OAKHURST, CA – The Golden Chain Theatre is inviting local audiences back into the woods this spring with its upcoming production of Into the Woods, a musical that blends beloved fairy tales with a darker, more reflective look at what happens after wishes come true.
Opening March 27 and running weekends through May 3, the production continues the long-standing community theater tradition in Oakhurst of presenting ambitious live performances that mix entertainment with thoughtful storytelling.
Originally created by composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim and writer James Lapine, Into the Woods weaves together familiar characters from classic fairy tales — including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, and Jack of beanstalk fame — into a single narrative centered on a baker and his wife who long for a child. When a witch’s curse prevents them from starting a family, the couple ventures into the woods on a quest to reverse the spell, crossing paths with other storybook figures pursuing their own dreams.
Act One delivers the expected fairy-tale satisfactions: witches are banished, giants are defeated, and princes proclaim their love in sweeping musical fashion. Each character appears to reach a “happily ever after.” But the musical’s second act challenges the idea that wishes alone bring fulfillment. Consequences unfold in the shadows of the woods, forcing characters to confront responsibility, loss, and the ripple effects of their choices.
The show’s themes extend beyond fantasy, exploring the loss of innocence, the complexity of moral decisions, and the importance of community in facing hardship. Its sophisticated score and layered storytelling make it one of the most musically and emotionally complex productions in contemporary theater.
Golden Chain Theatre officials note that the production is rated PG-13. While there is no explicit language, the story includes references to death, infidelity, and ethical ambiguity. The performance also runs longer than most shows, at approximately three hours. Families with younger children may find Act One’s uplifting resolution satisfying, but Act Two’s darker tone is best suited for teens and adults.
The staging reflects Golden Chain Theatre’s mission, highlighted on its website, to provide quality live theater in the Sierra foothills while offering opportunities for local performers, technicians, and volunteers. Founded in 1967, the nonprofit playhouse has grown into one of the region’s longest-running community theaters, known for producing musicals, dramas, and family shows that draw audiences from across the Yosemite area.
With its mix of humor, music, and emotional depth, Into the Woods promises to be a standout addition to the theater’s spring season — a production that invites audiences not only to enjoy the magic of fairy tales, but also to reflect on the choices that shape our lives long after the curtain falls.
Performances will be held every weekend from March 27 through May 3. Tickets, showtimes, and additional information are available through Golden Chain Theatre’s box office and website.
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