4/7/26

By FHSU University Communications

HAYS, Kan. – Braiding together the plots of several classic Brothers Grimm fairy tales, Into the Woods has captivated musical theatre audiences since its debut in the mid-1980s. Later this month, Fort Hays State University’s Department of Music and Theatre will bring the musical to life on the Felten-Start Theatre stage.

Performances of Into the Woods will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 16, 17, and 18, and at 2:30 p.m. April 19, in the Felten-Start Theatre on the FHSU campus.

Directed by Catherine Trieschmann, FHSU theatre director, the production promises a creative and heartfelt experience for audiences of all ages.

Trieschmann said the show remains a favorite not only because of its well-known film adaptation, but also because of the depth and variety of its characters.

“It is a musical with so many featured roles and so many characters that we know and love,” she said. “It tells the story of what happens after happily ever after. I think that’s where the musical really starts to pull on your heartstrings in a powerful way.”

Trieschmann said she is especially excited to introduce Hays audiences to several talented FHSU freshmen and non-major performers who will share the stage with experienced theatre students.

“It’s a great mix of new people and accomplished majors who have been working on these types of productions their whole college career,” she said.

In addition to the student cast, faculty and staff from across campus are helping bring the production to life. Thomas Giebler, professor of art, is serving as projection designer. Carl Sage, assistant professor of theatre, is creating the physical set. Cristi Green is handmaking most of the costumes, and Dr. Terry Crull, professor of music, is directing the music.

The cast includes Kiki Gonzales, McKynlee Stecklein, Cody Ingrenthron, Michael Jund, Alison Walker, Allie Straub, Holly Trullinger, Mary Newboles, Lauren June, Addyson Brown, Lilly Kimberlin, Jacob Schultz, Xavia Bren, Ellie McGuire, Quinton McGuire, Brett Dreher, Alan Torres, Adrian Normandin, Sam Schroeder, Reese Schmeidler, and Faith Woods.

“Into the Woods is such a creative show,” Trieschmann said. “It includes puppetry and a lot of side gags, which is a lot of fun. It’s a great show for the whole family.”

For tickets or more information, visit https://www.ticketreturn.com/prod2new//team.asp?sponsorid=19415

or call 785-628-5472.