The widely celebrated musical Into the Woods will arrive in Ballarat this September for a strictly limited season, with just four performances at Her Majesty’s Theatre from Friday 4 to Sunday 6 September.
The show’s stellar cast will feature television personality and local restaurant owner Gorgi Coghlan, alongside Ballarat’s Jess Ryan, who has also starred in Mamma Mia and Seussical. Simon Carroll, Andrew Lorenzo, Brittany Harbour, Jesse Simpson, Storm Randall and Ben Goldsbrough will also take the stage, alongside an outstanding company of performers.
Directed by Matthew Henderson, with Musical Direction by Sarah Barlow and Choreography by Natalya Munro, the production brings together many years of talent and experience.
Director Matthew Henderson said Into the Woods was “one of the most sophisticated and moving musicals ever written”.
“Sondheim’s score is extraordinary and will be played by a full orchestra onstage, with this cast bringing remarkable depth, humour and heart to every moment,” he said.
Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning musical follows famous fairy tale characters including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, Rapunzel, and a childless Baker and his Wife beyond their “happily ever after”, exploring the consequences of their wishes.
Gorgi Coghlan said the production was challenging for performers, pushing both herself and her fellow cast members beyond their comfort zones.
“It is so beautifully difficult to do as a performer – it is challenging, we are both feeling really expanded, out of our comfort zone,” she said.
She said Sondheim’s approach encouraged audiences to grow alongside the characters as the show progresses.
“He wants the audience to grow with you as the show progresses,” she said.
Jess Ryan said Sondheim’s characters were “so deeply layered”.
“They are deeply flawed, deeply human, which makes them relatable,” she said.
“It’s such a beautiful take on the story and the characters we already know.”
Limited tickets are still available for the strictly limited season.
