Fortune is thrilled to welcome acclaimed Musical Director Mark Dorrell to Dunedin as the theatre stages its next production, Into the Woods.
Dorrell brings with him a wealth of knowledge from his highly successful career on London’s West End where he not only worked alongside the likes of Dame Judi Dench, Hugh Jackman and Sir Ian McKellan, but with Stephen Sondheim himself on the European premiere of Into The Woods in 1991.
Dorrell has since worked on many Sondheim musicals, including productions of Into The Woods in Bermuda and Wellington, the latter with Toi Whakaari: New Zealand Drama School.
For over 25 years, this Tony Award-winning musical has been delighting audiences of all ages following its premiere on Broadway in 1987.
It has since been staged to critical acclaim across the world and was transformed into a Golden Globe-winning film in 2014 starring a host of A list celebrities including Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp and James Corden.
Brimming with magical moments, this is not exactly the fairytale you will remember.
A baker and his wife learn they’ve been cursed with childlessness by the witch next door; as they embark on their quest to break the spell they soon discover the perils of ‘happily ever after’ and what really happens when you get everything you wish for.
They’re joined by Cinderella and her Prince, Little Red Riding Hood and The Wolf, Rapunzel, The Witch, Jack and the Beanstalk and a host of other charming characters, as their worlds collide in this masterfully deconstructed musical fairytale.
This funny, poignant and wildly imaginative journey is sure to delight and captivate both young and old in Stephen Sondheim’s spelling-binding musical.
Local talent and actors from across New Zealand complete the cast of Into the Woods totalling 17 members, the largest cast on the Fortune stage for over a decade.
To quote Dorrell “it’s a great massive beast of a show”.
Fortune’s Artistic Director, Hendry says “It's not often that you get to work with a room filled with such extraordinary singing and story-telling. I can't wait to share this.”
Into The Woods will also be brought into the classrooms of students across the lower South Island as part of Fortune’s Backstage Pass Initiative which utilises live streaming technologies to provide secondary students an intimate peek into the rehearsal room and behind the scenes. This project is proudly supported by the GigCity Fund.
Into The Woods runs from 5 - 26 August.
For more information and show times head to the online booking of Fortune Theatre’s Website
There is a special Family promotion for this show with a special deal for 2 adults and 2 children saving 20%. Available only through the box office call 03 477 8323.
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine.
Licensed exclusively by Music Theatre International (Australasia).
All performance materials supplied by Hal Leonard Australia.
