'Into the Woods' offers a forest of fun

Once upon a time, there was a talented group of 58 singers and dancers, a sprinkle of colorful costumes, and a large helping of Stephen Sondheim’s challenging score. This is the recipe for happily-ever-after when the Colorado Children’s Theatre presents “Into the Woods, Jr.,” opening on May 1.

Colorado Children’s Theatre presents “Into the Woods, Jr.” at Bowles Community Church, 12325 W. Bowles Ave.

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The story line brings together Cinderella, Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel to help lift the curse that the witch has put upon the baker and his wife. We are visited by the wolf, two princes, Pinocchio and even the Gingerbread Man. The baker and his wife lead the way as they search for a white cow, Little Red Riding Hood’s red cape, Rapunzel’s blonde hair and Cinderella’s gold slipper.

The magic of this show lies deeper than the spells cast by the disgruntled witch, however. The magic comes to life in the way that these students, ages 7 to 16, can take the bull by the horns — or Milky White, the cow, in the case of this show — and show off their stage presence and vocal chops.

“This is our fifth season at CCT, and we’re really hitting our stride,” says director and the school’s co-founder, Kerri Monnerat. “Some of these kids have been with us since the beginning. It’s all about trusting the process — each rehearsal and each year, we see these kids growing and learning. It’s rewarding to see them pull off music as challenging as Stephen Sondheim’s.”

Monnerat and co-director Karen Tobey have divided the students into three companies. The students in Junior Company I are ages 7 to 11; Junior Company II consists of students ages 9 to 13; and CCT’s Lead Company is made up of students ages 13 to 16. The companies rotate performances so that each group will have one weekend of performances during May. CCT also has a Starlets Group of students who are 6 to 8 years old. The Starlets will open the Junior Company’s performances on May 8 and 15.

The crossover in performances has allowed CCT even more opportunities for education and mentoring of its students.

“Each Company is a really tight-knit collaborative,” says Monnerat. “They get to learn so much from each other. When the older kids aren’t rehearsing, they are helping the junior company kids work on their material. We’re teaching them a whole new level of communication and how to help each other in the theater.”

After “Into the Woods” wraps in May, CCT will be preparing for an exciting lineup of summer camps. In June CCT will offer a dance camp and a week-long theater camp that will culminate in a performance of “High School Musical.” July brings the annual CCT Los Angeles Summer Program, in which students participate in master classes led by professional working performers in Hollywood, Calif.

Meanwhile, the stage is set for a magical month of May with all of the storybook characters in “Into the Woods.” For more information on all of CCT’s events, visit www.coloradochildrenstheatre.org.

“Into the Woods, Junior”

Presented by Colorado Children’s Theatre Company

Performances:

• May 1 at 7 p.m.

• Jr. Company I: May 8 at 7 p.m.

• Jr. Company II: May 15 at 7 p.m.

All performances at West Bowles Community Church,

12325 W. Bowles Ave. in Littleton.

To reserve tickets, visit www.coloradochildrenstheatre.org or call 303-884-8719.