Curtain rises Friday: Maxinkuckee Players bring "Into the Woods" to Culver

For fans of musical theater, the wait is almost over. The Maxinkuckee Players open their 2026 summer production this Thursday, July 31st, with an enchanting run of "Into the Woods" — Stephen Sondheim's iconic musical that weaves together some of the most beloved fairy tales ever told.

Performances will be held at the Culver High School auditorium in Culver, with six shows scheduled across two weekends.

Into the Woods is a 1986 musical with music and lyrics by the legendary Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine. The show masterfully intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales — including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel — exploring the deeper consequences of each character's wishes and quests.

At the heart of the story is a childless baker and his wife, desperate to start a family, who find themselves entangled with a powerful witch and a cast of beloved storybook characters during a remarkable journey through the woods. By turns funny, heartfelt, and deeply moving, Into the Woods is widely regarded as one of the greatest American musicals ever written.

Please note: The Maxinkuckee Players issue a parental consent advisory for children 10 and under.

The production is helmed by Director Trevor Pletcher, with Emily Matson serving as Assistant Director and Avery Gerwin leading the music as Music Director.

Founded in 1980, the Maxinkuckee Players are a beloved community theater organization with deep roots across northern Indiana. Comprised of auditioned performers drawn from communities throughout the region, the Players represent the very best of what community theater can be — genuine talent, a love of the craft, and a commitment to bringing world-class stage productions to local audiences each summer.

The run includes both Friday/Saturday evening performances and Sunday matinees:

• 🗓️ Thursday, July 31st — 7:00 PM EDT (Opening Night)
• 🗓️ Saturday, August 2nd — 7:00 PM EDT
• 🗓️ Thursday, August 7th — 7:00 PM EDT
• 🗓️ Friday, August 8th — 7:00 PM EDT
• 🗓️ Saturday, August 9th — 7:00 PM EDT

Doors open at 6:00 PM for all Friday and Saturday evening performances, and at 2:00 PM for Sunday matinees, which begin at 3:00 PM EDT.

Ticket Prices:

• 🎟️ Adults: $20 | Children under 13: $8
• ⭐ Opening Night Special (July 31st only): Adults $15 | Children under 13: $5

With a special discount on opening night, Thursday is the perfect opportunity to experience one of the most celebrated musicals of the modern era at an exceptional value.

The Maxinkuckee Players perform at the Culver High School Auditorium, Culver, Indiana.