URI Theatre Department to go Into the Woods

Media Contact: Jan Wenzel, 874-2116



KINGSTON, R.I. — October 29, 2003 — A talented ensemble from the University of Rhode Island’s Theatre Department weaves a magic spell with a delightful presentation of Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s musical classic, Into The Woods, a seamless fusion of fairy tales that appeals to the children’s heart within all of us.

The play will be performed in the Robert E. Will Theatre, URI Fine Arts Center, Nov. 13 through 15 and Nov. 19 through 21 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 16 at 5 p.m., Nov.22 at 2 and 7:30 p.m. There will be a signed performance on Nov. 19 at 7:30 p.m. Tickets are $15 for the general public, $12 for students, seniors, and children. To reserve tickets, call the URI Theatre box office at 401-874-5843. For additional information, call 401-874-5921.

Join a baker and his wife as they journey into the woods in search of a cow, a red cape, a pair of golden slippers and some magic beans, all necessary to lift the curse that has kept them childless. They meet up with a beguiling cast of characters that will leave you laughing out loud, fighting back tears and, ultimately, transformed by the whole experience. This Tony award-winning musical for “Best Score” and “Best Book” is a music lover’s delight from start to finish and forever cements Stephen Sondheim’s unparalleled position as a giant of the American musical theatre.

Paula McGlasson, chair of URI’s Theatre Department, directs. The Providence Phoenix recently named McGlasson as one of Rhode Island’s Most Influential People in Theatre.

Into the Woods is designed by resident scenic designer, Christian Wittwer; costumes were designed by David T. Howard; music is directed by Lila Kane; lighting designer is Deb Sullivan, and sound design by Peter Nabut. Jaci Marfuggi, a junior theatre acting major, who plays the role of the stepmother, helped McGlasson choreograph the play. Actors and their hometowns follow:

Actor Character Hometown
Jill Blevins Florinda New Hope, Pa.
Francis R. T. M. Boyle Steward Narragansett
James Calitri Understudy South Kingstown,
Christi Chiello Snow White Warwick
Anita Cipolla Jack’s Mother West Warwick
Dan DaCunha Narrator/Mysterious Man Pawtucket
Donald J. Dallaire Cinderella’s Prince/Wolf Bristol
Kayla Daly Lucinda Worcester, Mass.
Jenette DelMonaco Little Red Coventry
Nathalie DelVecchio Rapunzel
Elizabeth Gotauco Witch North Kingstown
Haley Hanson Sleeping Beauty Grass Valley, Calif.
David T. Howard Baker Oswego, N.Y.
Alison Kantrowich Cinderella’s Mother/
Granny/Giant East Hampton, N.Y.
Patrick Lynch Jack East Greenwich
Jaci Marfuggi Stepmother West Windsor, NJ
Andy McLeavey Understudy South Kingstown
Erin Olson Baker’s Wife Portsmouth
Tiffany Page Cinderella Warwick
Ian Richardson Cinderella’s Father Norwell, Mass.
Ryan Romanowski Rapunzel’s Prince Clintondale, N.Y.

For more information: Bonnie Bosworth, 874-5922