North Allegheny middle schoolers present ‘Into the Woods Jr.’

Beanstalk Jack, Cinderella, and Little Red Riding Hood, not to mention a vengeful witch, will be converging on the stage in this year’s middle school fall musical of “Into the Woods Jr.,” to be held at North Allegheny Senior High School.

Performances are at 7 p.m. Nov. 14 and 16 and 2 p.m. Nov. 17. Tickets cost $15.75 plus online service fees and can be purchased through showclix.com.

“Into the Woods Jr.” is adapted from the original Broadway musical by playwright Stephen Sondheim, who also wrote “Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street! School Edition,” the 2024 high school spring musical at North Allegheny, said Bob Tozier, director of the play and chair of the music department.

He finds that Sondheim’s work is a fan favorite, and this adaptation of the musical “Into the Woods” shouldn’t disappoint.

“I’m surprised how many kids know the show. He has this following of people who like his work,” Tozier said. “It’s a neat show. He brings a level of complexity to it.”

Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning musical “Into the Woods” is a retelling of the classic Brothers Grimm fables, featuring complex characters and a lot of singing.

“For middle school kids, this is a challenge for them. Stephen Sondheim doesn’t make things easier. He is a master with the word and the music,” Tozier said.

The students had to build three set designs to go with the three main tales told in the musical.

According to a show description, “Into the Woods Jr.” centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk.

“It just seemed to fit well with this junior cast,” Tozier said.

The middle school musical features seventh- and eighth-grade students. Tozier said a lot of students audition for the shows, but there are only so many roles. Students who did not get selected get the first option to be part of the stage crew, he said.

The showclix website can be found under the Music department tab at www.northallegheny.org.