Office of Public Relations
Missouri Baptist University
One College Park Drive
Saint Louis, Missouri 63141-8698
314.392.2307 / fax 314.392.2265
www.mobap.edu / pr@mobap.edu
For Immediate Release
RE: Journey "Into the Woods" For MBU Fall Musical
Journey "Into the Woods" For MBU Fall Musical
October 17, 2005
In a sort of fitting farewell, the storyline of MBU’s upcoming fall musical, “Into the Woods,” at times seems to parallel the theatrical journey of MBU senior and fall musical lead Jennifer Broombaugh.
Jennifer Broombaugh, center, practices for MBU’s upcoming fall musical, “Into the Woods,” with cast mates Jordan Cox, right, and Alex Smith.
Sure, a myriad of fabled favorites come to life in the colorful Broadway musical--obviously unlike the life of Broombaugh’s. Indeed, a fictional childless baker and his wife, portrayed by Broombaugh herself, journey through the woods struggling to find happiness, yet another difference. It’s even true that Broombaugh has never been forced to reverse a witch’s spell, a prospect unlike the play’s premise.
Still, the overarching theme of both--facing fears for the sake of happiness--is strikingly similar.
“I came to school with a strong interest but no background in theater,” said Broombaugh, who will take the stage for her last MBU musical this fall before graduating with a bachelor of arts in music next spring. “There’s lots of opportunity here. If you willing to learn, they’ll teach you. I’ve been able to learn so much about character development.”
With a hunger to learn, Broombaugh took a leap of faith and auditioned for MBU’s fall musical her freshman year. She hasn’t looked back since.
Come November, Broombaugh will star in James Lapine’s “Into the Woods,” a vibrant story that blends fabled favorites and an original story of a childless baker and his wife. The musical is not only proving to be the highlight of Broombaugh’s college career, it truly marks a milestone for MBU’s drama department.
“We are thrilled to be able to produce the first Stephen Sondheim musical in the history of MBU. The book and score has a depth to it that is challenging both educationally and artistically,” said Joy Powell, drama director at MBU. “The cast is working very hard to tell the individual story and journey of each character. The fact that we can take this audacious step with the MBU theatre program proves the growth and support that we have worked to achieve. This is just one in a long line of firsts for our department.”
Keith McRoberts takes the stage with fellow actors Jodie Piper, center, and Tia Wright during a recent rehearsal for MBU’s fall musical, “Into the Woods.”
“Into the Woods,” is set to debut Nov. 10, with a premier matinee for middle and high school students. In an effort to spur interest in the art of musicals, students and teachers of local schools can partake in the first viewing of the musical for a mere fraction of regular costs. Immediately following that performance, actors and directors will host a post-show discussion about the musical.
Two evening shows are scheduled for Nov. 11 and 12, followed by an encore presentation during the afternoon of Nov. 13.
What begins a lively irreverent fantasy that transcends fairytale favorites like Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood eventually becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children. The fairytale mix-up is sure to delight students and adults alike.
The production incorporates colorful and elaborate sets, talented artistic contributions from MBU students, faculty and staff with assistance from renowned theatre professionals from the St. Louis community.
• Times: Thursday, Nov. 10 at 10 a.m. (middle and high school matinee)
Friday and Saturday, Nov. 11 and 12 at 7:30 p.m.
Sunday, Nov. 13 at 2 p.m.
• Place: The Pillsbury Chapel and Dale Williams Fine Arts Center, located on the University’s main campus a quarter mile west of the intersection of highways 270 and 40
• Cost: Middle and High School Matinee—$3 per student. For every ten students, one chaperone will be admitted free.
Friday, Saturday and Sunday performances—$15 per adult; $10 for non-MBU students and seniors 65 and older; $2 per MBU student (Limit two with valid MBU student identification)
• Information: MBU Box Office—314.392.2345
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Missouri Baptist University is a premier Christian university in Saint Louis, offering graduate and undergraduate studies in over thirty specialized fields and nine degrees. MBU's education and fine arts programs are nationally known in addition to business, religion, administration of justice, and more. MBU is one of the fastest growing higher education institutions in Missouri with an enrollment of over 4,500 students at five locations in the bi-state region — West County, Lincoln County, Jefferson County, Franklin County and the new Illinois extension at Lewis and Clark Community College.
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