Wichita Theater Performing Art Centre is located at 919 Indiana Ave., Nov. 16. (Stephanie Garcia)

The Wichita Theater’s production of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods” closed Oct. 21 after a run full of magical fairytale stories telling of giants in the sky and moments in the woods come to life.

Music Director Ayrian Norman takes full advantage of Sondheim’s beautiful score, and the cast, led by Ian Kirkpatrick as The Baker and Jessica Spicer as The Baker’s Wife, go above and beyond in their execution of the elaborate songs and script.

Choreographer and Assistant Director Jonathan Coraccio adds more magic to the show with incredible choreographic moments that create a deeper look into each character’s story. Director Emily Clements brings the entire show together by leading her cast through the tough twists and turns of Sondheim’s story.

The show’s set and costume designs work together to define the fairytale art style that many childhoods were made of. The extreme attention to detail is obvious when looking at production photos, as shown in the ball gown worn by Macy Davis as Cinderella and the long, feathered dress worn by Trinity Denson as the Witch.

The enchanting lighting and beautiful set dressing effortlessly create the feeling of multiple locations like Jack’s house and the palace steps where we find Cinderella stuck throughout the show.

“Isn’t it nice to know a lot? And a little bit…not,” Emmalee Hamilton graces the Wichita stage once again as the sweet and too-trusting Little Red Riding Hood, who follows the classic tale of the little girl getting tricked by the Big Bad Wolf, who in this production is played by Chris Darnell.

“I wish to go to the festival,” Macy Davis enters the show as the charming Cinderella, joined by her sisters and stepmother, played by Bethany Morgan, Nicole McGhee, and Chloe Sokora.

“We’ve changed, we’re different,” Ian Kirkpatrick and Jessica Spicer pull at our heartstrings as the Baker and his wife, who are desperate for a child and are willing to go into the woods to beat the Witch’s curse.

“There are giants in the sky,” Gage Grace plays bright-eyed and naive Jack, who goes right alongside his beloved cow, “Milky White.” “Into the Woods” is slightly different from other musicals, as there aren’t any ensemble roles. Each character is named and each actor gets to develop their story, whether it be Cinderella’s prince or one of her evil stepsisters.

Not only is the cast connected on stage through the characters they play, but Davis says “This show, and more specifically this cast, has been the closest and most supportive cast I’ve been a part of. We all have this sincere love for each other. Onstage, this show is such a blast for any actor. The music is so complex and so rewarding to accomplish every weekend. This is the type of show that reveals things about yourself that you didn’t know yet. I find myself feeling extremely grateful I got to be a part of this specific production.”

Spicer commented, “Into the Woods is a fun twist on some of your favorite classic fairytales”

Between Cinderella’s slipper on the stairs, Rapunzel in her tower or Jack and his giants, “Into the Woods” is the perfect family show. Wichita Theater never fails to put on jaw-dropping shows, so be on the lookout for their next production!