The Illinois Theatre Association is pleased to announce the 2011 All-State Production, Into the Woods. Produced by an arrangement with Music Theatre International, Into the Woods is a Tony Award winning musical by Steven Sondheim and James Lapine.
Inspired by the timeless tales of the Brothers Grimm, Sondheim's fractured fairy tale weaves together the stories of a menagerie of characters, whose stories become entangled in unexpected ways.
This All-State production is one of the many events at the 36th Annual Illinois High School Theatre Festival, the largest high school festival in the United States.
Included in the Into the Woods Company is Downers Grove resident, Allison Jacobs from Benet Academy. She will be performing as Cinderella's Mother using her voice talents in the production.
Over 350 students throughout the state auditioned for the 22 roles in this performance. Into the Woods will be performed January 7th and 8th, 2011 at the University of Illinois – Champaign/Urbana for more than 4000 festival participants.
Upon her return to Downers Grove, Jacobs will begin rehearsing for Benet's spring production of "Oklahoma," in which she'll play the lead role of Laurey.
Jacobs got her start in the arts at St. Joseph School in Downers Grove singing solos in the school's VIP Performances under the guidance of Music Director, Mary Schmitt. Schmitt is credited for fostering and nurturing Jacobs' love for music. Additionally, she has taken voice lessons with Victoria VerHoven of Benedictine University and piano through Darlene Crilly of St. Joseph School for the past 10 years. Jacobs has won several awards through the Downers Grove Music Festival for her piano performances.
Mom, Jane Jacobs is very proud of her daughter's achievements. "In watching my daughter's career develop over the years, I have witnessed some great teachers. I cannot say enough wonderful things about the love Mary Schmitt gives her students. Her care and commitment to the music program at St. Joseph School is truly remarkable and a blessing for the school." Mrs. Schmitt's support has continued. "She has not missed one of Allison's Benet performances," added mom, Jane. "Her dedication towards her students is so very much appreciated."
Jacobs has been active in music and drama throughout her four years at Benet. She has sung with the Freshman Choir, Sophomore Chorus, Concert Chorale and Madrigal Singers, and also performed in numerous Drama Troupe productions, beginning with "The Woman in Black" in the fall of her freshman year. She also directed a senior one-act play this year and has been cast in four musicals, including Benet's 2009 production of "Into the Woods," in which she played Cinderella.
The All-State brings together a company of students and staff from all areas of Illinois. The cast, crew and orchestra of 71 students are comprised of the brightest stars in the State. Students and staff put together the entire production in less than 20 rehearsals. They truly are the best of the best.
