Seniors lead way Into the Woods

Centrestage Theatre Company is bringing a special senior production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into The Woods to Ōrewa this June, giving older performers the chance to step into the spotlight in a version created specifically for senior casts.

The Woods SR  is a 60-minute adaptation of the Tony Award-winning musical fairytale, designed for older adult performers while retaining the heart, humour and emotional depth of the original production.

The company is better known for its strong youth programme, but senior theatre productions have become increasingly popular internationally as theatre companies and community groups recognise the growing demand for creative opportunities for older adults. Adapted productions are often designed with shorter runtimes, more accessible choreography and flexible staging, while still showcasing the talent and experience of mature performers.

Centrestage’s production, is directed by newcomer Josh Liddell-Trotter, will feature familiar fairytale characters including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and the Witch in a lyrically rich retelling of classic Brothers Grimm stories.

The musical follows a baker and his wife, who long to have a child, alongside Cinderella, who wishes to attend the King’s festival, and Jack, who dreams his cow will finally give milk. When the baker and his wife discover they have been cursed by a witch, they journey into the woods in search of a way to break the spell, with consequences that change all of their lives forever.

Josh says the production has been fun to put together.

“It’s a dramatic change of pace, but even for those who have done a lot of shows, it’s great for them to be in a cast with their own age group, instead of being the one adult character that comes for one song, which happens with the youth performances.”

Centrestage’s president Michael Sanders says they hope to do more senior productions especially as they are fantastic social and creative outlets that encourage older performers to reconnect with theatre, music and storytelling in a supportive environment.

Performances Saturday June 27 to Saturday July 4, Wednesday to Saturday nights 7.30pm, matinees Sunday June 28 and Saturday July 4 at 2pm.

Tickets Adults/Senior/Students $25, Children under 12 years $20 – member discounts available.