The Clemson Players’ latest production was a smash hit
Clemson University’s student performing arts troupe, The Clemson Players, mounted a spectacular production of Stephen Sondheim’s landmark musical Into the Woods on the Brooks Stage of the Brooks Center for the Performing Arts this spring. The Clemson Players produce one show on the Brooks Stage annually, and it’s always the biggest show of the year. However, the scope of this production was significant because it was the largest since the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We’re finally back to where we want to be after COVID,” said Matt Leckenbusch, senior lecturer and theatre program director. “We ended with a fantastic production of (the Steve Martin and Edie Brickell musical) Bright Star right before COVID shut everything down, and now we’re back to doing the types of big shows that let us flex our full capabilities.”
Visiting Assistant Professor of Theatre Jenni Baldwin designed the set using theater flats covered with painted Tyvek, the weather-resistant wrapping used in house construction. The novel construction made the set pieces light and versatile enough to withstand almost 40 scene changes during each performance.
About 70 people, nearly all students, worked on the show in front of and behind the scenes. Associate Professor of Theatre Kerrie Seymour directed.
All four performances were nearly sold out, with more than 4,000 people attending, making this the most successful Clemson Players show in over 20 years.
