Discover Delmarva Arts: Into The Woods

SALISBURY, Md. — At Salisbury University’s theatre program, students are more than just castmates, they’re part of a team. This Spring, SU Theatre presented Into The Woods — a musical that weaves together fairy tales like Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and more.

“The music is really fun. It’s one of Stephen Sondheim’s more melodical musicals. And I think because these are these fairytale and folktale characters that we all recognize we immediately watch and have buy in and can put ourselves in the characters,” Director Jamie McKittrick said.

McKittrick said when the curtain closes, what she’s most proud of is her casts’ ability to collaborate and work as a team. “The students have gotten to really figure out how to become this collaborative unit working together. They take care of each other, they’re kind to each other off stage, they laugh a lot; there’s a lot of jokes. Then when it’s time to work, they lock in and get down to it, and it’s the dedication to the work that I believe allows them to find more connection.”

For actress Ayla Dennis — it’s her first time performing in a musical ever. She said her favorite part is working with her character, the Witch. “Just really getting into character and trying to understand my character and what she wants, and also trying to understand other characters and where they’re coming from.”

She says what makes the cast such a strong team is how much they support one another. “Just helping each other with our lines if anyone forgets something or if we need to quickly rehearse through something before actually coming up to stage to rehearse.”