Vanguard Theater Company will present Stephen Sondheims’ “Into the Woods” for an eight-show run beginning Friday, Jan. 14 at 8 p.m.
“When we chose ‘Into the Woods,’ we knew that Stephen Sondheim’s magical tale had profound messages for us all: The world can be scary, but it is also miraculous and filled with hope. This message could not be more important,” founding artistic director Janeece Freeman Clark said in a Vanguard Theater press release. “The fact that our cast and team are healthy and able to tell this story is inspiring. We are excited to share it with audiences!”
Vanguard has transformed its theater into a woodsy glen, with a production that showcases the company’s most talented teens and young adults as part of DREAM VTC, a selective training program, providing a professional rehearsal process for pre-professionals who hope to one day become professional performers, the release said.
Vanguard delayed opening “Into the Woods” for one week and added additional COVID-19 safety measures for audiences and actors, according to the release.
The additional week gave the cast and team time to come back from their holidays, quarantine and monitor their health before returning to the theater, Jessica Sporn, Vanguard’s managing director and COVID-10 safety officer, said in the release.
The theater also increased its increased air filtration and circulation with several HEPA air purifiers stationed throughout the audience, in the lobby and dressing rooms. The cast and team are also being tested for COVID-19 throughout tech week and the performances, the release said.
Vanguard also requires audience members to present proof of vaccination and wear an N95 or equivalent mask throughout the performance. All audience members will also be temperature-checked upon entering.
Tickets for “Into the Woods” are available via the Vanguard Theater Company website.