Central ND News

The Badlands Opera Project is set to present the musical "Into the Woods" at Dickinson State University's Dorothy Stickney Auditorium from March 28-30. The performances will take place at 7:00 pm on Friday and Saturday, with a matinee at 2:00 pm on Sunday. Tickets are priced at $20 for individuals and $50 for families, while DSU students and staff can attend free of charge with a valid DSU ID.

Directed by Anthony Rohr, a local native and DHS graduate, this production aims to deliver professional quality to Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine's well-loved musical. The story brings together characters from classic fairy tales such as Jack and the Beanstalk, Cinderella, and Little Red Riding Hood, exploring their journeys beyond the traditional "Happily Ever After."

The cast features several local talents including Cole Beck as Jack, Beth Hurt as Cinderella, Kayla Kilwein as The Witch, Daniel Parke as Baker, Anthony Rohr as Cinderella’s Prince, and Sonja Tinjum as Baker’s Wife. Additional roles are filled by experienced performers Cheryl Hewson (Jack’s Mother/Giantess), Jesse Kilwein (Narrator), Karen Wagner (Granny), alongside emerging artists William Hansard (Mysterious Man/Cinderella’s Father) and Daniel Paluck (Rapunzel’s Prince). Newcomers include Maegan Fox (Lucinda) and Autumn Martin-Geerts (Snow White/Milky White). Child actors Molly Ellerkamp plays Little Red Riding Hood while Zoey Hagerott takes on the role of Narrator’s Child.

Executive Director Kayla Kilwein expressed her enthusiasm about the production stating, “As both Executive Director and a performer in the show, I’m especially excited to bring this production to our community and share the stage with such incredible local talent.” Show director Anthony Rohr added that “The Dickinson community will be filled with pride by the tremendous display of local talent. Over twenty-five actors, designers, and crew members who call this region home have put together a production that’s positively sure to entertain.”

The Badlands Opera Project focuses on bringing opera and vocal music to Southwestern North Dakota through various performances and educational outreach initiatives. They host both classic favorites and world premieres across opera and musical theatre genres.