Lost Nation Theater goes ‘Into the Woods’ with a twist, July 22-Aug 2

July 16, 2026  |  By Waterbury Roundabout

The cast of Lost Nation Theater's 'Into the Woods' (July 22-Aug 2) rehearses. Photo by Kim Bent

In Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” the baker’s wife aptly remarks, “Opportunity is not a lengthy visitor.” And she’s right. 

Lost Nation Theater presents the multi-Tony-Award-winning musical masterpiece for just two upcoming weekends, Wednesdays-Sundays, July 22–Aug. 2, at Montpelier City Hall Arts Center. 

The theater is both air-conditioned and the long-out-of-service elevator is back up and running. 

For this production, director and choreographer Kianna Bromley reimagines the story of “Into the Woods” with just 10 actors, showcasing the fun of theater, physical comedy, and soaring vocals. This presentation charts a somewhat new path while remaining true to Sonheim’s vision. 

Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s “Into the Woods” has favorite tales and characters from the Brothers Grimm colliding on stage in an epic adventure of wishes and choices.

The cast of Lost Nation Theater's production of Stephen Sondheim's 'Into the Woods' with musical director Stefanie Weigand (seated at the piano). Photo by Kim Bent

“Sondheim's ‘Into the Woods’ is a beautiful example of living an improvisational life – of starting with a plan and a story that you think you know, and having it mesh and change as things pop up and twist the path,” Bromley muses. “I imagine Stephen Sondheim as he is writing this tremendous work, having new ideas just pop into his head and him going, ‘yes, AND!’ leading to a brilliant depiction of how real life doesn't follow the ‘happily-ever-after’ template we sometimes expect or wish for.”

Lost Nation Theater has assembled a crackerjack cast and creative ensemble from across Vermont for this production. Joining Bromley are noted musical director Stefanie Wiegand, set designers Kim Ben and props designer Tristan Blumenthal, Jessica Della Pepa Clayton creating costumes, and Charlotte Seelig on lighting.

“After decades of obsession, I am still struck by little surprises hidden throughout the score. And this cast brings it to life in a whole new way,” Weigand shares. “This is ‘Into The Woods’ for newbies and lifelong fans alike.”

The company welcomes back actor-singers Jesse Hawkes and Emmet Stowell. Joining for the first time are very busy musical theater artists from across Vermont: Connor Eaton, Brit Flynn, Connor Kendall, Mary Carol Maganzini, Zoë Mickle, Aleah Papes and Lilah Thurston. Lost Nation’s Producing Artistic Director Kathleen Keenan rounds out the versatile cast.

“It's such a dream to get to play the Baker's Wife, a character whose tenacity, humor and humanity in the face of fantastical forces have inspired me since I was a teen. I can't wait to share her story with audiences,” Papes said. 

The cast of Lost Nation Theater's 'Into the Woods' on stage weekends, July 22-Aug 2, in Montpelier. Photo by Kim Bent

The score and the wordplay in the script are particularly deft and full of hilarity. Classic tunes in the score include “Giants in the Sky,” “I Know Things Now,” “Agony,” “It Takes Two” and “Children Will Listen.”  

Performances are Wednesdays-Sundays, July 22–Aug. 2. Tickets: $15-47 (depending on date and type). Showtimes are 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays through Sundays; matinees both Sundays at 2 p.m. and a Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on Aug. 1. Admission to a pre-show party is included in tickets for Friday, July 24.

More online at lostnationtheater.org. Call 802-229-0492 or email info@lostnationtheater.org for more information.