A new Calgary community theater dedicated to providing opportunities for emerging artists is taking on one of the giants of musical theatre.

Theater of Untold Stories takes the stage into the forestStephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s 1986 musical, which is a mix of Brothers Grimm fairy tales.

There are Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, but they are all in a different story than their own.

Inside into the forestThis quest is driven by a childless baker and his wife’s desire to start a family, their reckoning with a witch who cursed them (from Rapunzel’s story), and how they work with these legendary characters to break the curse. .

It’s like a fairy tale where reality intrudes in and out of fairy dust.

“We’re kind of throwing these normal people into this fairytale world,” said Jason Bakaas, Untold Stories co-artistic director (with Becky Salmond).

The musical is indicative of the sensibilities of Sondheim, the legendary Broadway composer beloved by performers but not beloved by Broadway audiences.

“Ito the forest It is one of his most important works. Sweeney Todd” He passed away a few years ago, which is very unfortunate, so we’re very excited to present this in his honor – but he was very well known for his complex, difficult and intricate music, and when it all comes together it sounds amazing It’s coming.”

“But it is definitely a huge challenge for artists and teams to prepare and broadcast their shows.”

Particularly for chronically underfunded community theater companies, musical production is a large, complex and challenging endeavor; But Bakaas says speaking your feelings is a bit of magic.

“I personally love the way music can tell a story,” he says, “especially as an artist, there’s something about being able to tell a story through a song that adds an extra layer of emotion and intention to everything you do.”

“That’s really cool to see as an artist,” he adds, “and sometimes as a viewer, it’s easier and more powerful to understand what’s going on when there are extra layers of music and lyrics behind what’s being done.”

into the forest It will be performed at the Pumphouse Theater until November 16. For tickets and information Here.