Escape into a fantastical fairytale adventure where wishes come true, but not for free. A trove of storybook characters’ paths intertwine as they chase their deepest desires through an enchanted forest. However, once they receive their happily ever after, the unintended consequences of granted wishes unravel their worlds. Be careful what you wish for because you might just get it!
Performance Details
Where: Caponi Art Park
Cost: Individuals, $15 | Car Pool (3-6 people arriving in a single vehicle), $40
Parking: Main parking lot may be limited. Overflow parking at the Lexington-Diffley Skate Park
Additional Information: Bring lawn chairs or blankets. It is summer in Minnesota so don’t forget to bring some bug spray just in case!
Performance Dates & Ticket Links
Friday, July 12 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, July 13 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 14 | 5:00 – 7:00 p.m.
Friday, July 19 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Saturday, July, 20 | 7:00 – 9:00 p.m.
Sunday, July 21 | 5:00 – 7:oo p.m.
About Theatre 55
Theatre 55 was formed with the purpose of developing lifelong learning through theatre performance and education. Our vision is to enrich the lives of elders as artists, audiences, and lifelong learners through theatrical performance and education. Theatre 55 aims to produce high-energy, impactful productions utilizing the senior artists of our community. We strive to engage with vibrant seniors living throughout the Twin Cities and beyond through classes, workshops, showcases, and performance. Theatre 55 is fiscally sponsored through Springboard for the Arts.
“Into the Woods… In the Woods!” – An Interview with Director Richard Hitchler
When asked about this year’s production at Caponi Art Park, director Richard Hitchler said, “Caponi Art Park is beautiful. I’ve tried to find shows that really fit this outdoor experience- this one made perfect sense. Into the Woods… In the woods!”
Looking back on their six-year history as Theatre 55 rehearses their upcoming production of Into the Woods, it is nothing short of inspiring to see the growth they’ve experienced and the impact they’ve made on the Minnesota arts community. Richard Hitchler started Theatre 55 to bring theater to a community that hadn’t always had their own spotlight. Hitchler tells Caponi Art Park that only 3% of people over the age of 55 are involved with theater arts. Encouraged by friends and colleagues, he founded Theatre 55: a troupe of actors ages 55 and up. Their first production in 2018 was an easy choice. Celebrating its 50th anniversary, Broadway’s Hair would be “performed by those who lived it,” said Hitchler. Since its conception, Theatre 55 has put on several performances, workshops and classes, spreading a love for art and theater to a group whose stage debut was long overdue.
Outdoor performances are no easy feat. Between stationary microphones, weather subjectivity and a comparatively low-tech venue (the woods), any cast would face a slew of unique challenges. Despite this, Hitchler says “It’s added fun! You’re outside, you don’t know what every day will bring, and you hope it will be a wonderful experience for everybody. And so far, it has been!” This is of course in great part to the talented cast of actors that have already been rehearsing for weeks at the park. It’s clear from sitting in on rehearsals that these actors bring not only their unparalleled talent but passion, heart and soul to everything they do. You’ll certainly be pressed to find a single audience member off their feet at the end of the night.
Sondheim’s Into the Woods follows a group of familiar fairytale characters (Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Jack and his beanstalk) on adventures and mishaps, all told through joyous song. The musical emphasizes one key lesson: decisions we make will have consequences, and we can always learn from them. Hitchler says that his favorite number in the production is “Children will Listen”. “As an elder, you realize children DO listen,” he says. “One of the reasons for doing this show is that elders have a lot to teach. If we can teach the younger generations, they can avoid the mistakes of generations past.”
When asked what it is like for Theatre 55 to perform at Caponi Art Park, Richard Hitchler says he loves the “sense of community. People come and bring their dinners, picnics, and beverages of choice. (Everyone) is able to sit, enjoy and listen to the music.” Join Theatre 55 to experience their production of Into the Woods under a canopy of trees at Caponi Art Park. It will certainly be a once-in-a-lifetime experience you won’t want to miss.