Fox Valley Rep Performing Arts Academy presents Into the Woods, Jr. while helping the Fox Valley Wildlife Center
“I wish…” So begins Into the Woods, a tale where each of the characters has a wish that they desire “more than anything.” The Brothers Grimm "go Broadway" as the story, based on the book by James Lapine, combines with the music of Stephen Sondheim to offer a cockeyed fairy tale where all of your favorite characters—Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk) and The Witch—meet and interact on their journeys. The characters are complex, and the music is unforgettable! The Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy is proud to present their free musical production of Into the Woods on October 27 at 12:30 p.m. and October 28th at 11:00 a.m. on the Pheasant Run Mainstage (4051 East Main Street, St. Charles, IL).
Kaitlyn Crowell (9) of St. Charles says, “I love Into the Woods! The characters and the story are really very funny, and the music is awesome! I’m having so much fun rehearsing with my friends, and I love my director, Miss Tracy!”
Education Manager, Tracy Whiteside, has been teaching and directing children at FVR since 2006. “This show is a departure from our normal choices. The music is difficult, and it is not your average fairy tale. But I was delighted to give this advanced group of young actors a new challenge. Because this is not a big ‘dance’ show, we have the opportunity to really work on inner monologues and character development. It’s a fun comedy with great characters!”
The cast of FVR Performing Arts Academy's Advanced Audition-only Early Fall Musical will be performing this hour-long adaptation of Into the Woods on the Pheasant Run Resort's Mainstage. Along with preparing for the show, the children are collecting donations of wildlife care supplies, gift cards and monetary gifts for the Fox Valley Wildlife Center in order to help their furry, woodland friends.
Caley Mapes (9) of Batavia, recounts the story of her encounter with the Fox Valley Wildlife Center: “Our dog brought four baby bunnies into our house one evening and we didn't know how to take care of them, so we called the Wildlife Rescue Center for help. We took the bunnies there that day, and they put the bunnies in an incubator so they could grow up and be set free into the wild. There were so many animals there that they were helping.”
The Fox Valley Wildlife Center, located 45W061 Hwy. 38 in Elburn IL, is a wildlife hospital for wild animals in need of help and a resource for people concerned about and frustrated by wildlife. It is a state and federally licensed facility and a private, 501(c)3 non-profit organization, relying solely on donations and grants. Most of the animals that the center receives are impacted by man in some way. Perhaps they were caught by a cat, hit by a car, or became tangled in fishing lines. Their goal is to release these animals back in to the wild because they deserve a second chance.
In to the Woods, Jr. will be presented in two performances on October 27 at 12:30 p.m. and October 28th at 11:00 a.m. Both performances will be take place on the Pheasant Run Mainstage and are free of charge, but a suggested donation of $5 per person would be greatly appreciated. Any donations will be used to fund scholarships for area children who would otherwise be unable to take part in the Performing Arts Academy programs.
Requested items for the Fox Valley Wildlife Center include, but are not limited to: wild bird seed, paper towels, bottled water and snacks for volunteers, polar fleece and/or blankets (not red or black), bird vitamins, clean ceramic pet dishes, gift cards to Jewel, Home Depot, Petsmart, or cash donations. For a complete list of their many needs, please visit FoxValleyWildlife.org.
Into the Woods, Jr. cast members include from St. Charles: Kaitlyn Crowell, Erika Denker, Keira Denker, Kathryn Dybas, Emily Johns, Allison Masulis, Eva Saltsman, and Erin Seales Geneva: Molly Babczak, Nathan Castagna, Riley Kafka, Will Kelley, Ella Kobylecky, and Caroline Wenokur Batavia: Caden Bohmer, Brooke Herrera, and Caley Mapes Barlett: Haley Hughes Aurora: Anna Laurich Lake in the Hills: Alyssa Kuphal Hanover Park: Hayley Troyan Lombard: Shelby Jenkins.
The Fox Valley Repertory Performing Arts Academy features some of the Chicago area’s most respected teachers, directors, actors and musicians. Classes are available for ages 4-22. For more information, visit www.foxvalleyrep.org/education or call 630-364-0550.