Into the Woods, Jr final

Village of Orland Park Children's Theatre Production of

OCTOBER 19-22, 2023

Music and Lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM Book by JAMES LAPINE

Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine

Orchestrations by Jonathan Tunick

Original Broadway production by Heidi Landesman Rocco Landesman Rick Steiner M. Anthony Fisher Frederic H. Mayerson Jujamcyn Theaters

Originally produced by the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, CA

BOARD OF TRUSTEES MAYOR Keith Pekau VILLAGE CLERK Patrick R. O’Sullivan

TRUSTEE William R. Healy TRUSTEE Sean Kampas TRUSTEE Cynthia Nelson Katsenes TRUSTEE Brian J. Riordan TRUSTEE Michael R. Milani TRUSTEE Joni J. Radaszewski

ORLAND PARK VILLAGE STAFF George Koczwara, Village Manager Jim Culotta, Assistant Village Manager

Ray Piattoni..............................................Director of Recreation & Parks Greg Bruggeman.........................Assistant Director of Recreation & Parks Jean Petrow...............................................Recreation Division Manager

RECREATION ADVISORY BOARD

James Arrendondo

Andrew Brennan

Mike Martinez Diane DeVito Yvonne Shurley

Kyle Kickert

Jim Pittacora

Jamie Makuch

Ed Hanley

RECREATION ADMINISTRATION OFFICE 14600 S. Ravinia Avenue (708) 403-5000 FAX (708) 403-3208

SPORTSPLEX 11351 W. 159th Street 708.403.5000 Be sure to visit us on our website @ orlandpark.org Into the Woods JR . is presented through special arrangement with and all authorized materials are supplied by Music Theatre International, New York, NY (212) 541-4684 mtishows.com

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ARTISTIC STAFF Jean Petrow............................................................Executive Producer Bryan Riess....................................................................... Co-Director Tina Cucci Fischer..............................................................Co-Director Sara Carlson.................................................................Vocal Director Calloway Walsh................................................Assistant Vocal Director Amanda Hess ....................................................Senior Stage Manager Carter Czarnecki.................................................Junior Stage Manager Bryan Riess & David Carlson.................................................Set Design David Carlson.............................................................Art/Paint Design Tina Cucci Fischer .........................................................Costume Vision Bryan Riess........................................................................Prop Design Phoebe Carlson, Mary Fischer & Zoe Carlson......Choreography Assistants Calloway Walsh............................................................Make Up Artist Yoshi McKee.................................................................Dance Captain Carter Czarnecki................................................................Prop Master CAST OF CHARACTERS Narrator....................................................................Alex Herman Baker.......................................................................Nicholas Huie Baker's Wife..............................................................Kate Kanagy Cinderella.........................................................................Eileen Li Jack.........................................................................Lucy Simmons Jack's Mother................................................................. Leah Huie Milky White...............................................................Grace Regan Little Red Riding Hood.................................................. Aeris Danet Witch................................................................ Kennedy Boshardt Cinderella's Prince.................................................... Aidan Raubolt Rapunzel's Prince........................................................Will Vajarsky Rapunzel............................................................Madeleine Carrier Stepmother..................................................................Cayla Evans Florinda/Wolfette........................................................Yoshi McKee Lucinda/Wolfette......................................................Teresa Kolssak Mysterious Man...........................................................Ben Hertzog Wolf................................................................................Simon Li Granny/Ensemble........................................................Abby Farrar Cinderella's Mother......................................................Cayla Evans Cinderella's Father/Ensemble..........................................Liam Crotty Steward/Wolfette............................................................Ellie Pruitt Wolfette/Ensemble.....................................................Dakkota Jones

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DIRECTOR’S NOTE Thirty years ago, when I was just a silly college actor, our theater director informed us that he knew Stephen Sondheim personally from his own college days, and our school was to be the very first non-professional theater to be granted special permission to perform Into the Woods . I never knew that this honor would stick in my mind all these years until I finally got a chance to co-direct the very same show. Standing beside my incredibly talented partner, Tina, we set forth to make something really special here in Orland, and once we secured the talents of our amazing Vocal Director, Sara, everything was coming to life. Of course, without our trusting and ever-helpful producer, Jean, none of this would have been possible. So, on behalf of the cast and crew, we thank you for this opportunity. This show also marks our first “all teen” production, and let me be the first to tell all of you avid theater-goers, they do NOT disappoint. We have been continually impressed by these rising stars, and more than once have held back tears of joy and lots of goose pimples as we have watched them rehearse. We can only hope you share the same emotions as you sit back, relax, and take a short trip with us “into the woods”! --Bryan Riess, Co-Director

OCTOBER 19-22

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ARTISTIC STAFF Special thanks to all parents, grandparents and loved-ones who assisted with costuming their child. Thank you also to Eva's Bridal, Great Wolf Lodge, Savers and Jean Petrow.

Bryan Riess ~ Co-Director/Set Design/Prop Design

Bryan has been part of the theater world for over 30 years, both on stage and behind, performing in over 30 productions and directing several others. Since taking over directing duties in the Orland Park Children's Theater with his partner, Tina, they have directed several shows, including Snow White , It's Not NOT a Musical, Fixing Christmas , and the summer theater camp production of Sleeping Beauty , as

well as taught several theater and improv classes for rising stars. Bryan also directs the adult improv team, No Limit Laughs and co-directs the children's improv team, Kids IMPROVable. Bryan would like to thank Tina, Sara, Jean, his parents and his children.

Tina Cucci Fischer ~ Co-Director/Costume Vision

Before co-directing children's theater classes and productions alongside Mr. Bryan, Tina and her family were able to participate in acting, singing and choreography in Frann Carnivele's community theater productions for Orland Park. Some of Tina's credits now include: Assistant-Director of Orland's first children's theater summer musical production, Cinderella (Director: Ms. Dee Hamilton), AD for Frozen Jr.

with LaGrange Community Park District (Director: Spencer Douglas Clark), AD/Prop Master for Beauty and the Beast with UPS for Downs (Director: Tyler McMahon), Prop Master for The Wizard of Oz with the Joliet Theater Guild. In Orland, she has co-directed children in: Pinocchio, Snow White, It's Not Not a Musical, Fixing Christmas, and Sleeping Beauty, respectively. Tina is the creator and current Co-Director of the Village's auditioned youth improv team, Kids IMPROVable, as well as being an instructor for improv & acting classes, including Junior Jokesters . "I would not have had any of these neat directing experiences; that is, keeping this Children's Theater Program unique and fresh, without the labors of my dedicated Co-Director and friend, Mr. Bryan Riess. I am grateful for our Producer, Jean Petrow, for hosting our visions and allowing these opportunities. I also thank Raymond and Mary Fischer, my loved-ones, and my friends, for their time, care, and support!"

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ARTISTIC STAFF CONT...

Sara Carlson ~ Vocal Director

Sara is delighted to be vocal directing this production of Into the Woods Jr. Not a stranger to the stage, Ms. Sara has extensive theatrical experience ranging from acting and singing in both professional and community productions, to writing musical sketch comedy, to directing school plays and musicals. Most recently, she played Mama Noah in LMCT’s Children of Eden and Bea Bottom in PVP’s Something Rotten .

Ms. Sara, a high school teacher, is also the proud mom of Phoebe and Zoe as well as wife to the awesome David. She would like to thank Mrs. Tina and Mr. Bryan for this opportunity to play in the woods! Break a leg, kiddos!

Amanda Hess ~ Senior Stage Manager

Amanda is thrilled for this wonderful opportunity that Mrs. Tina and Mr. Bryan have granted her. This is her debut as a stage manager and she cannot imagine having a better cast and crew during this new experience. Amanda has been doing theatre for about 6 years and is excited to learn more about what goes on behind the curtains. She is eternally grateful for everyone in her life that has pushed and

supported her through this ongoing journey.

Calloway Walsh ~ Assistant Vocal Director/Make Up Artist

Calloway is beyond excited to be the Junior Vocal Director for Into the Woods Jr. Recent theater credits include Hansel and Gretel Opera (Hansel), and The Wizard of Oz (Featured Dancer/Ensemble). She is also a 3-time superior-ranking

IGSMA Solo and Ensemble participant and has been a part of the ILMEA Junior Concert Festival. In her spare time, Calloway teaches piano and vocal lessons and likes calling her friends. She thanks you for your endless support and hopes you enjoy the show! Carter Czarnecki ~Junior Stage Manager/Prop Master

Carter is excited to be helping Mrs. Tina and Mr. Bryan in this production of Into the Woods Jr. Carter previously acted in Snow White and Fixing Christmas . He is really enjoying working in all aspects of theater, including props and costumes. He is thankful to the cast, crew and directors for including him, and is so proud to be a part of this production.

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CAST OF CHARACTERS (in alphabetical order)

Kennedy Boshardt ~ Witch

This is Kennedy’s 13th show, her 4th with Orland Park. Recently she has been in shows including; All Together Now!, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat and Moana Jr. In her spare time Kennedy enjoys crocheting, playing her guitar and hanging out with her friends. She would like to thank the directors for all their hard work.

Madeleine Carrier ~ Rapunzel

Madeleine is very excited to be working with the OPCT again! She was last seen as Annie in It's Not NOT a Musical . She would like to thank the cast and crew for all their hard work and a great experience!

Liam Crotty ~ Cinderella's Father/Ensemble

Liam is thrilled to be a part of the production, Into the Woods, Jr . This is his first performance with the Orland Park Children's Theatre program. Liam previously starred as Michael, Matilda’s brother, in his school production of Matilda Jr. Liam has a true passion for music and theater and is so grateful for this opportunity! Today marks Aeris’s 6th theatrical performance and her second portrayal of Little Red. This proud SAG-AFTRA member gained her professional actor status at age eleven for her work in TV/Film. She serves proudly as the youngest union strike captain and is a member of the NJHS. Aeris enjoys playing characters that musical theatre offers especially when performing alongside her talented cast of friends. This is Cayla’s second performance with Orland Park! Her previous role was Miss Bootheed in Fixing Christmas . She is also currently in a conservatory ensemble called BAM, where she will attend the Junior Theater Festival! Cayla loves music and plans to pursue theater professionally. She would love to thank all of the cast, crew, and directors for this amazing opportunity. 7

Aeris Danet ~ Little Red Riding Hood

Cayla Evans ~ Stepmother/Cinderella's Mother

Abby Farrar ~ Granny/Ensemble

Abby loves the theater and has been in several Orland Park plays, most recently Fixing Christmas . Abby enjoys spending time with friends and family as well as cooking, writing, swimming, painting and playing video games.

Alex Herman ~ Narrator

Alex is excited for his first musical with the OPCT! He appeared in OPCT’s Sleeping Beauty as the Prince, has assisted directed Junior Jokesters and is a member of Kids IMPROVable. Alex has also been in six productions with the Tinley Park Park District. He’d like to thank his family for their support, the cast for all their hard work and the directors for an awesome show. Ben is so excited to be a part of the Orland Park Children's Theatre once again. He was recently seen as Eric in his school's production of Matilda Jr. Ben was also a part of the Holiday Chorale in OPCT's Fixing Christmas . He would like to thank Mrs. Tina, Mr. Bryan and Mrs. Carlson for a great show. Ben would also like to thank his fellow cast members for all of their hard work and dedication. He would also like to thank his Leah is elated to be performing with the OPCT again! She previously appeared here as the Good Queen and Spirit Dancer in Snow White. Leah also participated in the ensemble of The Drowsy Chaperone and in various one-acts and vocal performances at Benet Academy. Leah wants to thank Mrs. Tina, Mr. Bryan, Mrs. Sara and the entire cast for their dedication and all the amazing memories this year.

Ben Hertzog ~ Mysterious Man

family for all the love and support. Leah Huie ~ Jack's Mother

Nicholas Huie ~ Baker

Nicholas is absolutely over the MOON at being in this production of Into the Woods Jr ! This is his second show with OPCT and he has loved every minute of it! He would like to thank his amazing family, the supportive cast, and especially Mrs. Sara, Mr. Bryan, and Mrs. Tina for all they have done to make this show possible. Enjoy walking through the woods!

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Dakkota Jones ~ Wolfette/Ensemble

Dakkota is delighted to be back in another show with the OPCT. She loves the musical production of Into the Woods, Jr. as much as she actually enjoys spending time in the woods: camping, canoeing and hiking with friends. She would like to thank Mrs. Tina, Mr. Bryan, Mrs. Sara and all of the cast/crew members for a wonderful show!

Kate Kanagy ~ Baker's Wife

Teresa is excited to be back on stage in Orland! Teresa has performed in many productions in Orland Park, including her roles in Cinderella, A Christmas Story, Pinocchio and It's Not NOT a Musical . Teresa was most recently seen in her Jr. High’s production of Beauty and the Beast as Belle. Teresa wishes to thank Mr. Bryan and Mrs. Tina for the opportunity and her friends, family and all the Kate is thrilled to be returning with the OPCT as The Baker’s Wife. She was seen recently in her middle school’s production of Matilda Jr. as Matilda, as well as in the OPCT originals Fixing Christmas as the Stage Manager and It’s Not NOT a Musical as Lori. She would like to thank the cast and production team for what is sure to be a great show!

Teresa Kolssak ~ Lucinda/Wolfette

theater- goers for their support.

Eileen Li ~ Cinderella

Eileen started theater at CJH, as Lumiere in Beauty and the Beast Jr . Over the summer Eileen was Briar Rose in OPCT’s production of Sleeping Beauty . She’s all too excited to be back again for Into The Woods Jr ! Her thanks go out to everyone who played a part in creating this production, a second family to the first, to whom she’s so grateful.

Simon Li ~ Wolf

Simon is so happy to be doing this production of Into The Woods Jr. He has played Chip from Beauty and the Beast and King Stefan in Sleeping Beauty . He can’t wait to perform the show!

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Yoshi McKee ~ Florinda/Wolfette/Dance Captain

Yoshi is a remarkable young individual with a passion for adventure and creativity that shines through in everything they do. They are a dedicated Junior Girl Scout, talented roller derby jammer, avid crocheter and a passionate performer. Yoshi has been a member of the school chorus and performed as a member of the Ensemble in The Lion King Jr. Ellie is happy to be performing for the first time with OPCT. In addition to singing and dancing, Ellie enjoys creating visual art and playing chess. Ellie would like to thank the directors, cast and crew for a great experience and she would like to thank her family for their love and support. Aidan is excited to be in his 4th production at the VOP. Most recently, Aidan was seen at the Oak Lawn Park District’s performance of Aladdin as The Sultan. Prior to that he was Zazu in Jerling Junior High School's production of the Lion King, Jr . He was also The Professor in Legally Blonde Jr. Aidan is enjoying starting his freshman year of high school and a member of the Kids IMPROVable team! He would like to thank

Ellie Pruitt ~ Steward/Wolfette

Aidan Raubolt ~ Cinderella's Prince

his family and friends for their support. Enjoy the show!

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Grace Regan ~ Milky White

Will is excited to be back on stage with the OPCT! He has done many productions with Orland since the age of 7, including his role as Flick in A Christmas Story . He was most recently seen in his Jr. High’s production of The Lion King Jr. as adult Simba. He was also Ton Ton Julian in Once On This Island Jr. Will loves music and has been in his school's choir, enjoys playing guitar, golfing and wrestling. He wants to This is Lucy’s first performance with the Orland Park Children's Theater! She has previously starred as Nala in a school production of The Lion King Jr . Lucy has also appeared as a villager in Once On This Island Jr . In her free time, Lucy enjoys singing, hanging out with her family and friends and playing soccer. Grace is so happy to be a part of Into the Woods Jr . She appeared in the Orland Park Children's Theatre production of Snow White as Sneezy, in several scenes in last fall's production of It's Not NOT a Musical and last year's Fixing Christmas . Grace enjoys singing, acting and spending time with family, friends and her dogs. She would like to extend a special "thank you" to Mrs. Tina, Ms. Sara, and Mr. Bryan for their hard work, fun

memories and sharing their gift of theatre.

Lucy Simmons ~ Jack

Will Vajarsky ~ Rapunzel's Prince

thank the directors, cast and crew for a great show!

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Happy Ads

Dakkota, We are SO proud of you! Love, your family. Thank you to our Sr. SM Amanda H. & our Jr. SM Carter C. for your creativity, enthusiasm, & support!! To our Sassy Granny, You made the original Sassy Granny proud!! We love you

Kennedy, Everyone deserves a chance to fly. So proud of you. Mom, Dad and Sissy

Congratulations to Liam and the entire cast of Into the Woods Jr . We are so proud of your hard work and dedication, Liam! Have fun! Love, Mom, Dad, Jake, Gavin and Grace Best of luck to the cutest cow ever! We love you, Grace xoxo Dad, Mom, Luke and Ben

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Madeleine- We are so proud of you! Love you so much! Mom, Dad and Ben Break a leg Will! We love you, Mom, Dad & Luke Mysterious Man, We are so proud of you! Smile and have fun. We love you lots, Mom, Dad and Nick Mr. Bryan, Mrs. Tina and Ms. Sara, Thank you for guiding us safely through the woods, helping us find our true talents and selves on the journey to our happily ever after! Love, the entire Cast Nicholas and Leah, We love watching you both on your journey! Keep singing, dancing and smiling, knowing you are not alone! Love, your family Happy Ads Aeris, When they say "You and what army?" I guess they're talking about you and me. Theresa

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Happy Ads

Dear Yoshi, Mazel tov! You are AMAZING! Love, Mom, Dad, Kai, Toby, Henry & Pinky

More Witch! More Witch! Love you, Mom and Dad

Dear Tina, Bryan & Staff, Thank you for EVERYHING and for casting Yoshi. Love Brian, & Caroline McKee Break a leg, Alex! We are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad, David, Rosie and Winston Teresa, We are so proud of you and love watching you perform! Love, Your Family and Friends Carter, We are proud of you for taking on this new and interesting role. Thank you Mrs. Tina and Mr. Bryan for believing in him! Congrats to all the Cast and Crew!

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Happy Ads

Congrats to our Prince Aidan! So proud of your hard work and dedication to the role! Break a Leg! Love, Mom, Dad and Char Lucy, It is always special to share the stage with you! Break a leg!  Will Thank you Tina, Bryan, Sara and all the cast and crew for a great experience! Ellie Break a leg Abby! Please don't hit us with your cane! Love Your Family! Shout out of THANKS to our special helpers: PHOEBE, MARY, & ZOE! Love, Mom, Mr. Bryan, & Mom

Congratulations Benjamin! We are so proud of you! Love always, Gram and Pops

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Happy Ads

Aeris, What Big Goals you Have.

Break a Leg! XOXO, Mom Ellie,

Madeleine - Sorry we couldn't make it! Can't wait to see the pictures! Love, Duke, Mrs. B, BZ and the crew We cannot wait to see our wonderful Grace on stage! All of our love, Your Grandmas and Grandpas Sara Carlson! You were all we've dreamed of and so much more! Thank you for your knowledge & gifts in bringing this musical to life! Love, T & B, et al To our "Cast" of Building Attendants for your kindness & patience with us: Andres, Sherril, Bill, Stephanie, David, Dennis, Judy, Ed, Mike, Trish, Janice, Justin, & Karen! Love, T & B Congratulations! We are so proud of you! Love, Mom, Dad and Aspen

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MAIN STAGE ADULT IMPROV CLASS

NEW

Looking for a local adult Improv class that won't cost you time and gas money just to get to? Well, look no further! Garrett Gray, of Main Stage Productions, will instruct adults on the fundamentals of improv. By enrolling in this course you'll obtain the following tools: basic principles of improv, object work, exposure to character work, active listening, supporting your teammates and how to do fun improv games. At graduation, students will host and perform in their very own improv show! In addition to his Improv work, Garrett is a co-founder of the Yes And Toastmasters Club in Bolingbrook which combines improv with public speaking.

AGE: FEE:

18 and up

Resident $159 | Non-resident $198

PROG#: DATE:

DAY:

TIME:

LOCATION:

97129

Jan 9-Feb 20

T F T F

7:00p-9:00p 8:00p-9:00p 7:00p-9:00p 8:00p-9:00p

Cultural Center—Room 203 Cultural Center—Exhibit Hall

Feb 23

97130

Mar 12-Apr 23

FLC—Room 109

Apr 26

Civic Center

Congratulations to the entire cast for a wonderful performance, along with a special thanks for Mr. Bryan and Mrs. Tina for all they do!

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ACTING 101 Interested in doing theater? Have you never been in a play before? This is the class for you. Learn the basics of theater, and what it takes to be on stage in a play. Sign up now for beginner’s acting class with Mrs. Tina.

INSTRUCTOR: Tina Cucci Fischer PROG#: 96843

AGE: 8 to 16

DATE:

Jan 6-Mar 9

DAY/TIME: LOCATION:

Saturday / 9:00a-10:00a Cultural Center—Room 201

FEE:

Resident $85 | Non-resident $106

ACTING 2.0 Do you have the theater bug? Have you previously taken acting classes with Ms. Tina and Mr. Bryan? This advanced acting class skips past the basics and dives into the finer details of theater. Learn advanced techniques and practice several different styles of acting and stage performance. From monologues to staged readings to Shakespeare, you will get a taste of it all, gaining the experience to put you ahead of the competition. This class is not for beginners.

INSTRUCTOR: Bryan Riess PROG#: 96829

AGE: 11 to 17

DATE:

Jan 6-Mar 9

DAY/TIME: LOCATION:

Saturday / 9:00a-10:00a Cultural Center—Room 203

FEE:

Resident $85 | Non-resident $106

JUNIOR JOKESTERS Kids participate in fun games and a variety of sketches which teach the skills and art of improvisational humor and joke-telling. Several participating youth in the area have used this intorductory class as improv training for Kids Improv-able auditins. At the program's conclusion, a one-time showcase will be sure to leave your whole family laughing and intrigued at the kids' quick wit and stage presence.

INSTRUCTORS: Bryan Riess & Tina Cucci Fischer DAY/TIME: Saturday / 10:00a-11:00a AGE: 8 to 12 FEE: Resident $60 | Non-resident $75 PROG#: DATE:

LOCATION:

96849 97066

Jan 6-Mar 9

Cultural Center - Room 203

Mar 30-May 11

Franklin Loebe Center - Room 101

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Directed by

BRYAN RIESS & TINA CUCCI FISCHER

FRIDAY SHOW DATES NEW LOCATION - CIVIC CENTER, 14750 S. RAVINIIA JAN 19 | FEB 16 | MAR 15 | APR 19 | MAY 17 Our incredible Kids Improv-able cast will be performing for you. Enjoy these AMAZING young comics put on a show you won't forget! Off the cuff fun show for the whole family! TIME: 6:00p-7:00p | FEE: $5 payable at the door

ADULT (18 & UP) Join the No Limit Laughs Orland Park Comedy IMPROV players for an unforgettable night of improvised comedy. Each show is guaranteed to be a unique experience as the audience’s suggestions fuel off-the-cuff fun! TIME: 8p-10p | FEE: $10 payable at the door FRIDAY SHOW DATES | NEW LOCATION - CIVIC CENTER, 14750 S. RAVINIA JAN 19 | FEB 16 | MAR 15 | APR 19 | MAY 17

I mprov

Directed by BRYAN RIESS