IF YOU GO¦ What: "Into the Woods" by Athens Community Theatre.¦ When: 7 p.m. Feb. 13-15, 18, 20-22; 2 p.m. Feb. 23.¦ Where: The Arts Center, 320 N. White St., Athens, Tenn.¦ Admission: $15 adults, $8 students all performances except Be My Valentine Night on Feb. 14 (buy one ticket, get one $3 off) and Fairy Tale Fun Night on Feb. 20 (arrive at 6 p.m. in fairy-tale costume for complimentary beverage and $1 off ticket price).¦ Phone: 423-745-8781.¦ Website: www.athensartscouncil.org.
Athens Community Theatre will journey into whimsy with the musical "Into the Woods," opening today, Feb. 13, at The Arts Center in Athens, Tenn.
"Into the Woods" is a fractured fairy-tale mash-up that takes a thoughtful but funny look into a fanciful world. Familiar faces like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, a baker and his wife each travel into the woods, desperately trying to make their wishes come true. As they cross paths, they may help each other earn their wishes.
In the process, they learn that getting a wish is not always easy as they encounter villains (an ugly witch and a demanding giant) and distractions (a wolf, a beanstalk, a prince). Once wishes come true, the play takes a look at what happens after "happily ever after."
The production features music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, book by James Lapine. The cast of 21 is directed by Melonie Carideo, with music director Mike Dannel leading a four-person orchestra.
Seven evening performances will be presented, with a matinee on the closing day, Feb. 23. Two shows have special pricing: Be My Valentine Night on Feb. 14 provides a $3 discount on a second ticket. Fairy Tale Fun Night on Feb. 20 offers a complimentary magic potion (hot beverage) and $1 off the ticket price to patrons who arrive an hour before showtime in a fairy-tale costume.