The BYU–Hawaii Theatre Program is set to enchant audiences this week with its fall 2025 production of Into the Woods, a musical that blends fantasy, humor, and heartfelt reflection. Directed by Dr. Michael Morris, assistant professor in the Faculty of Culture, Language & Performing Arts and head of the Theatre Program, the show will run from November 12 to November 15 at the McKay Auditorium, drawing excitement from students, faculty, and community members alike.
Based on the Tony Award–winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, Into the Woods intertwines the tales of classic fairy-tale characters—Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack, and others—as their wishes lead them into a tangled forest of consequences. The story explores timeless themes of desire, responsibility, and what it truly means to live “happily ever after,” while cleverly satirizing the fairy-tale genre.
Student Preparation
Dr. Morris said directing the upcoming production has been both challenging and deeply rewarding. “This is my third show that I’ve produced and directed at BYU–Hawaii, and it’s entirely different from the shows I’ve done before,” he said. “It’s a smaller musical, but it’s also nearly completely accompanied and sung through most of the show. The musical demands are incredibly high. Unlike Aida, there are no pop or rock numbers; it’s more traditional musical theater, but it has great heart and really beautiful songs.”
He added that the cast’s spiritual depth has uniquely shaped the production. “Even though I don’t think Sondheim intended it, our cast, because of their testimonies of the Savior Jesus Christ, are really bringing light and love to the foreground. That’s what I’m most excited about sharing with audiences.”
For many of the student performers, Into the Woods has already become a deeply personal journey of growth and creativity.
Kahia Walker, a senior from Hawaii majoring in applied mathematics and Hawaiian studies, will play dual roles as the Narrator and the Mysterious Man. “At first, it was very intimidating,” he said. “As a kid, I always loved the idea of acting, but I was too shy and never had the time. This semester, I decided to try, not expecting much, and ended up getting a role that blew away my expectations.”
Walker said preparing for the show has pushed him to grow in confidence and skill. “All those nerves I used to have just disappeared,” he said. “It’s a lot of hard work, memorizing lines and learning positioning, but I’ve loved it. I’ve learned so much about myself and what it takes to build a production like this.”
Another cast member, Malaika Rogers, a senior from Idaho majoring in social work, will play Little Red Riding Hood. She described the role as both fun and demanding. “Little Red doesn’t have an exact age, so I’ve had to adjust my voice and energy to feel younger,” she said. “Dr. Dunbar, our voice teacher, told me to start with a higher twang in my voice to get into character—that’s been really helpful. It’s been a challenge, but I love it.”
Family Ties
For freshman AmeliaLola Morgan, a music and vocal performance major from Utah, Into the Woods will be the realization of a childhood dream. “This musical has been one of my favorites since I was in fourth grade,” she said. “One day, when I was homesick from school, my mom showed me the Broadway recording, and I remember watching the opening scene and thinking, ‘I want to be Cinderella one day.’ Now I actually get to play her—it’s such a blessing.”
Morgan’s love for the stage runs in the family. “My aunt came from Samoa to America for college and earned scholarships through opera and musical theater,” she said. “Classical music and musical theater have always been big parts of my family’s life. My mom’s a concert violinist, so I grew up surrounded by music. I didn’t think I’d go to school for music, but I think God knew this is where I would really excel.”
Adding to the production’s magic, Morgan will perform alongside three of her own family members—her brother Samuelu Morgan, her brother-in-law Isaac Akinaka, and her mother, Mele Morgan. “It’s been such a special experience to share the stage with them,” she said. “We all love music, and to bring that love together in a show like this has been incredible. It feels like a full-circle moment for our family.”
Performing for the Community
Before opening night, the cast performed a special preview of Act I for the Laie Elementary School’s 4th and 6th-grade students on November 10. Teachers said the experience was a powerful introduction to live theater for many of the children.
“I think it’s a great opportunity for our students to see a live play and musical,” said Kathie Weeks, a 6th-grade teacher at Laie Elementary. “Most of them don’t have opportunities to do so, so it’s an awesome experience.”
Serena Tuliloa, another 6th-grade teacher and a BYU–Hawaii alumna also praised the performance. “I think it was an incredible play, and I feel like it’s influential for our children to see the possibilities of music—the magic of music, the magic of art,” she said. “For them to get exposed to such an experience hopefully inspires them to pursue careers, dreams, and even coming to BYU–Hawaii to be a student, to see how fantastic these experiences of learning can open possibilities for their future.”
As the final preparations come together, Into the Woods is shaping up to be more than just a musical—it’s a celebration of art, faith, and community. The production will highlight BYU–Hawaii’s ongoing commitment to creativity and excellence in the performing arts, reflecting the university’s aim to foster intercultural peace and understanding through the gospel of Jesus Christ.
Into the Woods will be performed at 7:30 p.m. on November 12, 13, and 14, with both 2:30 pm and 7:30 pm showings on November 15 at the McKay Auditorium. Admission is free and open to everyone—seating will be first-come, first-served.
