NOTRE DAME PRESENTS `INTO THE WOODS'; TICKETS FOR NEXT aPRIL 11-14 SHOWS GO ON SALE TODAY

CAPE GIRARDEAU -- The annual spring musical at Notre Dame High School will tell a story of new and old storybook characters through a journey of growth and self-discovery.

The musical-comedy "Into the Woods" will be performed April 11-14 in the school's auditorium.

A 22-member cast will play the parts of familiar fairy-tale characters such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood.

"Into the Woods" is an adult fairy tale, said Cindy King of Notre Dame, who directs the play. It was the 1988 Tony Award winner for best book and best score.

Written by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, the musical weaves together the character's respective sagas into one, initially light-hearted and then sobering adventure.

"This isn't a children's show," King said. "There's more thought to it than that. The story line gets pretty serious in the second act, and the messages in the play are those all parents should hear."

Unlike the more familiar, or "sanitized" versions of these fairy tales, the play reacquaints its audience with many of the violent and cruel aspect of the stories, like the blinding of Rapunzel's prince.

The theme of the play illustrates the author's beliefs about how to raise children, King said.

The lead players include senior Jeff Maurer as the Baker, senior Debbie Jansen as the Baker's wife, junior Sally Iten as the witch, sophomore Lori Maurer as Cinderella, sophomore Paula Welker as Little Red Riding Hood and senior Andy Lynch as the wolf.

Senior Danna Westrich is the student director.

The play begins at 8 p.m. each night and will last about 2 hours with one intermission. The auditorium can seat about 500 people per night.

The spring production is a major fund raiser for the school. Ninety-seven students and faculty have assisted with the play, including a former student who is providing sound effects, King said.

Vocal director is Dina Strikert, and pianist is Lenny Kuper.

Tickets go on sale today and area available through any student or by calling the school office at 335-6772. Tickets will also be sold weekday mornings from 7:45 to 8:10 in the school gymnasium. Reserved seats are $4 and $5.