Lincoln Community Theatre will present Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Broadway musical Into the Woods July 23 through 26 at the Lincoln Community High School auditorium, bringing a familiar mix of fairy-tale characters, live music and local talent to the summer stage.

Directed by Ann Wolpert, the production features a live orchestra and a cast and crew drawn from Central Illinois. The musical follows well-known storybook figures whose wishes send them into the woods — and then explores what happens after those wishes come true.

The story centers on a Baker and his wife, who hope to have a child; Cinderella, who wants to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wants his cow to give milk. When the Baker and his wife learn a Witch’s curse has kept them from having a child, they set out to break it. Their quest brings the characters together, but the consequences of their choices return in unexpected ways.

The cast includes Tim Searby as the narrator, Melissa Cremeens as Cinderella, Josh Hellman as Jack, Kim Peterson-Quinn as Jack’s Mother, Jeff Prince as the Baker and Aubrey Hawkinson as the Baker’s wife. Sheralyn Bolton plays the Witch, Paige Zemsky plays Red Riding Hood, Marin Crombie plays Rapunzel and Hunter McKinney plays Rapunzel’s prince.

Additional cast members include Julie King as Stepmother, Jill Usherwood as Florinda, Shannon Radcliffe as Lucinda, Mike Koke and Kristina Morrow as Cinderella’s father and mother, Karenn Eales as Granny/Giant, Brian Bolton as Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince, Delavan’s own Cameron Connell as the Steward, Lacy Buss as Snow White and Abby Smith as Sleeping Beauty.

Vocal direction and accompaniment are provided by Dinelle Frankland. The set is designed and constructed by Jeff Prince, costumes are arranged by Kristen Green, and lighting and sound are designed by David Helm and Devin Vannoy.

Performances are scheduled for 7:30 p.m. Thursday, July 23; Friday, July 24; and Saturday, July 25, with a 2 p.m. Sunday matinee on July 26 at Lincoln Community High School, 1000 Railer Way, Lincoln. Tickets are $16 for adults and $11 for students, with a $1 cash discount. The box office opens one hour before showtime, and the auditorium opens 30 minutes before the performance. Seating is general admission.