Familiar fairy tales, surprising twists, and inclusive casting: A glance at ‘Into the Woods’ at CU Theatre & Dance

Much like a winding trail through the woods, the theme of inclusiveness is weaved throughout the story of “Into the Woods,” highlighted through the inclusive casting practices for the production from CU Theatre & Dance.

“My favorite aspect of this show has been our costume designer Elise Rosado, who’s really leaned into my being visibly queer and has embraced that for the second act,” said Woodzick (they/them/theirs), who plays Little Red Ridinghood.

As a current Ph.D. candidate in the Theatre & Dance department, Woodzick is focused on establishing inclusive casting practices, hoping to use the narrative of “Into the Woods” to create a baseline of tangible examples of a non-binary actor in each role that casting directors can watch and use for reference for gender-inclusive casting practices going forward.

As an active member of the theatre community through roles as an actor, director, producer, teaching artist and community galvanizer, Woodzick hopes that audiences will celebrate the inclusive story woven into the narrative of “Into the Woods.”

“Throughout the story, the characters are coming into their own and creating the community in which they want to live. I think that’s a very inclusive message,” says Woodzick.

“Into the Woods” runs Feb. 22-March 3 in the University Theatre. Tickets start at $24.