Into the Woods Program

DIRECTOR’S NOTE

At first glance, Into the Woods appears to simply be an inventive (and thoroughly entertaining) retelling of some of the Grimm brothers’ most familiar fairy tales. But dig a little deeper, and what unfolds before us is the truly complex nature of human desire and the profound truths that unfold when we pursue it relentlessly. Through these beloved characters, Sondheim and Lapine explore the very real and very human themes of longing, sacrifice, consequence, and most importantly, redemption.

Perhaps the most prominent motif is the stark contrast between what these characters want versus what they actually need. In fact, how often do we find ourselves fixated on obtaining “that one thing” we believe will bring us ultimate happiness, only to discover that true fulfillment lies elsewhere? Throughout the story, we witness people who are unwilling to sacrifice their desires in order to help others, blinded by their own ambitions and self-interest. Their unyielding, and sometimes ruthless, pursuit of personal gain, regardless of the harm it inflicts on anyone in their path, could teach us a thing or two about our own appetites for success.

Yet even when these characters achieve their heart’s desires (so they think), they are quickly confronted with the harsh reality that it simply isn’t as fulfilling as they had imagined. They realize that there is no perfect answer, and compromise is often unavoidable on their journeys - that they must find “something in between,” as Cinderella so aptly puts it - and that the people around them might actually be a help rather than a hindrance.

Amidst the trials, tribulations, and losses, Into the Woods emphatically underscores the importance of connection - of community. If you listen closely, you can hear this theme reflected in both the dialogue and the music. Mr. Sondheim himself intended the beautiful “No One Is Alone” to be a statement that while we may feel or even want to be isolated at times, we simply are not meant to navigate this world alone. How beautiful that even when we are clouded with darkness, with loneliness, we have respite in Christ.

May you leave these (red!)woods with a refreshed, or even a newfound understanding of your own journey. Thank you for joining us on ours.

Myra Kaelin, Director

PRESENTS

March 8-9, 14-16, 21-23 | 7:00pm

March 16 & 23, 2024 | 2:00pm

MUSIC & LYRICS BY STEPHEN SONDHEIM

ORIGINALLY DIRECTED ON BROADWAY BY JAMES LAPINE

SCENIC DESIGN & TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

JUSTIN McPHERSON

HAIR, WIG, & MAKEUP DESIGN

LISA KESTER

MILKY WHITE DESIGN & BUILD RYAN RINGHAM

BOOK BY JAMES LAPINE

ORCHESTRATIONS BY JONATHAN TUNICK

LIGHTING DESIGN & ASSISTANT TECHNICAL DIRECTOR

KEATON MILLER

PROPERTIES MISTRESS & SET DRESSING SOREN CAREY

MUSIC & VOCAL TRACKS OPERATOR GINGER KAELIN

SOUND ENGINEER ROBERT RUBINO

ASSISTANT BACKSTAGE MANAGER

WALTER KUCHAREWSKI

STAGE MANAGER AVALENNE DELKE

COSTUME DESIGN KATHY RISK

PROJECTION DESIGN JOSHUA WATTS

BACKSTAGE MANAGER AUDREY STARINK

PRODUCTION ASSISTANT/HOUSE MANAGER REBEKAH RISK

GRAPHIC DESIGN

LENA CHOI & MAEGAN COLLETT

RUNNING CREW

HANNAH BALOG, AANYA CHAUHAN, BAILEY COFFEE, NATHAN FRANCIS, EMMA HANNA, SOPHIA MORAIS, AIDEN TANNER

CHOREOGRAPHER CHLOE DIEPENBROCK

MUSIC & VOCAL DIRECTOR LAYNA CHIANAKAS

DIRECTED BY

MYRA KAELIN

MUSICAL NUMBERS

ACT I

Opening Company

Cinderella at the Grave ................................................................. Cinderella, Cinderella’s Mother

Hello, Little Girl Wolf, Little Red Ridinghood

I Guess this is Goodbye Jack

Maybe They’re Magic ........................................................................................... Baker’s Wife, Baker

Our Little World Witch, Rapunzel

I Know Things Now ..........................................................................................Little Red Ridinghood

A Very Nice Prince Cinderella, Baker’s Wife

First Midnight ..............................................................................................................................Company

Giants in the Sky Jack

Agony Cinderella’s Prince, Rapunzel’s Prince

A Very Nice Prince (Reprise) ................................................................... Cinderella, Baker’s Wife

It Takes Two Baker’s Wife, Baker

Second Midnight ........................................................................................................................Company

Stay With Me Witch, Rapunzel

On the Steps of the Palace ................................................................................................... Cinderella

Finale Company

ACT II

Opening Company

Agony Reprise .................................................................... Cinderella’s Prince, Rapunzel’s Prince

Witch’s Lament Witch

Any Moment....................................................................................Cinderella’s Prince, Baker’s Wife

Moments in the Woods Baker’s Wife

Your Fault Jack, Baker, Little Red Ridinghood, Witch, Cinderella

Last Midnight ..................................................................................................................................... Witch

No More Baker, Mysterious Man

No One is Alone ................................................ Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood, Baker, Jack

Finale Company

CAST

(In Order of Appearance)

Narrator/Giant GREY HILL

Cinderella MAYA BANGALORE

Jack JACK GUNTER

Jack’s Mother KEYA SHAH

Milky White MALIA LIU

Baker JOSHUA PRABHAKAR

Baker’s Wife ........................................................................................................................... HEENA KIM

Cinderella’s Stepmother............................................................................................ ANJALI KHIANI

Florinda ............................................................................................................................................. LILY LE

Lucinda ......................................................................................................................KATHERINE LOPES

Little Red Ridinghood .............................................................................

GWENYTH LUNDGAARD

Witch ................................................................................................................. KATHRYN PARMENTER

Cinderella’s Mother/Sleeping Beauty .................................................................... LONNI ADAMS

Mysterious Man JOSHUA PHAM

Wolf OLIVER KAELIN

Granny/Snow White CAMILLE BAHAM

Rapunzel TALIA SANTIZO

Cinderella’s Prince ETHAN KIM

Rapunzel’s Prince VEDANTH RAMACHANDRAN

Cinderella’s Father LOGAN ABREAU CAMPEN

Steward AYDEN BABISH

BIOGRAPHIES

Myra Kaelin Producer & Director

A founding member of Valley Christian Theatre, Myra holds a Master of Arts in Theatre Education (University of Northern Colorado) and a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre and Dance (Santa Clara University). Throughout her nearly twenty years as an educator, she has also worked extensively with various local community theatre companies both on and off the stage, including serving as President of the Board of Directors for South Valley Civic Theatre. Directing credits include Twelfth Night, The Play That Goes Wrong, The Crucible, Mary Poppins, Hello, Dolly!, You Can’t Take It With You, Guys & Dolls, Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike, The Producers, City of Angels, God’s Favorite, Harvey, and The Fantasticks, among others. During the 2020-2021 school year, she spearheaded and directed two fully produced and filmed online productions for VCS: Godspell, and Check Please She would not be here today without the unflinching support of her husband, Michael, and her three beautiful children, Lucia, Oliver, and Ginger. Glory to God in all things!

In a career that has spanned over three decades, Stage Director, Voice Teacher, and operatic Mezzo-Soprano Layna Chianakas has portrayed over fifty leading opera roles across the United States, including over eighty performances of Carmen. As an award-winning opera stage director for the past thirteen years, her most recent win was the 2021 American Prize for Opera Production for Livermore Valley Opera’s double-bill of Zemlinsky’s A Florentine Tragedy and Pucinni’s Gianni Schicchi, and the National Opera Association third prize for Postcard from Morocco for the San José State Opera Theater. For Opera San José, she has directed La Voix humaine, Hansel & Gretel, Carmen, and Il barbiere di Siviglia. Most recently she directed The Light In the Piazza for Opera Santa Barbara, La Bohème for Santa Cruz Opera Project, Tosca for Amarillo Opera and Carmen for Indianapolis Opera. In addition to a thriving private voice studio, Into the Woods marks Ms. Chianakas’s 8th production as Vocal Director and her first as Music Director for Valley Christian Theatre. “Prof C” thanks Myra Kaelin and her wonderful students for allowing her to be a part of this incredible theatre program!

Chloe currently serves as a Theatre Teacher & Choreographer for VCT, as well as a High School Bible Teacher. She has held numerous artistic and production team roles, including Director of HEART Academy Youth Theatre (Fiddler on the Roof, The Music Man) and Director, Production Manager, Stage Manager, Assistant Director, and Choreographer for the VCHS and VCES Theatre and Dance Departments. Projects with VCT include choreographing The Addams Family, Mary Poppins, Hello Dolly, and Fiddler on the Roof, assistant directing The Play That Goes Wrong, directing Cinderella, Youth Edition, A Charlie Brown Christmas, Rodgers and Hammerstein’s Some Enchanted Evening, Disney’s High School Musical JR and Disney’s Beauty and the Beast JR, and creating, directing, & choreographing FOUND: A New Musical. Chloe is a graduate of Corban University (M.A., Christian Leadership and Nonprofit Leadership) and Biola University (B.A., Theatre Arts). She recently performed on stage with Palo Alto Players (Beauty and the Beast) and South Bay Musical Theatre (On The Town). You can catch her this spring in Palo Alto Players’ production of The Music Man (paplayers.org).

Chloe Diepenbrock Choreographer

Layna Chianakas Music & Vocal Director

BIOGRAPHIES

STEPHEN SONDHEIM

STEPHEN SONDHEIM wrote the music and lyrics for Saturday Night (1954), A FUNNY THING HAPPENED ON THE WAY TO THE FORUM (1962), ANYONE CAN WHISTLE (1964), COMPANY (1970), FOLLIES (1971), A LITTLE NIGHT MUSIC (1973), THE FROGS (1974), PACIFIC OVERTURES (1976), SWEENEY TODD (1979), MERRILY WE ROLL ALONG (1981), SUNDAY IN THE PARK WITH GEORGE (1984), INTO THE WOODS (1987), ASSASSINS (1991), PASSION (1994) and ROAD SHOW (2008) as well as lyrics for WEST SIDE STORY (1957), GYPSY (1959) and DO I HEAR A WALTZ? (1965) and additional lyrics for CANDIDE (1973). Anthologies of his work include SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM (1976), MARRY ME A LITTLE (1981), YOU’RE GONNA LOVE TOMORROW (1983), PUTTING IT TOGETHER (1993/99) and SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM (2010). He composed the scores of the films “Stavisky” (1974) and “Reds” (1981) and songs for “Dick Tracy” (1990) and the television production “Evening Primrose” (1966). His collected lyrics with attendant essays have been published in two volumes: “Finishing the Hat” (2010) and “Look, I Made A Hat” (2011). In 2010 Broadway’s Henry Miller’s Theatre was renamed The Stephen Sondheim Theatre in his honour; in 2019, London’s Queens Theatre was also renamed the Sondheim.

JAMES LAPINE

JAMES LAPINE is a playwright and director. On Broadway he has worked with Stephen Sondheim on Sunday in the Park with George; Into the Woods; and Passion. He also conceived and directed the musical review Sondheim on Sondheim. With William Finn he created Falsettos recently revived by Lincoln Center Theater; Little Miss Sunshine; Muscle; and directed Finn’s The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. Other Broadway credits include his play based on Moss Hart’s memoir Act One (also LCT), Amour, The Diary of Anne Frank, Golden Child, and Dirty Blonde. He has written the plays Table Settings, Twelve Dreams, The Moment When, Fran’s Bed and Mrs. Miller Does Her Thing. Lapine has been nominated for eleven Tony Awards, winning on three occasions. He has also been the recipient of the Pulitzer Prize, SDC’s Mr. Abbott Award for Lifetime Achievement in the Theater, and inducted into the Theater Hall of Fame.

MUSIC THEATRE INTERNATIONAL (MTI)

Music Theatre International (MTI) is one of the world’s leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form. MTI works directly with the composers, lyricists and book writers of these musicals to provide official scripts, musical materials and dynamic theatrical resources to over 100,000 professional, community and school theatres in the US and in over 150 countries worldwide. MTI is particularly dedicated to educational theatre, and has created special collections to meet the needs of various types of performers and audiences. MTI’s Broadway Junior® shows are 30- and 60-minute musicals for performance by elementary and middle school-aged performers, while MTI’s School Editions are musicals annotated for performance by high school students.

AFFIRMING THE ARTS

Spring 2024

Jan 20....................................

Feb 8-10..................................

Mar 8........................................

Mar 8-9....................................

14-16, 21-23

Apr 11......................................

Apr 13.....................................

Apr 18....................................

Apr 25-27...............................

May 2-4..................................

May 6-17.................................

May 10-11................................

May 14....................................

May 15-22...............................

May 16-18................................

May 22....................................

West Coast Elite Dance Competition - HS Dance

Newsies Jr. - JH Theatre

Serenade to Spring - JH/HS Strings

Into The Woods - HS Theatre

Percussion Extravaganza - JH Drums/HS Percussion

An Evening of Note with Elliot Wuu - K-12 Music

Faith, Hope, and Love - JH/HS Choirs

Emotions: Movie Night - HS Dance

Experiments in Comedy & Tragedy - HS Theatre

Art Show - EL Art

Imagine a Dragon - EL Theatre

Festival of the Arts - K-12 Music

Art Show - JH/HS Art

DanceScapes: Hollywood - EL/JH Dance

Theatre & Dance Senior Showcase - HS Conservatory

SUMMER THEATRE CAMP

JUNE 10-21, 2024

for students entering 3 rd -5 th grade

Summer Theatre 2024: Journey of the Noble Gnarble

Dates

June 10-21 (Closed June 19) (Monday-Friday)

Time 9am-12pm

Cost $495 Grades

Entering Grades 3-5 (Co-Ed)

Location

Valley Christian Schools 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111

Instructor

Mrs. Myra Kaelin

Mr. Justin McPherson

It’s time for SUMMER THEATRE CAMP! The ocean floor is filled with the rarest of creatures, but none are as rare as gnarbles. Their fins are small, their tails are floppy, and they have never strayed far from their homes…until now. Journey of the Noble Gnarble is a story of a little gnarble with a big dream. Friends along the way teach him the importance of positivity and determination!

Join us for a two-week, half-day camp for students entering grades 3-5. These young actors will focus on learning lines, basic stage directions, introductory vocals, stage movement, and even technical theatre, culminating with a performance of Journey of the Noble Gnarble on June 21. This year’s camp is not to be missed, and will give budding thespians great building blocks for their future at VCT.

No camp on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

Camp Performance June 21 at 12pm in the Skyway Theatre, immediately after our camp day.

Note: Daily snack and camp t-shirt included. If you have questions, or if all spots are full when you go to register, please contact Rebekah Risk, rrisk@vcs.net, to be placed on a waitlist.

SUMMER THEATRE CAMP

JUNE 10-28, 2024

for students entering 6 th -12 th grade

Summer Theatre 2024: Moana Jr.

Dates

June 10-28 (Closed June 19) (Monday-Friday)

Time 9am-3pm

Cost $695

Grades

Entering Grades 6-12 (Co-Ed)

Location

Valley Christian Schools 100 Skyway Drive San Jose, CA 95111

Instructor Mrs. Myra Kaelin

Mr. Justin McPherson

This thrilling and heartwarming coming-of-age story follows the strong-willed Moana as she sets sail across the Pacific on an epic journey to save her village and discover the truth about her heritage. With empowering messages of bravery and selflessness, Moana JR. is sure to bring out the hero within each of us.

Join us for a three-week, full day camp for students entering grades 6-12. Students will spend their days rehearsing vocals, choreography, and staging, leading up to performances on June 27 & 28. Every student is guaranteed a role in the show! Join us for a summer filled with creativity, growth, and the magic of Moana JR!

No camp on Wednesday, June 19, in observance of Juneteenth.

June 27-28: adjusted schedule, 3:30pm-7:30pm, to accommodate performances.

Performances June 27-28 at 6pm in the Skyway Theatre.

Note: Camp fee includes daily snack and camp t-shirt. Students must bring a lunch from home. If you have questions, or if all spots are full when you go to register, please contact Rebekah Risk, rrisk@vcs.net, to be placed on a waitlist.

An Evening of Note

An Evening of Note

with Elliot Wuu featuring performances by select Conservatory artists

with Elliot Wuu featuring performances by select Conservatory artists

April 13, 2024 | 6:00pm boxoffice.vcs.net

April 13, 2024 | 6:00pm boxoffice.vcs.net

Annual Gifts to the UPCOMING EVENTS uest Ball

WARRIOR FUND

Tuition funds operations. Philanthropy fuels vision. Every gift makes a difference, so please consider donating to the Warrior Fund today.

presented by Extend the Gift

April 20, 2024

Join us for our annual Quest Ball dinner and auction. Enjoy a night to honor and celebrate the Warrior legacy and Extend the Gift for current and future Warriors. vcs.net/questball

May 13, 2024

We look forward to welcoming the VCS community for a round of golf and a day of fellowship at the annual Golf Classic. vcs.net/golfclassic

Thank you for partnering with us in creating Warriors: Tomorrow’s leaders properly equipped to serve God and family while positively impacting their community and the world.

advancement@vcs.net | 408.362.7649 | give.vcs.net

alumni.vcs.net

Wherever you may be, we’re always here to support our amazing alumni like you.

As you continue to make a positive difference in communities around the world, we want to stay connected! We currently have 29 ambassadors all over the country that have connected with fellow alums near them. This past year we have visited 11 cities across the US and look forward to hosting an alumni dinner near you soon. Simply scan the QR code and fill out our “Alumni Connect Form” to stay updated on news and events. Let us know about where you’ve been, where you’re headed and stay connected with us today!

Giving PLANNED

The Shechem Oak Society empowers our community to make an extraordinary impact on future generations. The society comprises all who generously bequeath legacy gifts to Valley Christian Schools.

God assured Abraham of keeping His promise to grant the land to Abraham’s descendants. Shechem holds a significant place in this narrative—it’s where Jacob excavated a well and erected an altar, where Joseph’s family laid his remains to rest, where Joshua delivered his parting words in service to the Lord, and where Jesus revealed Himself as the Messiah to the Samaritan woman at the well (Genesis 12:6, 33:18, Joshua 24:26, John 4:12). Shechem stands as a powerful symbol of God’s faithfulness across generations. We fervently pray that VCS, like Shechem, will serve as a reminder of God’s unwavering faithfulness in Silicon Valley and worldwide.

At a time when many American educational institutions are straying from biblical values, you can ensure that Valley Christian Schools continues its Quest for Excellence™ for future generations. Join us in providing high-quality Christ-centered education to our children and grandchildren by including VCS in your will.

VCS partners with Thompson & Associates to offer confidential and complimentary estate planning consultations to our board members, administrators, faculty, staff, and community. Join my wife, Kris, myself, and others in discovering the most tax-efficient means of transferring your estate to benefit your family and your passions.

As a trusted member of our VCS community, please accept our gift to you and arrange your estate planning consultation with Darren Penny of Thompson & Associates. You may email advancement@vcs.net or call my office at 408-513-2503. If you have already included VCS in your planned giving, kindly inform us so we may include you in our Shechem Oak Society.

Looking forward,

Clifford E. Daugherty, Ed.D. President

MISSION STATEMENT

Valley Christian Schools’ mission is to provide a nurturing environment o ering quality education supported by a strong foundation of Christian values in partnership with parents, equipping students to become leaders to serve God, to serve their families, and to positively impact their communities and the world.

VISION STATEMENT

A world where every student pursues their personal Quest for Excellence™

FOUNDING STATEMENT

Valley Christian Schools supports the homes and churches of students in providing an education that is grounded in the Judeo-Christian values of the Bible, as reflected in the life and teaching of Jesus Christ. Valley Christian Schools is committed to a Quest for Excellence™ in all of its educational programs, and provides a comprehensive kindergarten through twelfth grade curriculum with a rigorous college preparatory program. Firmly founded on Christian values, Valley Christian Schools challenges youth to aspire toward lives of character, service and influence while pursuing their individual Quests for Excellence

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