Theatre Critics on Into the Woods:

	John Moore, The Denver Post
		“...a stunning staging by a cast dotted with Broadway veterans and opera-caliber singers, with sets and costumes also worthy of the Great White Way.” “To anyone in Denver who wonders whether it's worth the drive - don't wonder.” “The story comes together flawlessly from great characters to fine voices to pure theatrical spectacle, thanks to another spellbinding set by Christopher Sheley (a storybook come to 3-D life), glorious light and sound enhancement, and an impressive 11-person orchestra.”
	Mark Arnest, The Gazette
		“...without a doubt the most ambitious musical theater production in the history of Colorado Springs.” “...a cast in which member after member steps up with something memorable.”

Do You Dare Venture Into the Woods?

Opening May 11 in the Fine Arts Center's SaGāJi Theatre, Into the Woods seamlessly blends four beloved fairy tales with the story of a childless baker and his wife, who set out on a journey to reverse a family curse. Follow the wooded path with Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack (of beanstalk fame) as they encounter the consequences that traditional fairy tales conveniently ignore. What does one do with a dead giant in the backyard? Does marrying a prince really lead to a happy and fulfilling life? Find out what happens after “happily ever after.”

One of Stephen Sondheim’s most popular works, this timeless yet relevant piece is a rare modern classic. Sondheim is arguably America’s greatest musical theatre composer, having earned numerous Tony Awards and the Pulitzer Prize for Drama in 1984.

“Over the years, the great musicals of our time have been the foundation of the theatre at the FAC and in the spirit of this great tradition, I have selected Stephen Sondheim’s masterpiece Into the Woods to be the inaugural production of the new Fine Arts Theatre Company,” said Osburn, who will direct the production.

The ensemble cast features three Broadway actors, Susan Dawn Carson, Kelly Walters and Mercedes Perez, who the Rocky Mountain News honored as the 2006 ‘Top Actress in Musical Theater’ in Colorado.

“(This is) the biggest production in FAC history in terms of staging and set design,” said Osburn. “If you liked the ship in Pirates of the Penzance or the plant in Little Shop of Horrors, you will really enjoy what Chris Sheley and his design team has in store for you in this show.” Sheley, the FAC Theatre Technical Director, earned the 2006 Ovation Award from the Denver Post for ‘best set design’ for Pirates.

“Total enchantment. A spell-bounding score, witty enough to make old stories fresh for adults,
lovely enough to enchant youngsters.”
– New York Daily News

New Director, New Name, New Vision
The Colorado Springs Fine Arts Center (FAC) has a new artistic director, a new theatre company name, a new vision and plans for a new performance space. Alan Osburn was named the new director of the Performing Arts department and Producing Artistic Director of the new Fine Arts Center Theatre Company.

Since 1988, the Fine Arts Center has been producing theatre as the REP Theatre Company, but in an effort to more closely align the theatre with the museum, the name was changed to the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company.

“There is so much potential with this theatre,” said Osburn, who has served as interim artistic director for the past seven months. “Our aim is to raise the artistic level of the productions and create a new and improved relationship with the Actor’s Equity Association. The name is the only thing that is changing. The previous director, Sandra Bray, made great strides in paving the way for this new and exciting journey. ‘The REP’ is still here; it just answers to a different name … the Fine Arts Center Theatre Company.”

Read the complete press release here.

The FAC Theatre Company unveils its 2007-2008 season...