By Alvaro Ayala

BROWNSVILLE, TEXAS – APRIL 24, 2025 – UTRGV Arts is presenting a musical rendition of some of the most classic Brothers Grimm tales, with scenes from “Into the Woods.”

This free musical by the UTRGV School of Music and UTRGV Arts will have a two-day run, Saturday, April 26, and Sunday, April 27, at the Music, Science & Learning Center on the Brownsville Campus. Both performances are open to the public.

Based on the works of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, “Into the Woods” tells of the journey of a baker and his wife to claim items for a witch, so she will lift a curse she had placed on them for past wrongdoings.

Along the way, they encounter characters familiar to us, like Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, and Jack and the Beanstalk, before they can complete their mission and have the curse lifted.

Katilyn Sanders, first-time director and part-time lecturer at the School of Music, said she wants to set the bar high with her debut production.

“I want to shoot for excellence. I want to produce something that not only honors my theater background but also makes my students reflect at the end of the run and say, ‘I'm very proud, I'm a different performer now,’” she said.

GROWING TOGETHER

Sanders, who has a master’s degree in Theater, is passionate about music and the performing arts. Currently an opera workshop instructor at the School of Music, her goal is to inspire her mainly freshmen and sophomore students.

“My personal goal is to help these students grow, so they feel successful and are prepared for a career in the performing arts,” she said. 

As a first-time director, she also is happy to learn along with her students.

“Over the past few months, I’ve grown as an artist,” she said. “The most rewarding part is seeing students apply what I taught them earlier in the semester. It’s amazing to see the results of our collaborative work.”

PUTTING ON THE SLIPPERS

Leyah Juarez, a freshman music education major, has been diving into her research to fully embody the role of Cinderella.

“Since I got the role, I’ve been studying the music and trying to understand the literature and context of the story,” she said. “I try to connect Cinderella’s key moments to my own life, to truly bring her to life.”

Juarez said playing a role like Cinderella requires learning how to transition character motifs and music onto the stage.

“This experience has been eye-opening, especially with how the story is structured and will be told,” she said. 

Juarez credits her work with Sanders, along with the cast and crew, for boosting her confidence. 

“Sanders brought a different approach, knowing how packed a student’s schedule can be,” Juarez said. “While she ensures we’re learning the music, she also prioritizes our mental health. She teaches us meditation techniques and offers extra coaching.”

(UTRGV photo by David Pike)

GOING ON THE QUEST

Sanders said Into the Woods explores complex modern themes, touching on making wishes and the consequences of decisions.

“This show is a quest. The characters walk away changed and I think the audience can definitely relate to that,” she said.

“A live musical theater production is a real experience. I think people who aren't familiar with musical theater, or who have never attended a performance, will be genuinely surprised,” she said.

“Into The Woods” will be presented April 26-27 at the Music, Science & Learning Center (BMSLC) on the Brownsville Campus. Times are:

• 7 p.m. Saturday, April 26.
• 3 p.m. Sunday, April 27.

No tickets or RSVPs are required to attend, and performances are open to the public.

Sanders said her colleagues in the UTRGV Music Department had a big part in bringing the production to life – specifically Dr. Daniel Hunter-Holly, Dr. Shayna Isaacs and Dr. Kenneth Saxon, the show’s lead pianist. In addition, important community partners for “Into the Woods” include the Camille Playhouse in Brownsville for set pieces and costumes, and Sharyland Pioneer High School, which provided props, she said.

For more information, contact the UTRGV School of Music at 956-882-7025 or 956-665-3881.