Head Into The Woods At the Egyptian Theatre

Cedar City’s Simonfest Theatre Company is excited to be celebrating their 21st season with Into the Woods! Simonfest Theatre Co. provides accessible, entertaining theatrical experiences that excite the imagination and nourish a lifelong passion for theatre. In addition to a fall production in October and a Christmas-themed show in December, the company generally does three to four productions during their summer season and brings them to various stages in the region.

This year, August 10th-20th, they bring their production of “Into the Woods” to Park City’s Egyptian stage. Several recognizable fairy tale characters created by the Brothers Grimm come together in a story of wishes, curses and choices as they journey into the woods. Cinderella, Little Red, Jack, the wicked witch, the Baker, his wife and several others, to life on the Egyptian stage.

First performed in 1986, this 37 year old story still has the power to charm and surprise. Richard Bugg, founder and Executive Producer of Simonfest Theatre Company, says, “The director has taken a very unique take on design of the show that we hope will surprise and delight all who attend.”

Director Rebekah Bugg, truly enjoys the differences this cast has created in the traditional characters. “The Baker and his wife are doing some really special stuff up there and I think a lot of real-life couples can relate to them,” says Bugg. “Our witch has got a wicked sense of humor that pairs well with her overall magical vibe and Little Red is more of a wild child than a snacker, and so is her wolf.”

Some people may think the overall message of the play is contained in the lyrics of the final song--

“Careful the tale you tell

That is the spell,

Children will listen...”

Director Bugg feels the message has expanded over the years and can be subjective to each individual audience member depending on what was in their hearts when they came in. “Every time we read a fairy tale to a child there is no telling what the stories can unlock for them,” says Bugg. “We can hope they take away something meaningful, but we can only be sure of sparking their imaginations and thoughts with our words.”

Her desire is for the audience to truly experience every element of the play. “I hope everyone who comes can sit, with no plans or expectations, and take these woods in for what will be meaningful to their hearts and journeys in their present, and share in some joy and heartache along the way.”

Get tickets here!