Grand Avenue students stage 'Into the Woods Jr.'

Bellmore middle school students recently asked audiences at their spring musical productions to join them on a journey into the woods.

The Grand Avenue Middle School drama club staged “Into the Woods Jr.” on March 19 and 20. Bellmore-Merrick Central High School District officials said the production provided a unique take on some of the classic fairytales.

“Into the Woods Jr.” is an abridged, middle school-appropriate version of Stephen Sondheim’s musical. James Lapine wrote the book for the adaptation.

The musical centers on a baker and his wife who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend the king’s festival; and Jack of “Jack and the Beanstalk,” who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the spell. Other classic characters, including Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and the Big, Bad Wolf, appear in the play.