twist when they come to life on the stage at Willowbrook.

The school will present its fall musical, “Into the Woods,” from Nov. 14 to 16. 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 they are childless 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.

“I’ve loved the show since it first came out,” said Willowbrook Theatre Director Regina Wathier. “I love the wicked characterization – each character is complex and wickedly funny.”

She added the musical’s themes of family, responsibility and expectations are universal, and the audience can look forward to relating to an entertaining show. Willowbrook last performed “Into the Woods” in 1991, and the show was selected for the Illinois High School Theatre Festival. Wathier said she and the students are committed to honoring that accomplishment with a high-quality performance this year.

Willowbrook junior Allison Mahal plays the Witch, and she’s thrilled to bring such a multidimensional character to life.

“This is my first leading role, and I feel very honored to play this character,” she said. “I hope the audience falls in love with the characters in their own way.”

Also new to playing a leading role is senior Carrington Breckenridge, who plays Jack.

Junior Laura Smith plays Cinderella and said being part of the musical has been an amazing experience.

“I love the music,” she said. “It’s challenging, but it’s magical and fantastic, and that makes all the work worth it.”

Junior Olivia Baumann plays Little Red Riding Hood and said embodying such well-known characters presented a fun challenge for the cast.

“A lot of people know the story, so we’re focusing on making the characters our own,” she said.

And the story has an underlying message, said junior Alex Lapinski, who plays the baker.

“The basic theme is the pursuit of things you want doesn’t come without a cost,” Lapinski said.

“Into the Woods”
When: 7 p.m. Nov. 14, 15 and 16

Where: Willowbrook, 1250 S. Ardmore Ave. in Villa Park

Tickets: Tickets cost $7 for adults; $5 for students; $3 with an Activity Pass and are free with a District 88 Senior Gold Card. To buy tickets, or for more information, call 630-782-2860.

Cast list: To see a list of the cast members, go to https://dupage88.net/site/public/files/?item=1120.