Media Advisory  / For Immediate Release: Monday, December 14, 2015
Hart House Theatre presents
Sondheim's popular play on classic tales
Into the Woods
Into the Woods Toronto, Ontario - Opening January 15, Hart House Theatre is pleased to bring an audience favourite to our classic stage. Directed by Toronto theatre artist Jeremy Hutton and starring a large cast of trained, emergent talent, Into the Woods promises to be an energetic and eerie journey with the high production value to which Hart House Theatre audiences are accustomed.
 
Recently made into an award-winning film, Into the Woods is an all-ages, musical clash of fairy tales. Characters like Cinderella, Jack, Red Riding Hood and several others are shown just what would happen should all of their wishes come true. Worlds collide as wishes and quests meet a delightfully conniving witch on a dark journey Into the Woods.
  
Jeremy Hutton We are honoured to have Jeremy Hutton return to Hart House Theatre to direct this project. His past work has earned him praise for creating thrilling, fast-paced and energetic productions. When coupled with Sondheim's incredible musical score, this is sure to be an instant hit.

When asked about his concept for the show and how it relates to the visual space, Jeremy had this to say:

"Into the Woods is, at its heart, a story about the way we tell stories. It questions what we tell ourselves and what we tell our children about the world around us. Moreover it's a play about the stories we neglect to tell, and the uncomfortable details we tend to omit. Storytelling is at the heart of this piece; as is the inexorable passage of time, and so the design team and I wanted to find a device that would combine the art of unconventional story telling within the looming presence of each passing midnight. 

We pictured a gorgeously detailed piece of German clockwork. One of those hand-carved Victorian coo-coo clocks with figurines, and rolling scenery, and all sorts of automated surprises designed both to keep precise time, and to tell a quaint, well-known story through the various mechanized elements of its artifice. So the narrator (our storyteller, our ring-master, and - in this case - our clockmaker) uses the detailed device he has made to tell these stories. In his hand is an intricate clock designed with painstaking labour. The stage itself is a life-sized version of the very same clock. As it strikes midnight, the clock comes to life and the story unfolds with each character being revealed as another element of the mechanical magic contained within."

Tasked with creating the magical world of twisted, clockwork fairy tales is the design team Joe Pagan (set), Michelle Tracey (costumes) and Simon Rossiter (lighting).

Inspirational imagery and early rendering by Set Designer Joe Pagnan

Inspirational imagery and early sketches by Costume Designer Michelle Tracey

Rounding out the production team is Music Director Giustin MacLean, Choreographer Michele Shuster and Stage Manager Dustyn WalesTo interview the director, our production team or to arrange a tour of the build in progress, please call the media contact listed below.
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Directed by Jeremy Hutton
Music Direction by Giustin MacLean
Set Design by Joe Pagnan
Costume Design by Michelle Tracey
Lighting Design by Simon Rossiter
Choreography by Michele Shuster
 
FEATURING

Saphire Demitro Returning to Hart House Theatre after stand-out appearances in Jesus Christ Superstar and The Great American Trailer Park Musical is powerhouse performer, Saphire Demitro. Saphire plays the Witch, a role made famous by Bernadette Peters, and stands poised to give the role a fresh take. Saphire received training through the St. Clair College Musical Theatre program and has been wowing Toronto audiences ever since.

Michelle NashMaking her d�but appearance on the Hart House Theatre stage is Michelle Nash. Michelle received her training from the Theatre and Drama Studies program at Sheridan College and the University of Toronto Mississauga, and continues to study voice with Yoriko Tanno. Michelle takes on the role of the iconic rags-to-riches and shoe-challenged Cinderella.

James King Tenor James King returns to Hart House Theatre in the role of The Baker. Last seen in the role of Peter in Jesus Christ Superstar, James has experience with several companies from around Ontario and his strong, emotional voice fits perfectly with this demanding role.


Amy Swift New to Hart House Theatre is New York and Los Angeles trained performer, Amy Swift. Amy lends her clear, resonant and almost operatic voice to the role of The Baker's Wife. Amy has worked with several companies from across North America and recently in Toronto with the Solar Stage and the Lower Ossington Theatre.

For a full list of cast members, click here. For more information on the professional production team, visit here.

Jan. 15-30, 2016

Week 1: Fri. & Sat., 8 pm
Week 2: Wed. to Sat., 8 pm
Week 3: Wed. to Sat., 8 pm and Sat., 2 pm

Postshow Talkbacks: Sat., Jan. 16 and Thurs., Jan. 21
Preshow Artist Chat: Sat., Jan. 30 at 1 pm
Tickets & Box Office
Single Ticket Prices
Adults: $28
Seniors: $17
Students: $15
$12 Student tickets every Wednesday night

UofTtix Box Office
416.978.8849
About Hart House Theatre

Established in 1919, Hart House Theatre is the University of Toronto's Performing Arts Leader. Since its inception, the theatre's unique mix of young professionals, alumni, and students has garnered the theatre a reputation as a cultural destination for not only the community of U of T but also the city of Toronto.

Media Inquiries

Andrea Wasserman

Marketing Coordinator at Hart House Theatre

416.978.8381

[email protected]

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Partners:
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Hart HouseHart House Theatre / University of Toronto
7 Hart House Circle / Toronto, ON  
www.harthousetheatre.ca