Berkeley Playhouse Youth Conservatory Opens INTO THE WOODS, 8/3; INTO THE WOODS JR., 8/10

Berkeley Playhouse presents its next TeenStage production, INTO THE WOODS, August 3-5, 2012, and its next YouthStage production, INTO THE WOODS JR., August 10-12, 2012, both with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine.

One of Stephen Sondheim’s most popular works, INTO THE WOODS is a timeless modern classic. Intertwining such classic fairytales as Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack and the Beanstalk with the story of a childless baker and his wife, who attempt to reverse a curse on their family, INTO THE WOODS deals with the real life consequences that occur when the fairytale ends and what really happens after happily ever after. Witty and profound, this enchanting hit dazzles with glorious music, memorable songs, and thought-provoking laughter. Skewing the line between vintage fairytale and modern urban legend, what begins as a lively, irreverent fantasy in the style of The Princess Bride becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children.

Jon Tracy (The Pirates of Penzance, The BFG, The Wizard of Oz, Narnia) directs the TeenStage production; music direction by Angela Zullinger with co-music direction by Bryan Nies. The production features performances by young actors enrolled in the Berkeley Playhouse TeenStage program, a performance section of the Youth Conservatory.

Dan Saski directs the YouthStage production of this moving modern classic, with music direction by Erika Oba. The production features performances by young actors enrolled in the Berkeley Playhouse Youth Stage program (students Grades 5-7), a performance section of the Youth Conservatory.

Berkeley Playhouse believes that kids and teens have the ability to command their own audiences. The company’s acclaimed Youth Conservatory gives talented students the opportunity to participate in full-scale youth-only productions of the highest quality with some of the best professional directors, choreographers, and designers in the Bay Area. Cast members of Conservatory productions receive ongoing training in acting, voice, and movement.

Nominated for eight and winner of five BATCC Awards for 2011, Berkeley Playhouse was founded by actor, director, and teacher for over 20 years, Elizabeth McKoy. Under the artistic guidance of McKoy, and Managing Director Lauren Hewitt, Berkeley Playhouse is a professional theater for all ages that presents a season of year-round musicals, providing children and families with unique and sophisticated musical theater experiences. In addition, Berkeley Playhouse has a music theater conservatory which offers a range of educational instruction classes in music performance skills. In 2009, Berkeley Playhouse made its permanent performance home at the historic Julia Morgan Theatre in Berkeley.

INTO THE WOODS will run Friday, August 3, 7pm; Saturday, August 4, 2pm, 7pm; Sunday, August 5, 2pm at Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, Calif.

INTO THE WOODS JR. will run Friday, August 10, 7pm; Saturday, August 11, 2pm; Saturday, August 11, 7pm; Sunday, August 12, 2pm at Ashby Stage, 1901 Ashby Ave, Berkeley, Calif.

For tickets ($20 Adults, $15 Youth) and more information, the public may visit berkeleyplayhouse.org or call 510-845-8542x351.