The milky-white cow moos, the evil witch cackles, and for some reason, the baker’s dad died in a baking accident. “Into the Woods Jr.” covers it all. From Jack in the beanstalk, to Cinderella, it weaves stories into one. With only children in the cast list, Nolte Academy entertained audiences at The James Theater. 

The James Theater is holding shows from Nov. 20-23.

Nolte Academy, a dance school in Coralville, featured child actors from all over the area, ranging from Cedar Rapids to neighborhoods near Iowa City. They audition for shows, attend rehearsals, and practice dance choreography in big groups three times a week. The academy holds shows for younger kids, and for older groups, involving the children in production.

“The idea is to give kids opportunities who might not normally. A lot of times in public school they give the roles to upperclassmen, and there’s not much for younger kids most times,” co-director Kristen DeGrazia said. “We try to include as many young people who audition as we possibly can in our production. We want everyone to feel like they have a lot to do.”

With creative lighting, handmade set pieces, and original dance choreography “Into the Woods Jr.” is a show made up of kids, to be watched by all ages. For many of the kids it was their first time on stage, singing and dancing. With fairy tale stories all mingling together, it created an atmosphere where aspiring thespians could learn and grow.

The narrator’s voice carried through the theater, and many of the other actors had beautiful singing skills. The costumes were also well made in a way which added to each of the characters. 

With the number of kids auditioning, some had to be double-cast. Many of them also had a responsibility on stage. Whether it was moving a table, or dancing with their group, the children were given great ways to get involved with the community and the arts. 

“Anytime you’re bringing together a group of young people with varying backgrounds, it can take a long time to get things together. Especially with all the scheduling conflicts,” co-director Erin Taylor said. “We want to elevate where they start from because we want this performance to be an educational opportunity, and a fun one.” 

From making the costumes and teaching dancing to making props and sets, Nolte Academy’s goal is to involve as many people in the community as possible, and bring arts to the world to advance interest in theater.

“There’s nothing like the arts to bring kids together, and to make friends,” DeGrazia said. “We have people from all over, a mix of schools, towns, grades, and so it’s really neat for them to form new circles with kids from all over. Whether you’re a quiet kid, or a loud kid, they show up and find people just like them.”

Taylor said the experience is meant to be fun for the kids. 

“A brand new world opens for them as they get their first experiences on stage, and connect with fellow peers,” Taylor said.

Toby Morlan performed as the narrator of “Into the Woods Jr.” The freshman in high school said the show is a bit chaotic and jumbled, but it all worked out.  

“I admit it came out much better than I thought it would but it came together very nicely,” Toby said. “Once we get in a good mindset, there’s nothing we cannot do. I mean, just seeing the people around me enjoying it, was empowering. So overall, I think it was a very positive experience.” 

With opening night over, four more “Into the Woods Jr.” shows remain running through the weekend.