Jaclyn Nischbach
  • theatre
  • Wildwood, MO

Jaclyn Nischbach Plays Little Red Riding Hood in the University of Kansas' Production of 'Into the Woods'

2012 Nov 15

The University of Kansas Theatre is staging the popular musical, "Into the Woods" at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 10, 15, 16, 17 and at 2:30 p.m. Nov. 11 and 18 in the Crafton-Preyer Theatre in Murphy Hall. The play features a book by James Lapine and music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim.

John Staniunas, associate professor of theatre, is directing and choreographing the musical; Ryan McCall, University Theatre accompanist, is musical director and conductor of the nine-piece orchestra for the production. Cynthia Evans, a second-year graduate student in scenography, is scenic designer; Dennis Christilles, associate professor of theatre, is lighting designer, and Delores Ringer, associate professor of theatre, is costume designer.

Jaclyn Nischbach, of Wildwood, Mo., is a freshman theatre major playing Little Red Riding Hood. A graduate of Eureka High School, she is the daughter of Mr. and Mrs. Mark Nischback.

Combining the well-known fairy tales of Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood with the story of a Baker and his Wife, "Into the Woods" follows the characters as they further explore the consequences of their characters' wishes and quests.

"Fairy tales and folk stories are among the oldest forms of literature and the abundance of these tales is powerful testimony to the great desire of humans everywhere for a good story," Staniunas explained. "Unlike myths and legends, which are meant to teach, to indoctrinate, to pass on the culture's central beliefs, fairy tales exist primarily to entertain."

Staniunas said that in addition to being immensely entertaining stories, fairy tales derive much of their power and enduring hold over us from the fact that they contain elements that are deeply ingrained in the human psyche and are very basic to our emotional, psychological and spiritual development.

All fairy tales are parables about steps to maturity, Staniunas said.

"The final step is when you become responsible for the people around you, when you feel connected to the rest of the world. For Lapine, the second act of the musical is very much about the legacy of what our parents teach us and how, even if we've rebelled against them, we hand that down to our children."

Reserved seat tickets for "Into the Woods" are on sale in the KU ticket offices: University Theatre, 864-3982, and Lied Center, 864-ARTS, and on-line at kutheatre.com. Tickets are $20 for the public, $19 for senior citizens and KU faculty and staff, and $10 for all students.

The University Theatre will host more than 950 Kansas high school theatre and music students for a special matinee performance Thursday, Nov. 15.