Whether he's directing a mystery or a musical, Garden Spot Performing Arts (GSPA) director Josh Martin offers student actors one specific piece of advice. "I always tell them with any show, (to) tell a story, and there are many stories and lessons to be told through the different character arcs (in 'Into the Woods')," said Martin. "It's not just singing and dancing and jumping around and having a good time. There's a lot of heart (in this show)."

GSPA will present the family-friendly, full-length musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine in the Stan Deen Auditorium at Garden Spot High School (GSHS), 669 E. Main St., New Holland, on Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, April 11, 12, and 13. Shows on April 11 and 12 will be at 7:30 p.m., and the show on April 13 will begin at 2:30 p.m.

The plot of "Into the Woods" follows the Baker, played by Luke Canales, and his wife, portrayed by Lila Albertson, who wish to break a curse that has interfered with their ability to have a child. They are joined on stage by Cinderella, played by Morgan Watt, who wishes to attend the King's Festival, as well as Jack, played by Liam Gill, who wishes his cow would give milk. The show intertwines multiple fairy tales by the Brothers Grimm with other characters including Little Red Riding Hood, played by Genevieve Adamow; Rapunzel, played by Emma Rohrbaugh; and the Witch, played by Jenna Zueno.

According to Martin, the tale revolves around the dreams of the many characters. "The whole story has to do with wishes and getting what you wish for," he explained. "Act I ends with happily ever after, (but) Act II is where we explore what happens after happily ever after." Martin noted that the lesson is wrapped up in the fulfillment of a dream and what that might lead to. "These themes recur in the context of getting what you wish for is not always getting what you want," he said.

Among musicals, "Into the Woods" presents complications in both its story and its lessons. "There are many story lines that converge," Martin pointed out. "There's humor ... there's heart ... there's some thought-provoking drama." When choosing the show, Martin knew he would have a strong ensemble cast, but he also was aware of where the musical would stretch the students. "I thought it would be a good challenge for these kids," he said. "( 'Into the Woods') is a more complex show to rehearse, digest, and perform."

Martin added that he thinks the students are enjoying "digging into the emotion and literary themes," but he noted that their youth and perspective can make it challenging to express the depth of their characters. "It's hard when you have limited life experience to take on with sincerity some of the heavier themes of this show," he said. "This doesn't mean they aren't capable, but they don't necessarily have the full context of what it means to experience loss and heartache." Although much of the show is lighthearted, it does take a serious look at marital and parental and child relationships. "It's something for (students) to sink their teeth into," said Martin.

As a musical, "Into the Woods" is known for more than 20 songs, including the familiar "Giants in the Sky," "No One Is Alone," and "Children Will Listen." "The princes who sing 'Agony' are funny," said Martin of the comedic song sung by Cinderella's and Rapunzel's princes. Martin conceded that the music is also complicated. "The lyrics are beautiful and poignant, but they are tricky," he stated, adding that he emphasizes the importance of memorizing and articulating to enhance audience understanding. Martin noted that while the music is not simple, he has been impressed by cast members' willingness to tackle the score with enthusiasm. "I encourage them to hit the ground running," he stated, noting that the solos and duets require initiative to learn. "Generally speaking, they are rising to the occasion and doing that," he said.

Martin wants audiences to be aware that the show is different from GSPA's spring 2024 musical presentation of "Shrek." "When I picked this I thought it seems similar to 'Shrek' - an enchanted forest filled with mixed-up fairy-tale creatures - but in terms of the lesson, the morals, the complexity, the depth, and the difficulty, (it's very different)," he said.

Tickets for the show may be purchased at http://gspa.seatyourself.biz or by calling 717-354-1584.