Lower Macungie Middle School Theatre’s performance of “Into the Woods” opens 7 p.m. March 21 with shows 7 p.m. March 22 and 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. March 23.

“Into the Woods,” written by James Lapine, is an enchanting twist on several classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales in musical format. Lyrics and music were written by Stephen Sondheim.

The Tony Award winning musical filled with fantasy, fun and meaningful messages follows a baker and his wife who long to have a child, which they are unable to do because of a witch’s curse. They set out on a journey to reverse this curse. Their paths intertwine with Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood and two princes chasing after the women they love as they all go into the woods and adventures begin. Will they all get their wishes? Be careful what you wish for!

Julia McDonnell plays the role of Cinderella’s mother who died and explains, “I’m the ghost in the tree that Cinderella planted on her mother’s grave.” She describes her character as a nice, caring person who loves her daughter and wants her to be happy. “Getting to portray this ghost, it’s been fun and to see how loving and caring I can come across as,” McDonnell said.

Describing the play as “a jumble of a whole bunch of fairy tales together,” McDonnell says the first act is funny and the second more serious but “still kind of a joke. It has a lesson; be careful what you wish for because you don’t know what affect that’s going to have on your life and other people’s lives. Be careful what choices you make, how you go about life because that could have effects on your life you don’t expect.”

McDonnell encourages everyone to see the play. “It’s a funny play and they will get a laugh out of it, but they will also learn things about life and it’s just really interesting to see us put this all together.” For students thinking about theater, McDonnell suggests “Go for it; there will always be an opportunity for you somewhere.”

Daniel Merk gained the opportunity to play two roles; Narrator and Mysterious Man. He wanted both roles and likes both parts. Merk got interested in theater after hearing about it on school announcements. “I just thought I’d try something new, get out of my comfort zone. There were opportunities to try out and I tried.” About his Mysterious Man character, “Well, he’s definitely mysterious. The mysterious man is kind of hunched over and creepy. It’s definitely a big difference between the Narrator and Mysterious Man characters. Mysterious Man makes people laugh he’s just that weird and creepy. He comes into the story and just disappears.” Merk hopes the audience “has a good theatrical experience, enjoyment in theater. It’s excellent to come and enjoy a show once in a while. It’s different than a movie or videos at home. You feel like you’re there in the show. I’m enjoying it. It’s wonderful, there’s nothing like being on stage and in character. When I first started, it was the most different thing I’ve ever done. It was different to be on stage and doing your lines being in front of a crowd. It’s definitely nerve-racking but with experience you gotta push yourself.”

When asked about the play’s message, Merk responded, “Everything ends, everything has an ending to it and you’ll make it through.”

Lindsey Riggs became involved in theater because her friends were in theater and she thought “it would be cool to see what happens behind the stage.” She is part of the crew that accomplishes set scene and prop changes. “The crew helps if something needs to be done or Director Mr. Campbell needs help with something,” Riggs said. Regarding the play, Riggs said, “I like it a lot, I think the scenes are really good and they just make me feel emotions even when they are just practicing.”

Most of Vivian Anthony’s friends perform on stage but she likes being backstage and became part of the crew this year and tech last year. She is also stage manager for this play with duties of timing for moving props and scene changes, understudy for all female roles, controlling curtain and sometimes lights, just making sure things go well. She says, “It’s fun being in theater and fellow cast and crew members are nice, caring and respectful.” Anthony feels the message for this play is “working together. Good singers and actors and everything will end up good, but you have to work for it. Even if things are tough sometimes, it will turn out okay.”

Tickets for the play are available at the door, on the Lower Macungie Middle School’s website or by phone at 610-395-8593, ext. 26212.