Jones County Arts invites audiences to step into a world where fairy tales collide as opening night approaches for its spring production of Into the Woods Jr. Performed by local middle and high school students, the classic musical brings together beloved storybook characters for a journey filled with humor, heart, and unexpected twists.
The performances will be held on March 27 and 28 at 7 p.m. and March 29 at 3 p.m. at the W. E. Knox Civic Center.
With only days remaining before the curtain rises, cast members say the show is polished and ready for audiences.
Jacob Adams, who plays Cinderella’s Prince, said the cast has worked hard to ensure a strong and entertaining performance.
“The show is going really well. Everyone knows their parts very well, and the acting, singing, and dancing have really come together,” Adams said.
He added that the experience has been both meaningful and fun.
“My favorite part has been being able to laugh and have fun with my friends while still creating something really entertaining,” he said.
Adams encouraged the community to attend and experience the energy of the show firsthand.
“If you want to have a good timfre and see comedy, mystery, dancing, and singing, come watch Into the Woods Jr.,” he said.
Ana Lynn Stanford, who plays Cinderella, said the production process has been rewarding and memorable.
“I loved gaining more experience from our director, Mrs.
Lisa, and laughing and growing with my friends throughout the process,” Stanford said.
She added that the cast’s dedication will be evident onstage.
“People should come see Into the Woods Jr. because it is fun and funny, and we have put in a lot of hard work that I think is really going to pay off,” she said.
The story of Into the Woods Jr. is anchored by the Baker and his Wife, played by senior Jones County Arts students Aaron Varnadoe and Melody Dixon. Their characters connect many of the fairy tales throughout the show.
Varnadoe said playing the Baker has challenged him in new ways.
“My role as the Baker has been fun and challenging because of all the emotions he shows, but it has been a great experience that I have really loved,” he said.
He noted that the musical offers a darker and more layered take on familiar stories.
“ Into the Woods Jr. is not a normal fairy tale show. It is more like a twisted version of the stories everyone knows, and it is very memorable,” Varnadoe said.
Dixon, who portrays the Baker’s Wife, said the role has been a highlight of her theater experience.
“The Baker’s Wife is a dream role for me because it is both comedic and serious, which makes it exciting to play,” Dixon said.
She added that audiences may be surprised by how the characters develop.
“This is not just a Disneystyle fairy tale. You get to see a different version of characters you already know and love, which makes it really exciting,” she said.
As opening night approaches, Varnadoe emphasized that the show’s complexity is part of its appeal.
“This is a very complex show with a lot of moving parts, but it is going to be extremely rewarding for the audience,” he said.
Tickets are on sale online at jonescounty.booktix.com. A season ticket package is available for $45 and includes admission to all three Jones County Arts shows for the 2026 season: Into the Woods Jr., Shrek Jr., and James and the Giant Peach Jr. Reserved seating for Into the Woods Jr. is $18 for all ages. General admission tickets are $12 for adults and $10 for students. Children under five years old will not be admitted to the performances.
With laughter, music, and a few unexpected twists waiting just beyond the trees, audiences are invited to follow the path and see where the woods lead.
