UCLA School of the Arts and Architecture and the
UCLA Department of Music present a
UCLA Musical Theatre Workshop production of
Into the Woods
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Schoenberg Hall
March 6-14, 1998
Produced and Directed by John Hall
Musical Direction by Daniel Gary Busby
Scenic Design by Robert Deman
Lighting Design by Mark Sell
Costumes by Yoli Bennett
Into the Woods was originally directed on Broadway by James Lapine
Original Broadway production by
Heidi Landesman
Rocco Landesman
Rick Steiner
M. Anthony Fisher
Frederic H. Mayerson
Jujamcyn Theaters
Originally produced by the Old Globe Theatre, San Diego, CA.
Into the Woods is presented through a grant from the Gluck Foundation whose
generous support and belief in the future of the Musical Arts at UCLA is
sincerely appreciated. We also wish to thank Carlsbad Community Theater,
Mira Costa College, Moonlight Amphitheater and San Diego Junior Theater
for their kind assistance. Thanks also to Dianne Connor, John Hayes, Kathleen
Moon, Jeff Richmond, Tom Withey and Jon Robertson of the UCLA Department
of Music, Dean Daniel Neuman of UCLA's School of the Arts and Architecture,
the staff of KGIL, Karen Ann Daniels, Heather Berry and the wonderful musicians
of the UCLA Philharmonia Orchestra who have helped us achieve this evening.
Into The Woods
Cast Biographies
Tiffany Baldwin (Lucinda) is a freshman psychology major. A native of Philadelphia,
Tiffany has appeared in a number of commercials, soap operas, and movies.
Stage credits include Annie Get Your Gun, Oklahoma!, and Grease. She would
like to thank her family and friends for their support and especially her
mom for being a wonderful role model.
Patrick Bell (Rapunzel's Prince) is a second year voice major. While at UCLA,
Patrick appeared in Flora, the Red Menace and tied for first place in the
'97 Carol Burnett Awards. Other theater credits include Pirates of Penzance,
Oklahoma!, and The Pajama Game. Patrick is also a professional magician!
Brian Bennitt (Cinderella's Father) tapped the role of Kenny in last year's
production of Flora, the Red Menace and dropped his trousers as Louie the
Coachman in Penelope Saves the Nutcracker. Into the Woods marks Brian's third
production with UCLA's Musical Theatre Workshop. Some of Brian's favorite
roles include Conrad in Bye Bye Birdie and Moonface in Anything Goes.
Amanda Blatchford (Littled Red Ridinghood) is a second-year integrated arts/WAC
major. Past credits include The Boyfriend, Godspell, Cinderella, 1776, Once
in this Island, and Hello, Dolly! Amanda wishes to thank her family for their
continuous support; and John Hall and Gary Busby for their help and for this
opportunity.
Minglie Chen (Sleeping Beauty) graduated from Huntington Beach H.S. and the
Academy for the Performing Arts. Her credits include Once Upon a Mattress,
Peter Pan, and Cinderella's Stepmother in Into the Woods. Minglie is also
Ms Huntington Beach '97 - '98. She thanks god for His guidance and blessings.
Kyle Gladden (Jack) is a freshman theater major whose past credits include
Phantom, Into the Woods, Me and My Girl, and Little Shop of Horrors. Kyle
would like to entend his love to his parents and to Clay and Kaely. He looks
forward to many more quarters with the UCLA Music Theater Workshop.
Roya Hekmat (Cinderella's Mother/Granny) has been actively involved with
UCLA's Music Theater Workshop, performing in Godspell, Penelope, and more!
She assistant directed Falsettos and children's theatre at the Buckley School.
As a memer of SAG, she has performed in Home Alone and The Wonder Years. Roya
will graduate in 1999 with a degree in political science and French.
Jennifer Kelly (Jack's Mother) has recently graduated with a Bachelors in
music, and is now studying to receive her Masters in conducting. While an
undergraduate vocal performance student at UCLA, Jen appeared in Godspell
and The Rake's Progress. Additional talents include composing folk music for
the voice and guitar.
Lawrence Long (Cinderella's Prince/Wolf) is a first year theater major and
native of Stockton, CA. Favorite roles include Curly in Oklahoma!, Agwe in
Once On This Island, and Capt Von Trapp in The Sound of Music. Lawrence is
excited to be a part of Into the Woods and would like to thank his familyu,
Sandi and friends for keeping his faith and courage alive.
Melissa Lyons (Cinderella's Stepmother) is a vocal performance music major
whose UCLA highlights include Maggie in Flora, the Red Menace, and Penelope
in Penelope Saves the Nutcracker. Melissa received a 1997 Carol Burnett Award,
was a finalist in the Music Center's Spotlight Awards. Her other credits include
Evita, Fiddler on the Roof, and Desert Song, Cabaret and 42nd Street.
Tali Magal (Baker's Wife) is a former dance major and student of the WAC
Department. She recently studied abroad in Italy, which lead her to her new-found
inter-departmental major of Italian cinema. She is excited to be making her
UCLA Musical Theatre Workshop debut as the Baker's Wife. She dedicates this
performance to her recently deceased car.
Eric Martin (Narrator/Mysterious Man) is a third year theater major. Credits
include Sweeney in Sweeney Todd, My Fair Lady, and Jesus Christ Superstar.
At UCLA, Eric has appeared in Assassins, Godspell, and Flora, the Red Menace.
He performs for the Walt Disney Co., and is a budding voice-over artist and
playwright. He thanks you all for coming.
Tom McMahon (Baker) is a native of Orange County. His UCLA credits include
Little Shop of Horrors, Penelope, Flora, the Red Menace, Assassins, as well
as receiving a 1997 Carol Burnett Award. Tom served on the board for the California
State Thespian Organization, performing and placing in a numerous festivals
and competitions. After he receives his political science degree, Tom plans
to take Broadway by storm! Tom sends his love to the Carlsbad Jazz Choir!!!
Sean Morris (Steward) is a second year theatre major. At Lick-Wilmerding
High School, he sang in numerous choirs and appeared in The Pirates of Penzance.
At UCLA, he sings in the University Chorus and also appeared in Michael Hackett's
musical adaptation of The Scarlet Letter! Aside from his fellow cast-mates,
Sean would like to thank, you, the audience.
Will Pellegrini (Baker) a theatre major, has appeared in UCLA's Godspell,
Flora, the Red Menace, Assassins, and Little Shop of Horrors, and placed Honorable
Mention in the Carol Burnett Awards. He currently sings with Awaken a Capella
and studies voice with Gary Busby. Will would like to thank his family and
friends for their continuing love, support and inspiration.
Amy Rutberg (Witch) is a 16 year old music major and veteran of 35 community,
CLO, and college productions. Television roles include Amy on Pacific Blue,
and the upcoming TV movie Broken Record. Theater credits include Mary Magdalene
in Jesus Christ Superstar, four '96/'97 Irene Ryan nominations and one Robby
Award Best Actress nomination for Robber Bridegroom.
Jill Simonian (Cinderella) is a third-year communications studies major.
Fresno County's Junior Miss, Jill finished in the Top 10 at California's 1996
Junior Miss Pageant. Her theater credits include No, No Nanatte, Bye Bye Birdie,
Lil Abner, and most recently Elsa in UCLA's Flora, the Red Menace. Jill also
sings the National Anthem at UCLA sporting events, and would like to thank
God for her talent and is grateful to her family and friends for their support
and patience.
Britta Skumawitz (Rapunzel) is a senior sociology major anxiously awaiting
graduation in June. She has appeared in Grease, Godspell, Where's Charley,
Secret Garden, Carousel, and Phantom of the Opera. She is ranked one of the
top 5 vocalists in Southern California and currently studies with Nathan Lam
and Broadway star, Karen Morrow. She'd like to thank her family and friends.
Danika Wanczuk (Florinda) is a third-year double-major in both vocal performance
and English. Danika is pleased to work once again with the dynamic Hall/Busby
team, with whom she worked with on Suor Angelica. She participates in the
UCLA Chorale, Alumni Scholars Club, and Mu Phi Epsilon. She has appeared in
numerous theatre productions, as well as vocal competitions, in the San Diego
area. She would like to thank the loving Father, mom and dad, and all her
friends.
