Opera Queensland and Queensland Theatre Company and have unveiled the full cast and creative team for their highly anticipated production of Into the Woods, opening at the Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC in November 2026.
Four decades after its Broadway premiere, Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Tony Award-winning masterpiece remains one of the world’s most beloved musicals. Featuring iconic fairy tale characters including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and Rapunzel, Into the Woods explores what happens when wishes are granted and everyone lives ‘happily ever after’…
Into the Woods marks the first time Opera Queensland, Queensland Theatre Company and Queensland Symphony Orchestra will share the stage.
Directed by Opera Queensland Artistic Director Patrick Nolan, this production brings together some of Australia’s most celebrated musical theatre and opera performers.
Helpmann Award-winning performer Amy Lehpamer stars as the Baker’s Wife, with acclaimed tenor Kanen Breen as the Narrator and the Mysterious Man, and singer and cabaret performer Ali McGregor as the formidable Witch.
Joining them is soprano Nina Korbe as Cinderella, following standout performances as leading lady Molly Johnson in The Drover’s Wife, Mimì in Opera Queensland’s 2025 production of La bohème.
Australian stage and screen actor Justin Smith reprises his role of the Baker, after his performance in Belvoir St Theatre’s 2023 production.
The cast also stars Verity Hunt-Ballard as Jack’s Mother, best known for her title performance in the original Australian production of Mary Poppins.
Artist, Founder and Artistic Director of Wynnum Fringe Festival Tom Oliver as her son Jack, with Carla Beard as Little Red Riding Hood and Darcy Brown as the Wolf and Cinderella’s Prince.
Well-known to Opera Queensland audiences, Hayley Sugars features as Cinderella’s Stepmother, Marcus Corowa as Rapunzel’s Prince and soprano Irena Lysiuk as Rapunzel.
Performer Kate Yaxley also joins the cast as Florinda, who recently appeared in the Australian production of Wicked. Rounding out this exceptional cast is Gabrielle Diaz as Lucinda and Angus Grant as Steward.
Director Patrick Nolan is joined by Conductor and Musical Director James Dobinson, who will lead the Queensland Symphony Orchestra.
The production’s visuals have been created by co-set and costume designers Elizabeth Gadsby (Così fan tutte) and Charles Davis (Rusalka), with choreography by Dan Venz, lighting design by Alexander Berlage and video design by Craig Wilkinson.
The creative team is completed by Associate Director Benjamin Knapton, Assistant Director Emma Nightingale and Intimacy Director Michelle Miall.
With a strictly limited Brisbane season, Into the Woods is a rare opportunity to experience Stephen Sondheim’s beloved musical brought to life by two formidable state art organisations.
Into the Woods is presented by Opera Queensland and Queensland Theatre Company and runs in Brisbane 11 – 21 November at the Glasshouse Theatre, QPAC.
The production then travels to Toowoomba for two performances on 3 and 4 December 2026 at the Empire Theatre.
Tickets: https://qpac.com.au/whats-on/2026/opera-queensland-into-the-woods
Website: https://www.oq.com.au/whats-on/into-the-woods/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/operaqueensland/ and https://www.instagram.com/qldtheatreco/
Images supplied.
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