Western ND News

The Badlands Opera Project is set to present the musical "Into the Woods" at Dickinson State University's Dorothy Stickney Auditorium from March 28-30. The performances are scheduled for 7:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, with a matinee at 2:00 pm on Sunday. Tickets can be purchased at the door, priced at $20 for individuals and $50 for families, while DSU students and staff can attend for free with a valid DSU ID.

Directed by Anthony Rohr, a local native and DHS graduate, this production aims to deliver professional quality to Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's renowned musical. The storyline features well-known fairy tale characters such as Jack from "Jack and the Beanstalk," Cinderella, and Little Red Riding Hood, exploring their narratives beyond the typical "Happily Ever After."

The cast includes familiar local talents like Cole Beck as Jack, Beth Hurt as Cinderella, Kayla Kilwein as The Witch, Daniel Parke as Baker, Anthony Rohr as Cinderella’s Prince, and Sonja Tinjum as Baker’s Wife. It also features veterans Cheryl Hewson (Jack’s Mother/Giantess), Jesse Kilwein (Narrator), Karen Wagner (Granny), emerging artists William Hansard (Mysterious Man/Cinderella’s Father), Daniel Paluck (Rapunzel’s Prince), Keira Rambousek (Rapunzel), new faces Maegan Fox (Lucinda), Autumn Martin-Geerts (Snow White/Milky White), Katarina Messmer (Wolf/Steward), Maci Wehri (Florinda), child actors Molly Ellerkamp (Little Red Riding Hood) and Zoey Hagerott (Narrator’s Child). Guest artist Elizabeth Pack from the Twin Cities will play Stepmother/Cinderella’s Mother.

Kayla Kilwein expressed her enthusiasm about both performing in the show and serving as Executive Director of the Badlands Opera Project: “As both Executive Director and a performer in the show, I’m especially excited to bring this production to our community and share the stage with such incredible local talent.” Show director Anthony Rohr added that “the Dickinson community will be filled with pride by the tremendous display of local talent. Over twenty-five actors, designers, and crew members who call this region home have put together a production that’s positively sure to entertain.”

The Badlands Opera Project is dedicated to bringing professional opera and vocal music to Southwestern North Dakota through performances and educational outreach while nurturing local talent. More information can be found at badlandsopera.org.