MSM Musical Theatre presents Stephen Sondheim’s beloved classic Into the Woods for its final performances, April 3-6, in Neidorff-Karpati Hall. Meet Michael Sanchez, who plays the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince!
Michael told us about the production, how he stepped into the Wolf/Prince’s shoes, and his time at MSM so far!
Into the Woods follows your favorite storybook characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack in the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Rapunzel as they venture into the woods to fulfill their deepest wishes. However, their fairy tale endings come with unexpected consequences, exploring themes of fate, responsibility, and the price of wishes.
ABOUT MICHAEL SANCHEZ (BM ’27)
New York City native Michael Sanchez (BM ’27) is a current sophomore musical theatre major studying with Judith Clurman. His MSM credits include Into the Woods (Wolf/Prince), Mudville as part of the MT Lab Series, Freshman Pops, and the Disney Theatricals reading of Frozen. Michael is an active member of MSM’s chapter of the theatre honor society, Alpha Psi Omega, and has performed in their production of 12 Angry Men.
Don’t miss Michael as the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince APR 3-6!
MSM MUSICAL THEATRE
Into the Woods
APR 3–5 | THURS–SAT
7:30 PM
APR 6 | SUN
2 PM
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Evan Pappas, Director
Lorna Ventura, Choreographer
David Loud, Music Director
Talk-back immediately following the Sunday performances
Tickets Required
$30 adults, $15 non-MSM students and seniors
Neidorff-Karpati Hall
130 Claremont Avenue
New York, New York 10027
Tell us about Into the Woods! What is this musical about?
Michael: Into the Woods is a story that weaves together all your favorite fairy tales, from Little Red Riding Hood to Jack and the Beanstalk, to Cinderella. You follow each character as they try to make their wishes come true in the same woods, and you see how they cross paths (or more than that) in pursuit of their goals. More importantly, it’s about relationships, grief, and how the ways we tell stories matter.
You’re playing the role of the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince! How have you stepped into this character’s shoes?
Michael: I’m lucky enough to play two roles! I start as the Wolf in Little Red’s story, and then change (rather quickly) to Cinderella’s Prince! To prepare, I conducted extensive interviews with every dog I passed on the street for five days, and then spent arguably too much time with the prince of MSM, Kenneth Sweeney!
What has been the biggest challenge with the role?
Michael: The biggest challenge has been finding continuity when it comes to going from one character to the next. Nothing is unintentional when it comes to Sondheim! So, answering for myself why these two characters are traditionally cast together was a fun obstacle!
Michael Sanchez in the Disney Theatricals reading of Frozen, Fall 2024
Why should people see this show?
Michael: People should see the show because it’s one of the best musicals of all time, with an incredibly talented and dedicated cast, an amazing creative team, and a killer orchestra! How can you say no?!?
Why did you decide to study at MSM?
Michael: I decided to study at MSM because of the incredible faculty, welcoming community, and its proximity to the 1 train!
I would add “Giants In The Sky” to the soundtrack of my life because that is exactly how whimsical I want to be every day.
Name something from today’s world you think the Wolf and the Prince would love!
Michael: I think the Prince would love social media because he could post about himself all day, and it would’ve made finding Cindy much easier. And I think the Wolf would love DoorDash, but be disappointed when he realizes he’s not supposed to eat the delivery person.
What song from Into the Woods would you, Michael, add to the soundtrack of your life?
Michael: I would add “Giants In The Sky” because that is exactly how whimsical I want be every day.
Describe Into the Woods in three words!
Michael: Funny, Sad, Hens!
