Lincoln Community Theatre’s production of Into the Woods hits all the
right notes
[July 23, 2026]
Have you ever wondered what would happen if all of your favorite
storybook characters found themselves in the same story? Have you ever
wanted to know what happened after their wishes came true? Lincoln
Community Theatre makes these wishes come true this weekend in its
production of Stephen Sondheim's musical “Into the Woods.” “Into the
Woods” follows the Baker and his wife, Cinderella, and Jack (of the
Beanstalk) on their quest to fulfill their wishes with witches, wolves,
princes, and giants along the way. Other familiar fairy tale characters
join the Baker, Cinderella, and Jack as they learn the truth of the
warning, “Be careful what you wish for.”
Staging a production of Into the Woods has long been a wish for Lincoln
Community Theatre, however previous plans were interrupted by the
Covid-19 pandemic. This summer’s production brings together outstanding
talent from Lincoln and surrounding towns to tackle Stephen Sondheim's
famously challenging musical. The cast, crew, and musicians have clearly
dedicated much time and effort to bring this show to life for the
Lincoln audience.
The talented cast of “Into the Woods” includes Tim Searby as the
Narrator and Mysterious Man, Melissa Cremeens as Cinderella, and Joshua
Hellman as Jack. Kim Peterson-Quinn is Jack’s Mother, Jeff Prince is the
Baker and Aubrey Hawkinson plays his wife. Julie King is Cinderella’s
Stepmother, Jill Usherwood is Florida and Shannon Radcliffe is Lucinda,
Cinderella’s stepsisters. Cinderella’s parents are played by Mike Koke
and Kristina Morrow. Karenn Eales is Granny/Giant, Brian Bolton plays
Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince, Paige Zemsky is Red Riding Hood, Sheralyn
Bolton plays the Witch, Marin Crombie is Rapunzel, and Hunter McKinney
is her prince. Cameron Connell plays the Steward, Lacy Buss is
Cinderella’s birds/Snow White, and Abby Smith is Cinderella’s
birds/Sleeping Beauty.
Ann Wolpert is making her directorial debut for LCT with this
production, however, Wolpert is no stranger to LCT or Lincoln; she first
participated in an LCT show in 1976. She has retired from teaching
theater and returned to Lincoln after many years teaching in the Chicago
area and directing over 70 plays and musicals. Vocal direction and
accompaniment for Into the Woods are provided by Dinelle Frankland, a
retired professor of worship ministry and accomplished pianist. The set
of many moving pieces is designed and constructed by Jeff Prince.
Lovely, fairytale costumes are arranged by Costume Director Kristen
Green and her crew. Lighting and sound for this show are designed by
David Helm and Devin Vannoy, and Claire Stanfield was the choreographer.
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Additional tireless staff and crew include Stage Managers Paul
Crombie and Kambrea McCree, Props Mistress Stephanie Zemsky, a
costume crew of Ann Brookens, Katrina Hellman,Cari Hieronymus, Helen
Knecht, Amanda Rempe, and Stephanie Zemsky and a stage crew of
Atticus Beatty, Ben Crombie, Makayla Giles, Norah Judd, and Faith
Palmer. Alaina Bauer and Alyssa Stauffer assist with light and
sound.
The brilliant live orchestra is directed by Calob Pluhm and provides
accompaniment, underscore, and sound effects for almost the entirety
of the show. In the orchestra, Dinelle Frankland plays the piano,
Seraphina Tippet plays violin, Zara Zaidi plays viola, Beth Anderson
plays flute and piccolo, Eden Nelson plays clarinet, Scott Reynolds
plays bassoon, Dennis Skaggs plays trumpet, and Scott Overmyer plays
percussion.
Frankland stated that “this has been a musically challenging show,
but the cast has performed admirably. It’s well-worth coming to
see.” Wolpert says about the show’s opening, “I’m so glad it’s
finally here. The cast have worked and worked and worked and now
they need an audience.”
The Lincoln community has multiple opportunities to be that audience
this week. Performances of “Into the Woods” are July 23, 24, and 25
at 7:30 p.m. and July 27 at 2:00 p.m at Lincoln Community High
School auditorium in Lincoln. Tickets are $16 for adults and $11 for
students with a cash discount of $1.00 per ticket. The box office
opens one hour prior to show time and the auditorium opens 30
minutes prior to the show. All tickets are general seating only. For
more information, please visit
www.lincolncommunitytheatre.org.
Lincoln Community Theatre's Into the Woods photo slideshow
[Stephanie Hall]
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