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Into the Woods- Coming to Musical Theatre West This March!

By Erin

Get ready to step into a world where fairy tales collide and enchantment awaits! This March, Musical Theatre West, (MTW) in Long Beach, CA, is bringing the beloved musical “Into the Woods” to life at Carpenter Performing Arts Center, inviting audiences to join a whimsical journey filled with unforgettable characters and a sprinkle of dark humor. Imagine a place where Little Red Riding Hood meets a hungry wolf, and Cinderella’s dreams intertwine with a baker and his wife. Whether you’re a seasoned theatergoer or a curious newbie, this production promises to be a delightful blend of magic, mischief, and music that will leave you singing along long after the curtain falls. Don’t miss your chance to wander into the woods, adventure awaits!

Running select nights starting March 28th-April 13th, 2025, this timeless tale brings together beloved fairy tale characters as they venture into the woods in pursuit of their deepest wishes—only to discover that ‘happily ever after’ comes with unexpected twists. Tickets are on sale now, starting at $20, and are available by phone at 562-856-1999 or online at musical.org.

Into the Woods is a mesmerizing musical that intertwines the adventures of iconic fairy tale characters on a journey of dreams, adventure, and consequence. As Cinderella flees the ball, Jack climbs to new heights, and Little Red embarks on a daring path, they cross paths with the Baker and his Wife, who are desperate to lift a curse. With Stephen Sondheim’s iconic score and a story filled with heart, humor, and surprises, this production is a must-see for audiences of all ages.

“This production is a shining example of the transformative power of storytelling and the timeless allure of classic fairy tales,” said Paul Garman, Executive Director of Musical Theatre West. “Audiences of all ages will be delighted to see beloved characters like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk brought to life in new and unexpected ways. This show is a poignant reminder that every wish carries weight, and we eagerly await sharing this enchanting journey with our audiences.”

MTW’s Into the Woods will feature a stellar cast, including Madison Claire Parks, who will play Cinderella. Parks makes a triumphant return to MTW after nearly 800 performances on Wicked’s National Tour, where she understudied the role of Glinda. Audiences will recognize her as she previously starred as Doralee in MTW’s 9 to 5, Portia in Something Rotten!, Sarah Brown in Guys and Dolls, Cosette in Les Misérables, and Laurey in Oklahoma!

Amanda Angeles, who stars as Little Red, recently starred in MTW’s Education Outreach musicals, Ronna Llama’s Moving Day and Ready Player Three, which toured Long Beach schools to bring the magic of theatre to children. Having grown up attending MTW musicals on school field trips, she is thrilled to make her professional debut in her hometown with Into the Woods.

Also joining this powerhouse ensemble is Daebreon Poiema as the Witch, Cayman Ilika as the Baker’s Wife, and Derek Manson as the Baker. Richard Bermudez takes on the dual roles of Cinderella’s Prince and the Wolf, and Wayne Bryan makes his onstage MTW debut as the Narrator/Mysterious Man, after directing the record-breaking production of The Sound of Music in 2023.

Directed by Kari Hayter, with choreography by Christine Abraham and music direction by Anthony Zediker, this production promises to deliver all the wit, wonder, and wisdom of Sondheim’s classic masterpiece. With captivating storytelling, dazzling costumes, and unforgettable music, audiences will be reminded to be careful what they wish for.

Tickets start at $20 and are available for purchase by phone at 562-856-1999 or online at musical.org. Fees may apply. Student rush tickets for $15 are available at the Box Office one hour prior to showtime, with a valid student ID. More information, a full line-up of performances, and additional details can be found at https://musical.org.

FULL CAST:

Amanda Angeles: Little Red

Antwone Barnes: Rapunzel’s Prince

Richard Bermudez: Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf

Wayne Bryan: Narrator/Mysterious Man

Davide Costa: Jack

Camryn Hamm: Rapunzel

Cayman Ilika: Baker’s Wife

Derek Manson: Baker

Brian Kim McCormack: Steward

Marisa Moheno: Stepsister

Bree Murphy: Jack’s Mother

Christine Negherbon: Cinderella’s Mother/Granny

Madison Claire Parks: Cinderella

Daebreon Poiema: Witch

Aya Sheridan: Stepsister

Michael Washington: Cinderella’s Father

Jersey Boys Hit the Stage in Long Beach!

By Erin

Jersey Boys Musical Theatre West in Long Beach, CA!

The wait is over! Southern California’s premier theatre company, Musical Theatre West (MTW) has launched its electrifying 2025 season with the Tony Award-winning sensation, Jersey Boys! Opening Friday, February 14 and running through March 2 at the Carpenter Performing Arts Center, in Long Beach! This smash-hit musical takes audiences behind the music of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons, bringing their legendary rise, struggles, and triumphs to life on stage.

Hitting the stage at Musical Theatre West with a bang, bringing the iconic sounds of Frankie Valli & The Four Seasons to life in a high-energy, toe-tapping extravaganza that had the Carpenter Center buzzing with excitement! From thunderous applause to standing ovations and even the audience singing along to those unforgettable hits, the energy was absolutely electric. It was an opening weekend to remember, and if you weren’t there, you’re definitely going to want to grab one of the few remaining tickets before the curtain falls on March 2nd!

Whether you’re planning a romantic night out, a fun evening with friends, or simply looking to experience one of Broadway’s biggest crowd-pleasers you will want to hurry, because this is one musical ride you won’t want to miss!

The show is packed with chart-topping hits, from the high-energy rhythms of “Sherry” and “Walk Like a Man” to the swoon-worthy ballad “Can’t Take My Eyes Off You.” Paired with an unforgettable true story of ambition, loyalty, and music history, MTW’s production of Jersey Boys offers a night of pure entertainment that will have audiences singing along and reliving the magic of rock and roll’s golden era.

“This show is more than just great music, it’s a journey through the highs and lows of fame, friendship, and perseverance,” shared Paul Garman, Executive Director of Musical Theatre West. “We can’t wait for audiences to experience these legendary songs in a whole new way.”

Directed by TJ Dawson, Musical Theatre West’s production of Jersey Boys stars Nicholas Alexander as Frankie Valli, Anthony Carro as Tommy DeVito, Taubert Nadalini as Bob Gaudio, and Grant Hodges as Nick Massi. This dynamic cast, paired with stunning choreography by Dana Solimando and music direction by Lyndon Pugeda, ensures an unforgettable theatrical experience.