Local actor Ryan Lino stars as Milky White in Into the Woods, a musical performance coming to the Jericho Arts Centre April 28.
Lino, a recent Cambie secondary graduate, says the production should entice older generations to attend as its theme addresses the complexity of morality and the loss of innocence.
"The story line is a fairy tale, almost for an older generation because the moral themes are more relatable. For instance the idea to 'be careful what you wish for' is something that the audience will begin to ponder," explained Lino, who last caught up with the Richmond News during the Vancouver Fringe Festival for his role in Cannibal! The Musical.
Into the Woods blends the plots of a number of Brothers Grimm fairy tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and Cinderella.
The show debuted on Broadway in 1987 and won several Tony Awards.
The main theme is that one's actions have consequences. This version of the production specifically tells the story of a witch who puts a childless baker, and his wife, on a task to find four magical items in order to break the family's curse. Along the way, the fairy tale characters get caught up in the couple's quest.
Lino will play a supporting role as the sidekick to Jack, one of the show's main characters.
Lino's role will require a particular physical element to it.
"I get to perform in a fantastic human puppet costume put together by (designer) Linda Sum, and this, for me, has been an incomparable experience as it's something I'll probably never get to do again; that is, doing the entire show with stilts attached to my hands," said Lino.
Lino added that the cast started rehearsing in February, so the audience should expect a rather precise and well-executed show.
The show starts April 28 and runs until May 16. Performances start at 8 p.m. and run from Tuesday to Saturday.
The show is produced by Fighting Chance Productions and tickets run from $20-35 at TicketsTonight.ca.
