UK Department of Theatre and Dance presents ‘Into the Woods’
LEXINGTON, Ky. (Oct. 10, 2025) — The University of Kentucky Department of Theatre and Dance invites audiences on a fairy-tale journey with its fall musical production of "Into the Woods," Oct. 16-19 at the Guignol Theatre.
“Into the Woods” follows a childless baker and his wife, cursed by a witch, as they embark on a quest to find four items to break the spell. Along the way, they encounter iconic characters from the Brothers Grimm — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and Rapunzel — all seeking their own fairy-tale endings. As wishes are granted, consequences unfold and the characters must confront the reality of their desires. With music and lyrics by the late Stephen Sondheim and a book by James Lapine, this Tony Award-winning musical is a timeless, enchanting and thought-provoking classic.
“We have an incredibly talented and hard-working group of students on this production,” said Christina Ritter, director and senior lecturer in the UK Department of Theatre and Dance. “There is so much in this work; there are countless reasons it’s as loved and popular as it is, and our production team and students are truly thrilled to be bringing it to life.”
“What excites me most about this production is the level of imagination and curiosity our director, Christina Ritter, our designers, and students have brought to it,” said Susie Thiel, chair of the Department of Theatre and Dance. “They’ve poured themselves into research, creativity, and performance choices that honor Sondheim’s brilliance while also giving the story a fresh perspective. It’s a production built not just with skill, but with real passion, and it’s one you won’t want to miss.”
Performances will be in the Guignol Theatre in the Fine Arts Building, 465 Rose Street in Lexington, with shows at 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Oct.16; Friday, Oct. 17; and Saturday, Oct. 18; and a matinee at 2 p.m. Sunday, Oct. 19.
Tickets are $28 for adults and $19 for students (additional fees may apply online), and are available through Etix.com.
“Into the Woods” is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
As the state’s flagship, land-grant institution, the University of Kentucky exists to advance the Commonwealth. We do that by preparing the next generation of leaders — placing students at the heart of everything we do — and transforming the lives of Kentuckians through education, research and creative work, service and health care. We pride ourselves on being a catalyst for breakthroughs and a force for healing, a place where ingenuity unfolds. It's all made possible by our people — visionaries, disruptors and pioneers — who make up 200 academic programs, a $476.5 million research and development enterprise and a world-class medical center, all on one campus.