High School Seniors Take the Spotlight as Co-Directors in Into the Woods, Jr.
Main Stage Community Theatre prides itself on its mission to “Engage the ARTIST in anyone. Inspire the ARTS in everyone”. While they continue to grow as a community theatre and offer productions that span generations, the Junior productions will always remain an integral part of their line-up each year. Into the Woods, JR is the next stellar production, and this adaptation of the Tony Award-Winning Sondheim musical sets 25 of our incredibly talented youth center stage while also featuring a unique directorial approach.
Under the mentorship of Michelle McElroy-Cox who is Hilton Head Christian Academy’s Theater Director and a frequent MSCT Director, Millie Gilbreath and Emma Kate Dalzell are two high school students that have taken on the challenge of being co-directors for the musical as part of a very special school project. McElroy-Cox explains, “During the junior and senior years, Hilton Head Christian Academy students have the opportunity to delve deeply into an area of study of their own choosing through our Diploma with Distinction Capstone Program. Working with a faculty mentor and team of advisors, participants engage in a long-term project of real-world significance within their chosen field. Millie and Emma Kate have worked on multiple theater productions and codirecting Into the Woods JR as one of their Senior projects for this prestigious title is a win-win.”
Emma Kate Dalzell and Millie Gilbreath
As for the show itself... “Be careful what you wish for” is the ongoing theme of Into the Woods JR which is an adaptation of Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s musical masterpiece. Best described as a “cockeyed fairytale”, Into the Woods JR features all of your favorite characters - Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and the Witch - in this lyrically-rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm fables. Into the Woods JR features classic Sondheim songs including “It Takes Two”, “Giants in the Sky”, “Agony” and “Stay with Me”.
The show stars Audrey Atkins and Danielle Ryan as the Witch (double cast), Eli Taylor as the Baker, Jetts Nelson as the Baker’s Wife, Josie Feldmann, and Anneliese Germany as Cinderella (double cast), Sienna Reed-Arquez and Mia Procida as Little Red (double cast), Matthew Richmond as the Wolf, Gray Hughes as Jack and many more!
MSCT Board President Cinda Seamon notes, “We couldn’t be more excited as we watch these immensely talented youth come together under the direction of Emma Kate and Millie. They have such a command of the stage and it’s a collaboration like no other!” McElroy-Cox adds, “The talent behind the scenes and on stage is fantastic... this is a not-to-be-missed show!”
In addition to Hilton Head Christian Academy Seniors Millie Gilbreath and Emma Kate Dalzell as Co-Directors, the show’s production team includes Melinda Bray (Musical Director), Jamal Edwards (Choreographer) and Michelle McElroy Cox (Stage Manager, Costumer and Director’s Mentor).
The production will be at the Hilton Head Preparatory Main Street Theatre (3000 Main Street on Hilton Head) and there will be 4 performances total: November 16th, 17th, and 18th with evening performances at 7 pm and there is a 2 pm matinee on November 19th. The show’s Title Sponsor is Court Atkins Group and Season Sponsors include The Charles Sampson Group of Charter One Realty, Integrated Growth Advisors, Studio PCI, Eyeland Optique, Bluffton School of Dance, and Cort Lifestyle Pros of Charter One Realty.