Meet the Cast of Into the Woods...
Kikau Alvaro
...playing Cinderella's Prince, the Wolf, and the voice of the Giant
Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?
I am originally from San Jose, CA. I lived in New York for 11 years and have been directing, choreographing, and performing and I was ready to get my MFA and SDSU was the place for me to do it. I was ready to return to California an really dig into the thing I loved most: Musical Theatre!
Who are your acting heroes?
Norm Lewis, Sierra Boggess, Stephanie J. Block, Brian Stokes Mitchell, Laura Osnes
What is your favorite fairy tale?
Cinderella
How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?
I read the script and listen to the soundtrack (if available) over and over again.
Do you have a favorite role from past shows?
One of my favorite roles was Bernardo in West Side Story. The role is so deliciously tragic.
If you could be any other character in the show, who would you be?
I would want to be Jack. The character sees the world in the same way that I do in real life: anything is possible and friends (cows or otherwise) are the most important.
What are some unique challenges of your character?
I am excited about it, but I will be playing three different roles: the Wolf, the Prince, the Giant. Making each one different and special will be a challenge. There is a part of me n each of these characters, but I want to make sure that each of their stories is clearly being told.
What is Into the Woods about, to you?
I believe in love at first sight.
Audrey Pennington
...playing Cinderella's Mother and Granny
Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?
This is my very first semester at SDSU! I'm a junior transfer and happy to have finally found the perfect university for me. The journey is short so far, but I'm confident it's going to continue to be a great one.
Who are your acting heroes?
This question is so hard! Probably Kelli O'Hara, Victoria Mallory, and anyone who's ever been in a Wes Anderson film.
What is your favorite fairy tale?
Cinderella - it's just so classic.
How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?
Research! I delve into every aspect of the show then move onto my specific character. For every scene I'm in, I organize my objectives, obstacles, strategies, etc. for my character. For any role, but especially for smaller roles, I like to make up fun back-stories that can support their overall motivation.
Do you have a favorite role from past shows?
Liesl von Trapp from "The Sound of Music" because all the younger children were double cast, so I had 13 stage siblings (kids are my life). Also Carrie Pipperidge from "Carousel" and Nellie Forbush from "South Pacific." I'm a Rogers and Hammerstein kind of girl.
If you could be any other character in the show, who would you be?
I think the Witch would be a tremendous acting challenge, but Cinderella has a very special place in my heart.
What are some unique challenges of your character?
I'm honestly stressing about my Granny voice. I know I can't sound like my twenty-year-old self, and I really want the Granny voice to be genuine and not sound like I'm mocking senior citizens!
What is Into the Woods about, to you?
"No One Is Alone" makes me tear up almost every time, and that song IS the message of the show for me. Things are horrible in life sometimes, but there is always on someone else's side. It's a beautiful thought.
Liv Stevns Petersen
...playing Cinderella
Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?
In 2010 I finished my BFA in Musical Theatre Performance from the Danish Academy of Musical Theatre (DAMT). I'm born and raised in Denmark and I'm excited to be the first Dane achieving an MFA in musical theatre, and proud to attend the program here at SDSU.
The beginning of my career started early in the Danish production of Bugsy Malone in 1995, Copenhagen. Later I was lucky to become a part of a famous Danish movie for kids Bully Bob, where I played the part as the tomboy Kitt. During and after my education at DAMT, I've been a part of the ensemble in several Danish musical productions such as: The Sound of Music (ensemble), Guys and Dolls (Hot Box Girl), The Drowsy Chaperone (Kitty), Beatsville (Carla), The Three Musketeers (Cecile and Cover Constance), and Young Frankenstein (Ensemble and Swing).
Being on stage I've been producers assistant and directors assistant at several productions and worked with personalities as Ted Sperling and Marcia Milgrom Dodge at Federicia Theatre.
In 2012 I got the opportunity to directing and choreographing myself through several programs for teenagers and 2013 I started teaching at The Danish Academy of Musical Theatre and then decided to continue my education. I was so lucky to be accepted into the program at SDSU, and I'm so grateful to be here.
Who are your acting heroes?
One of my heroes is Julie Andrews. She has inspired me since I was a child, when I imagined that the hills were alive and with the sound of her voice, which to me is so intriguing and endearing. Right at the moment I'm listening to Audra McDonald who is a true master of the craft of musical theatre. She is so invested in everything she does and is just a joy to study.
What is your favorite fairy tale?
My favorite fairytale is The Ugly Duckling. Not only is it written by Hans Christian Andersen, who happens to be Danish, it's also telling a story about how you should never give up on following your dreams and finding your place in society.
How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?
I'm a very instinctual person, so I read the script and in during rehearsals I keep exploring the different possibilities in the scenes, using the impulses that comes to me.
Do you have a favorite role from past shows?
Being a huge Sound of Music fan, Maria is one of my favorite partsNot yet have I got the chance to play it, but I hope someday that I will.
If you could be any other character in the show, who would you be?
The Witch, she is awesome and so different from my current character.
What are some unique challenges of your character?
There is a fine line between reality and fairytale-stereotypes in this show, which is what makes it brilliant. The challenge will be to define the true combination of both and still keep it relatable.
What is Into the Woods about, to you?
Dallas Perry
...playing Jack
Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?I grew up in San Diego, and San Diego theater has always been a huge part of my life. Getting the opportunity to go to SDSU was an amazing one, because I get to now broaden my education and meet local mentors, as well as some who have worked in the musical theater field all over America.
What is your favorite fairy tale?
My favorite fairy tale would be Peter Pan. I am in love with the story and the character, and it was the first theater production I ever saw, which made me want to pursue musical theater for the rest of my life.
How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?
When I get cast in a show I like to watch past productions of the show, and even research it's history in order to get a good idea of how the character lived, their circumstances, and I try to see the world through their eyes.
Do you have a favorite role from past shows?
I got the honor of playing the title role in Peter Pan which was a dream come true since childhood. I also got to perform in my first regional production as "Brick's Pig" and dance ensemble in Moonlight Amphitheater's production of Shrek: The Musical, which was an incredible learning experience.
If you could be any other character in the show, who would you be?
If I were to play another role in this show, while disregarding gender boundaries, I would play the witch. She has such a relatable story, and a heartbreaking one at that, and it so much touches the audience's hearts. She also gets a pretty cool rap solo in the opening number!
What are some unique challenges of your character?
For Jack, the most challenging thing to explore for me personally is his immaturity and childlike nature, while all the while being a young man. He has often been portrayed as a young child, but I love the idea of him being a sort of "man-child" like person. This new take helps develop a relationship with his mother, as well as the other characters in the story.
What is Into the Woods about, to you?
To me, Into the Woods is a story of children, and their effect on the world. Each story that appears in the show has something to do with a relationship between a parent and their child, and how each life has a different outcome because of their relationships and upbringing. Another thing that expresses the theme of children is the fact that the show is composed of fairytales, stories that most audiences have heard and can connect with their own childhood as well. Such nostalgia makes the musical touch many hearts, and reminds the audience that children are the future and that "children will listen."
Jessica Humphrey
...playing Little Red Riding Hood
Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?I was living in NYC and working regionally from the moment I graduated college (Western Carolina University with a Bachelors in Music in Musical Theatre) to the moment I moved here to San Diego. I have always known that I want to teach eventually, and it seemed like the right time to get out of the city and pursue my degree. After careful though and a tough decision, I felt like SDSU was the right fit for me at the moment. I left my life, job and basically everything I owned in New York, grabbed my car from my hometown in Texas, and drove across the country to start my new life here!
What is your favorite fairy tale?
My favorite fairy tale is a Brothers Grimm tale called "The Twelve Dancing Princess." It is a dark tale, but I distinctly remember reading it as a child and being in love with the artwork in my storybook. I also love the idea, even in fairytales, of sneaking out to dance the night away in a beautiful gown and heels!
I understand you've played Little Red Riding Hood before - what have been some of the challenges of developing your character in either production?
This experience has been interesting for me because I have played Little Red previously. Almost two years ago I first attacked this role at a small theatre in Florida where I was directed by Kathy Ditch and performed the show for about six weeks. A challenge of that particular production was that we did not have a live orchestra - we sung along to tracked music! I am very excited to have a live orchestra for this production, and all percussion at that! The music in this show is its own character and I am already loving how much freedom I have to explore the songs based on how I am feeling in the moment. Challenges of the character: I have seen this character skewed too young, too sexy, too old, too innocent, etc. I base my Little Red on actually 11 year olds that I used to nanny in NYC and ask myself how they would react to the situation. Because this is musical theatre, all her reactions are a little more dramatic than a child would be in real life, but let's face it - 11 year olds are dramatic! I love the sass of Little Red and that she doesn't apologize for her personality. It is hard to keep things fresh and not fall into old habits or line readings, because I've seen them work and have gotten reactions, but I am working hard in rehearsal to find the right fit for THIS production.
If you could be any other character in the show, who would you be?
I would love to play any role in this show! In addition to playing Little Red, I am also covering all the women's roles. This is fun because I get to learn all the parts and test out what it would be like to play different roles. I am attracted to the role of the Baker's Wife at the moment because of how much depth is written into the character. I tend to play more juvenile characters or ingenues that don't have much development given to them on the page and I covet playing a role that gives you SO MUCH to work with!
What is Into the Woods about, to you?
To me, Into the Woods is a story about finding family in places you would never expect. Throughout the show we see different iterations of family - most are dysfunctional. We follow characters who start their journeys with one mindset and we see that mindset change as they are enveloped into a new family. For Little Red, at the beginning, she exudes confidence because she knows her Grandmother and Mother will ultimately keep her safe. It is when she is faced with the Wolf, and then eventually when her Mother and Grandmother are gone, that she finds confidence in herself and accepts her place in a newfound family.
Kelty Morash
...playing Rapunzel
Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?I came to SDSU after taking acting classes at the American Conservatory Theatre in San Francisco. A teacher recommended the school for me to check out and I spoke to a former student at ACT Who was a theatremajor here.
Who are your acting heroes?
Meryl Streep, of course! It really depends on what I'm watching - there are so many great actors out there. I also love Leonardo DiCaprio.
What is your favorite fairy tale?
My favorite fairy tale might be Snow White. I say that because she was my favorite princess as a littler girl and I have stuck with her since.
How do you go about finding a new character once you've been cast?
We are in this great age of technology with tools such as YouTube and the Internet. Even before being cast, when I am reading for a role I like to research everything I can about that character/show. I often watch clips on YouTube. After this, I draw out my own character arc and how I see their journey through the show, deciding what objectives/tactics/conflicts/etc. they will obtain and encounter. This part of the process is constantly changing and there are new discoveries to be made at each rehearsal.
Do you have a favorite role from past shows?
I recently played Maggie in Lend Me a Tenor which was a total treat!
If you could be any other character in the show, who would you be?
That's a tough one! I can identify with different parts of many of the characters and I also love so many of the songs in this show. It would have to be a tie between Little Red, The Baker's Wife and the Witch.
What are some unique challenges of your character?
There are two different sides of Rapunzel - the little girl and the woman. It has been an exciting journey figuring out how to incorporate both in her character without alienating one. There is definitely a shift as she transitions from one more into the other. The music has also been a great challenge as well as honing Rapunzel's princess voice.
What is Into the Woods about, to you?
Into the Woods is about life. It's about choices and the lack of clarity there is determining right and wrong. There are major themes about inevitable change and embracing moments - living true/fully in them then letting them go. It's about growing up - something we do our entire lives. This show is genuinely a masterpiece and the meanings/lessons to be learned from it are limitless. I love Into the Woods!
Courtney Kattengell
...playing the Witch
Can you briefly describe your journey SDSU?My Musical Theatre History professor at Marymount Manhattan, Jill Gould, was a graduate of the SDSU MFA in Musical Theatre. She had mentioned to me that I should consider graduate school and how special this program was to her. After looking into the program, I found that there were only two MFA Musical Theatre programs in the country and this was one of them. I auditioned, and immediately felt at home.
Who are your acting heroes?
Randall Eames.
What is your favorite fairy tale?
Rapunzel. Probably because there's a witch in it. :)
How do you go about finding a new character once you've been cast?
Read the script. I know this sounds obvious, but when I get cast in a new show I always read the script multiple times before I do any homework. There are many clues the writer(s) give us about characters. Then I do a lot of research on the writers, time period, any historical events, etc. Once I fully understand the story, relationships, and intent of the piece, I am able to really delve deeper into the voice, physicality, and emotional being of a character.
Do you have a favorite role from past shows?
Charity from Sweet Charity. Hands down. I want another chance to play her. So fun.
If you could be any other character in the show, who would you be?
Rapunzel's Prince. (Obviously)
What are some unique challenges of your character?
The Witch is extremely demanding on the voice. Finding the right voice for her without straining is very difficult. She has many different colors to her. One moment she is sweet with Rapunzel, the next she is scary, and the next she is strong. And all those words! It has been a great challenge and a welcome opportunity for growth.
What is Into the Woods about, to you?
"Careful the spell you cast, not just on children. Sometimes the spell may last past what you can see and turn against you. Careful the tale you tell. THAT is the spell. Children will listen."
Sean Boyd
...playing the Steward
Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?I bounced around with several majors, the longest in the Liberal Stdies (Elementary Education) major. While it was great, I am so excited to be back as a Theatre major.
Who are your acting heroes?
Michael J. Fox and Kevin Spacey.
What is your favorite fairy tale?
Hansel and Gretel.
How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?
Read through the script - see what the stage directions say about my character, see how my character feels about themselves, then see how other characters feel about my character through their dialogue.
Do you have a favorite role from past shows?
Ugly from HONK!; Bernie the Stuffed Dinosaur from Christmas Toy Shop.
If you could be any other character in the show, who would you be?
Oof -- I like my character! But maybe the narrator?
What are some unique challenges of your character?
For someone who believes they are always doing "right", it is hard to justify killing anyone. Yet, that's exactly what the Steward does (and it is one of the last times you see him -- so maybe he really does feel guilt?)
What is Into the Woods about, to you?
Finding courage through good morals.
Marilyn Wallace
...playing Jack's Mother
Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?After graduating high school in Texas, I went to a university in Texas for a year to study bio-medical sciences. I realized I had made a mistake not doing theater and I decided to return home and attend school there. I was able to perform in a multitude of shows and travel all over the nation with the Speech and Debate team for 2 years. It was because of the team that I got recruited to SDSU. I then decided to audition for the Theater program and I got in! A year later I am still here and happier than ever.
Who are your acting heroes?
Meryl Streep and Amy Adams. They are both so versatile and so talented.
What is your favorite fairy tale?
Probably Robin Hood. He wasn't a perfect person (we all have our flaws) but he helped people, especially the poor and he sought to bring justice to the world.
How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?
I look at the obvious things first, like all the facts the script is giving me. Then with that I think about how the character would walk and talk and how that character is feeling or how she would respond. The director's vision, along with costuming and sets help a lot also when it comes to how the character might live. It's a combination of things that creates a character.
Do you have a favorite role from past shows?
I was Adelaide in my high school's production of Guys and Dolls and I fell in love with that role. She is so quirky and fun!
If you could be any other character in the show, who would you be?
One of the princes. Everyone will probably agree that "Agony" is the best song in the show!
What are some unique challenges of your character?
Well for one, I'm not a middle aged woman and I am not a mother so a lot of the struggles and challenges my character goes through I can't exactly relate to. The underlying theme for Jack's Mother, however, is how much she WANTS and CARES and NEEDS. I think everyone can relate to those words.
What is Into the Woods about, to you?
For me, Into the Woods is about growing up and all the struggles that come along with it. Wanting to grow up and leave home, actually leaving home (and realizing it wasn't all you had thought it would be), losing parents and having to make decisions, all of these themes are seen in Into the Woods. As a college student all of those things resonate with me and they definitely pull at my heart strings.
Julia Cuppy
...playing The Baker's Wife
Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?I graduated with a Theatre Performance degree from Southern Oregon University and immediately went into a Masters of Arts in Teaching program at the same school. I was then hired during that year to teach Theatre and English at a public high school in Southern Oregon. I taught for nine years and decided that the time had come for me to broaden my horizons. I had done some performing locally which was enriching but I knew I was capable of more. The program at SDSU is unique that it trains professionals to be both good teachers and practitioners of musical theatre. I know my training here will help provide me with opportunities yet unseen.
Who are your acting heroes?
Meryl Streep, Joanna Gleason, Donna McKechnie, Nathan Lane, Faith Prince - so many more!!!
What is your favorite fairy tale?
I don't know if it is a fairy tale but I have always loved Beauty and the Beast, especially Belle. She is strong, intelligent, loving and determined to make the best out of any situation.
How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?
Meryl streep said that rehearsing can be really messy. So, it takes me a little while to "find" a character because I spend a lot of time digesting lines, music and blocking. But, once that is second nature I focus on the physicality of the character. I consider, where is their "heart center" and then blend that understanding into there mannerisms and personal rhythms. This is also after doing a lot of thinking about who they are as a person and making up their backstory. Sometimes the script helps with that but sometimes it doesn't. I like when the script doesn't because it requires me to use my imagination. Then, I use all of that in rehearsal to explore and experiment with and the character finds me, not the other way around.
Do you have a favorite role from past shows?
I enjoy every role that I play but I have to admit my favorite is when I got to play Kathy Seldon in Singin' in the Rain, which alone as marvelous, but what made it super special was that my husband played Don Lockwood. I got to fall in love with him all over again each performance. It was pretty awesome!
If you could be any other character in the show, who would you be?
Witch - hands down. So many great songs and such a great character arc. Our witch, Courtney Kattengell, is a tour de force and I enjoy watching her take that character's journey.
What are some unique challenges of your character?
The Baker and the Baker's Wife are the most "human" of all of the characters. They have real problems and they need real solutions. The challenge for me is to find that honesty amongst the magical world inside the woods.
What is Into the Woods about, to you?
Paula says that the most important lyrics in the show are "Into the woods to get the thing that makes it worth the journeying." This lyric is what I think the show is about. To be truly happy, we have to give ourselves the permission to find, for ourselves, what "makes it worth the journeying." By watching the characters in this show go into the woods in search of their happiness, we, the audience, are reminded that we also have that opportunity if only we muster up the courage to take the first step.
Bradley J. Behrmann
...playing the Narrator and the Mysterious Man
Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?
I was a teacher and actor for ten years in St. Louis, and it was time to take both of those games to the next level.
Who are your acting heroes?
Neil Patrick Harris...Brian Stokes Mitchell...Joseph Gordon Levitt. Basically anyone with three names.
What is your favorite fairy tale?
I have always loved Beauty and the Beast. Sadly, that tale does not appear in our story.
How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?
I tend to start my journey into a character with the text. I look for quirks in their speech pattern and the rhythm of their words. But my characters don't usually fully take shape until they are in the scene with other characters. Relationships onstage form my characters better than I do alone.
Do you have a favorite role from past shows?
Two roles that I performed in St. Louis before I left were Britt Craig in Parade and Man in Chair from The Drowsy Chaperone. Parade is a remarkable piece and tragically beautiful story, and Britt is a cunning opportunist in the midst of the very first "trial of the century." Man in Chair is a perfect character. He has heart, humor, quirks, desires and failures. I love him.
If you could be any other character in the show, who would you be?
This sounds crazy, but I would love to play the Witch - not in drag - but just a straightforward gender-bent production.
What are some unique challenges of your character?
The Narrator is the string-puller in our production. So keeping track of the ENTIRE story has been a huge challenge.
What is Into the Woods about, to you?
This is a story about growing up and making choices and living with the consequences.
Kelli Plaisted
...playing Florinda
Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?I've lived in San Diego my whole life and knew that I didn't want to leave any time soon. After high school, I attended Grossmont Community College to save money while doing my General Ed classes. During that time I also focused on improving my singing and dancing skills. After two years, I decided it was time to transfer to San Diego State University. I wasn't being challenged at Grossmont anymore and knew that I needed to be pushed in order to really grow as a performer. I am very thankful to the faculty here at SDSU who have truly invested in my education.
Who are your acting heroes?
Susan De Leon and Season Duffy were two mentors I had growing up. I have an immense amount of respect for them and they've been a big inspiration. These two women have shown me that it is possible to be a wife and a mother as well as an active performer in the community. They are true professionals and I'm so thankful for their influence in my life.
What is your favorite fairy tale?
The Boy Who Drew Cats - A farmer has many children, who are all hard-working, except for his youngest, who is small and weak and only interested in drawing pictures of cats. He decides his son is not cut out to be a farmer, and sends him to a temple to study with a priest. The boy spends all his time drawing cats rather than studying, so the priest tells him he's better suited to being an artist and should return home. As he sends him on his way, the priest warns the boy: "Avoid large places at night. Keep to the small." Ashamed of being dismissed, the boy decides not to return to his father's farm. He travels to another temple in the hopes he can ask for a night's shelter, not realizing all the priests living there have long-ago been driven away by a giant goblin-rat. When the boy arrives, he finds the place deserted and decides to draw cats on the walls. As he begins to feel tired, he remembers the old priest's words and climbs inside a little cabinet to go to sleep. During the night he hears horrible sounds of screaming and fighting. When morning comes and he finally climbs out, he discovers the corpse of the goblin-rat. As he wonders what could have killed it, he notices that all his cats now have blood on their mouths. He is hailed as a hero for defeating the monster, and grows up to be a famous artist - one who only draws cats.
How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?
Lots of ice cream! Along with reading the script, rehearsing a lot and some more ice cream :)
Do you have a favorite role from past shows?
One of my favorite roles was Pickles in The Great American Trailer Park Musical at SDSU last semester. Goooood times!
If you could be any other character in the show, who would you be?
If I could be any other character in the show, I'd be... "THE PRINCE OF COURSE!"
What are some unique challenges of your character?
Being blind for half the show is a grand challenge.
What is Into the Woods about, to you?
The show is about a fabulous and beautiful girl named Florinda Eleanor Livia. She dreams of living happily ever after in a giant golden castle with her rich and handsome Prince. She faces many health issues throughout her journey and discovers that what really matters isn't how many ruffles there are on her dress or which lipstick shade she should wear. It's what's on the inside that truly matters.
Holly Echsner
...playing Cinderella's Stepmother
Can you briefly describe your journey to SDSU?I auditioned for 6 schools and when I found I got into SDSU I knew that was the perfect place for me just because I was going to stay in California but have a completely new experience.
Who are your acting heroes?
I wouldn't say I have an acting hero, but there are many people I respect.
What is your favorite fairy tale?
My favorite fairy tale would have to be Frozen.
How do you go about finding a new character once you have been cast?
First off I read through the script a couple more times to look for clues as to what kind of character the writer wants me to be then I talk to the director to make sure we have a similar idea for the character and then I just play around till I find what works.
Do you have a favorite role from past shows?
My favorite role I've ever played would be Amnesia from Aida but a close tie behind that would be Audrey from Little Shop of Horrors and Ariel from Footloose.
If you could be any other character in the show, who would you be?
In this show I would want to play Cinderella. I have played the role of Cinderella in Cinderella and I think it would be fun to play the role in a different setting like this show.
What are some unique challenges of your character?
I think the challenges of this character are really finding the balance between beautiful yet evil. I also think this is one of the older, more mature roles I've played so it's important for me to find that part of me in this character.
What is Into the Woods about, to you?
Into the Woods is about how the lives of every person affect one another. Yes, it's a story of fairy tale characters but they are all real and represent people in society today.
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