MONROE — Middle school students in Monroe will give three presentations of their winter musical this weekend, “Into The Woods, Jr.”

The students performed twice on Thursday, Feb. 12 in front of other district students and staff. 

There will be three performances this weekend: 

●  Friday, Feb. 13, 7 p.m.

●  Saturday, Feb. 14, 7 p.m.

●  Sunday, Feb. 15, 1 p.m.

Free will donations will be accepted.

The story is based off the book and directed on Broadway by James Lapine and includes music and lyrics by renowned musician Stephen Sondheim.

The musical mashes together many well-known children’s story characters, like Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack & the Beanstalk, all living in or around the same wooded area. Each of their stories intertwine.

Much of the musical centers on a baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella wishes to attend the King’s festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch’s curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse, and wind up changed forever.

The middle school performance is co-directed by Elise Smith, Lance Smith and Alex Sutter. Youth Apprentice Directors include Signe Anderson, Kennedy Dahmen and Zander Nelson. 

Lance Smith said this is the second time high school students — former MMS theater performers themselves — have come back to help instruct and mentor the young teens.

“They’re doing this despite having their own musical they’re working on, so they are putting in a lot of time and effort into theater this year,” Lance Smith said.

Overall, the musical features the acting talents of 28 students, with another 12 working as Tech Crew.