More students than ever before were drawn to St. Catherine’s theater program this spring, due to its production of “Into the Woods,” a beloved play that combines classic fairy tales and adds a twist.

St. Thomas and St. Kate’s students — from freshmen to seniors — are involved in the production, which will run from March 11 to 13. Despite the mix of students, the cast is close-knit, and the participants have gotten to know each other during the weeks of preparation.

“It took probably just one rehearsal, just to get acquainted with each other and learn each other’s names,” St. Kate’s junior and cast member Claire Frederick said. “By now we get along and crack jokes, even when we’re not supposed to.”

Director Pamyla Stiehl enjoys working with the group and said the camaraderie has only one downside.

“Everybody has a great time,” Stiehl said. “One of the problems is … that they have too much fun.”

Participants are nearly equally divided between the schools, and most of the play’s lead roles are played by first-year students. Some St. Thomas and St. Kate’s alumni are also involved. The collaboration between Tommies and Katies has even resulted in lasting friendships, such as the one between Frederick and St. Thomas student Benjamin Rubenstein.

“What kept me going back is the cast; (it) is really friendly and easy to get along with,” Rubenstein said. “It’s a really collaborative space, and especially when everyone is taking it seriously and you can go through scenes and re-do things.”

For many students, the love for theater and the community keeps them coming back year after year. Instead of seeing each other as students of separate schools, the cast views themselves as a group of people who loves the theater.

“We are on different campuses, but a lot of the time we have the same interests, and we have the same things going on,” Frederick said. “It’s like we’re just one big happy family.”

The students are very excited for their upcoming show, which will be held at The O’Shaughnessy on the St. Kate’s campus. For many of them, “Into the Woods” is a favorite play.

“‘Into the Woods’ means overcoming adversities between the trials and hardships, even though there will be problems throughout your life or journey,” Frederick said. “You can always find the hope and light in them.”

Samantha Yang can be reached at yang6578@stthomas.edu.