Huntley High School's production of 'Into the Woods' opens tonight

The beloved fairy tales of your childhood will come to life on one stage this weekend, with a twist, as Huntley High School students stage the musical "Into the Woods."

The students have been working since August on the musical, which weaves together several fairy tales, including "Rapunzel" and "Little Red Riding Hood," while focusing on the story of the Baker and the Baker's Wife.

The musical is by Steven Sondheim and James Lupine, and showcases the fairy tale characters as they strive to get their wishes and deal with the consequences of those wishes.

"The story intertwines a number of familiar fairy tales with a clever musical score," director Nancy Cross said.

The show features 40 students on stage with many more behind the scenes working to bring the musical to life.

It's a difficult show, but this group of students is up to the challenge, which is why "Into The Woods" was selected, Cross said.

"We found ourselves with a very talented group of students who could rise to the challenge," Cross said.

"This is practically an opera with a very difficult musical score, and we are very pleased with the quality of the performance."

Christian Aldridge, a sophomore from Huntley who plays the Baker, said the audience will love the show.

He said he remembers his parents telling him many of these fairy tales as a child, and never dreamed he'd be part of a production that would bring them to life again on stage.

The audience members will be familiar with many of the stories, and will have a great time watching the show, he said.

"It's a very funny show, with funny people and there's also a little something deeper in there that will appeal to everyone," Aldridge said.

Olivia Stepp, a sophomore from Lake in the Hills who plays the Baker's Wife, agreed.

"It's a very energetic show. It's very exciting and very fast-paced. It's based on the fairy tales we grew up on, and it's just fun," Stepp said.

The show opens today and runs through Sunday.

Performances will be staged at 7 p.m. Oct. 8 to 10, and at 3 p.m. on Oct. 11.

Tickets are $8 for adults, $6 for students, seniors and District 158 staff.

Tickets can be purchased online at www.district158.org/pac/, or in person before the performances.

<p class="factboxheadblack">If you go </p> <p class="News"><b>What:</b> Huntley High School's production of "Into the Woods" </p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 7 p.m. today, Friday and Saturday, Oct. 8-10; 3 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 11</p> <p class="News"><b>Where: </b>The Performing Arts Center at Huntley High School's Harmony Road campus</p> <p class="News"><b>Tickets:</b> $8 for adults; $6 for seniors, students and District 158 staff</p> <p class="News"><b>Details:</b> <a href="http://district158.org/pac/" target="new">district158.org/pac/</a></p>