The Denair Gaslight Theatre, a booster of children’s theater in the community, is expanding their theatrical reach with the staging of “Into the Woods.”

Using several tales from the Brothers Grimm, “Into the Woods” steps into the lives of some of the most well-known fairy tale characters and delves further into how their wishes and the choices they make shape their ultimate destinies.  It also explores themes of responsibility, morality and family life, while mixing in plenty of comedy and music.

Key characters include Cinderella, Snow White, Sleeping Beauty and their princes, as well as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and Rapunzel.

The overarching story bringing them all together is the original tale of the baker and his wife and their quest to start a family.

“Into the Woods,” with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, debuted in 1986 and made it to Broadway in 1987, where it went on to earn critical praise and win several theatrical awards, including three Tony awards.

Bringing the beloved fairy tale characters to life is a cast of 31 — mostly high school and college students — from the area.

“This cast is fabulous,” said producer Robin Yanez. “Normally a production has to pay for talent this good.”

Typically, the Gaslight stages shows that are more kid-centric, but Yanez and director Rachel Cecilia wanted to bring the community a show that would have more of an appeal to adults.

“We wanted to show the board to not be afraid of these kinds of shows,” Yanez said.

The musical is being shown at 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday and July 29 and 30 and 2 p.m. Sunday and July 31.

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $8 for seniors, students and children. To reserve tickets call 664-9514.

The theatre is at 3908 N. Gratton Rd., in Denair.

To contact Sabra Stafford, e-mail sstafford@turlockjournal.com or call 634-9141 ext. 2002.