“Into the Woods” is a 1987 Broadway production written by James Lapine that was made into a movie in 2014. Through adaptations of childhood fairytales, the production combines familiar stories with songs. One particular actor is looking forward to bringing favorite fairytale characters to life.

Junior Andrew Estrada, is heavily involved in Mater Dei Theater Arts and this musical will be his ninth Mater Dei production. Estrada is playing the role of the Baker’s father.

“My character is very much like this random, weird person,” said Estrada. “Through [the baker’s] words, I can kind of relate, because I feel like I can be very quirky and random sometimes.”

Estrada’s favorite song in the play is “Stay With Me,” which reveals a parallel in the witch’s character.

“The witch’s character throughout the first act is kind of like this big standalone character who is like a lone wolf,” said Estrada. “However when she sings ‘Stay With Me,’ the witch reveals this complete parallel about herself. She shows a polar opposite side about her when she sings to her daughter, Rapunzel, ‘I love you so much that I can’t let you go.’ “

“Into The Woods” is rarely done in school productions, but Mater Dei Theater Arts takes the courageous leap in bringing this unique production to life.

“We’ve never done a show quite like this,” Said Estrada. “ I feel like it’s different and that it’s going to be a really interesting show with so many different fairy tale characters.”

As only one of two musicals that Mater Dei produces each year, the bar is set high for these performers. While there are numerous opportunities to sing and act separately on campus, there are few events in which both talents can be showcased together. Estrada describes his natural affinity towards musicals by explaining the “whimsical” effect that singing provides.

“There’s a dialogue in song which takes a musical to a new level,” he said

Mater Dei Theater Arts students remain a close knit family, but they are always looking for another rising star. Though it is sightly superstitious when it comes to revealing the magic behind these productions to anyone other than their own. Estrada always encourages everyone to join the theater arts community.

“Audition for a show and you can see for yourself!” he said.