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Characters: Into the Woods

Narrator: A gentleman who helps guide the story along, the Narrator also plays a surprising role in the show later on.

Cinderella – Even though she lives with her father, wicked stepmother, and two cruel stepsisters, Cinderella is kind and good and her only wish is to go to the Prince’s festival (a.k.a. the ball), but once she does go and the Prince pursues her, she is uncertain about how to proceed.

Jack: Young, foolhardy, and desperate for a better life, Jack sells his cow for magic beans which lead him on a journey of growing up and learning to accept consequences.

Jack’s Mother: A single mother and a fighter, Jack’s Mother is mainly concerned with not starving. When she forces Jack to sell his cow, little does she know what big things are in store!

Baker: The “hero” of the story (although his actions are not always heroic), the Baker feels he must “fix” he and his wife’s inability to have children and initially tries to pursue his quest without her; but he soon realizes he is much better off with her by his side.

Baker’s Wife: Badly wanting a child, the Baker’s Wife would go to any length to have one. When her husband sets off into the woods to seek the things that would enable them to remove their “curse” of infertility, her assertiveness and stubbornness eventually helps bring about a change between her and her husband.

Cinderella’s Stepmother: Greedy, selfish, and mean-spirited, Cinderella’s Stepmother wants what is best for herself and her two daughters, but not Cinderella.

Florinda and Lucinda: Cinderella’s cruel stepsisters.

Cinderella’s Father: A pushover, Cinderella’s Father is out-of-touch with his family.

Little Red Riding Hood: A sassy, spoiled girl, Little Red Riding Hood must journey from youth and innocence into adulthood and responsibility through an adventurous and scary path.

Witch: Originally portrayed as “the villain,” the witche’s story is much more complicated. She has an ulterior motive when she reveals she was the one who placed the curse of infertility on the Baker’s family.

Cinderella’s Mother: Though no longer living, Cinderella’s Mother is still pivotal in granting useful advice and helping fulfill Cinderella’s wish of going to the Prince’s ball.

Mysterious Man: A wanderer in the woods, the Mysterious Man is full of riddles and a secret.

The Wolf: Lustful, hungry creature, the Wolf represents a lot more than just a dangerous animal in the woods.

Granny: Rapunzel’s grandmother who lives in the woods, Granny is feisty and vindictive towards the Wolf.

Rapunzel: Raised and locked away by the Witch, Rapunzel grew up confined to a tower in the woods; and even though she escapes to start a new life and learn her true history, she struggles to maintain her sanity after her distressing upbringing.

Cinderella’s Prince: Though charming, handsome, and seemingly perfect, Cinderella’s Prince thinks his royal birth entitles him to take anything, and anyone, he wants.

Rapunzel’s Prince: Attractive and pompous like his brother, Cinderella’s Prince, Rapunzel’s Prince tries his best to help when Rapunzel starts to lose her grip on reality.

Steward: A self-important, surly servant to the royal family.

Giant: Loud, angry, and very, very big.

Snow White and Sleeping Beauty: These two catch the attention of Cinderella’s and Rapunzel’s princes.

Utah Shakespeare Festival
Welcome to the Utah Shakespeare Festival. We hope this Study Guide is helpful. As a note, it is for general knowledge and may not be specifically in reference to our production(s). While you’re here you may want to explore the Festival a bit further. You can learn about this Tony Award-winning theatre company, our plays, and so much more by visiting our home page.

What's On

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As You Like It

June 18 - September 6, 2025

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

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Steel Magnolias

June 21 - October 4, 2025

Randall L. Jones

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The Importance of Being Earnest

June 20 - October 4, 2025

Randall L. Jones Theatre

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A Gentleman's Guide to Love and Murder

June 19 - October 3, 2025

Randall L. Jones Theatre

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Macbeth

June 16 - September 4, 2025

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

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Antony and Cleopatra

June 17 - September 5, 2025

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

© Utah Shakespeare Festival 2024 www.bard.org Cedar City, Utah