Despite challenges, Summit Theatre determined to head ‘Into the Woods’ during pandemic

Circuses in the 1800s are often credited for originating the credo “the show must go on.”

The Summit Theatre Group brings deep meaning to the phrase during the pandemic with its production of “Into The Woods.” Summit Theatre will perform the musical 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Lowell’s Garden Terrace at Unity Village.

The last week of July, the City of Lee’s Summit told the group large special events — including Summit Theatre’s planned performances in the City Hall Plaza — were no longer permitted on city property because of the current health crisis.

“Into The Woods” could not be rescheduled because many cast members are heading back to college.

A venue change was just one of the challenges Summit Theatre faced.

“So many of us as artists have struggled during the stay-at-home orders to find ways to redefine what theater has to look like in order to be done safely,” Summit Theatre Board President Becca Stabno said. “That our board has worked together to find a way to keep theater going in Lee’s Summit while keeping the health of our performers and our patrons safe has been thrilling and encouraging for all of us.”

Summit Theater’s stage went dark a day before the second weekend a production of “Ordinary Days” began.

“It was devastating to see the weeks of hard work be cut short,” said Stabno, who was music director and accompanist for that production, which was held in March.

“Many of us in the show had family and friends who didn’t get to see it. Then as our summer theater plans were shut down, it became very important to us to find a way to continue being creative and see what we could safely do to bring theater to the community.”

In July, Summit Theatre offered two weeks of workshops for students and adults focusing on improvisation, musical theater, play writing, technical theater, readers theater and the exploration of a play. The workshops were mostly attended by children who adapted to wearing masks and face shields and staying socially distanced.

Summit Theatre’s board did want to do a summer production and decided on “Into The Woods,” a musical with words and music by Stephen Sondheim that intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm and Charles Perrault fairy tales.

“Many musicals were discussed, but as a directing team we chose to attempt this show because it allowed for a smaller cast and could be socially distanced,” Director Brad Rackers said.

“The story also has strong connections to these times we are living in. The message is all about making the best of a bad situation and coming out stronger on the other side.”

More than 90 people submitted online auditions in June.

“We expected great interest, but were very surprised and thrilled as to how many people actually submitted audition videos,” said Ginger Birch, music director for “Into The Woods” and Summit Theatre Group company manager.

“Everyone has been so grateful to be involved. The commitment and excitement with production is unlike any other. This group of people would never have come together in any other circumstance; it’s an extremely unique cast.”

How everything came together with also was unique.

First, having a set was eliminated.

“Also, we have adapted many of the technical elements to ensure social distancing and that no performers or technicians have to interact directly,” Rackers said.

“We have doubled some props and made each performer responsible for their own costume. The performers also all wear a face shield in the performance to ensure the safety of performers, technicians, and the audience. We do not have a pit orchestra for this show due to the decreased rehearsal time and the need to social distance in the performance space.”

Participants had a temperature check before entering the large open space for rehearsals. All staging was created with 6 feet of social distancing throughout the rehearsals.

“Everyone had adapted greatly to the ‘new normal’,” Birch said. ”As the directing and leadership team, we have checked in with the cast consistently to make sure they have felt safe throughout the entire process.”

COVID affected the arts community immensely, Birch said, and the artist were determined to find a way to ease the suffering of the community.

“Impossibility demands innovation and creativity. I personally was committed to finding ways to ease the hurt, however big or small that would be.”

The performances will be held at 6 p.m. Friday and Saturday at Lowell’s Garden Terrace at Unity Village. Tickets are $12 each and are going on sale first to cast members. There will be only 75 tickets sold for each performance to stay within safe gathering guidelines. Check Summit Theatre Group’s website and social media accounts for available tickets.