Fairy tale characters in search of happiness will go into the woods this weekend at Eisenhower Auditorium.

Stephen Sondheim's musical, "Into the Woods" is presented by Music Theatre International with exclusive tour direction by Mainstage Management International Inc., at 3 and 8 p.m. tomorrow.

The show opens with the characters desperately searching for items that they want or need. The characters then help each other by exchanging.

Actress Sara Minton, who portrays Jack's mother in "Jack in the Beanstalk," said the first act is lively and illustrates what would happen if the characters were to encounter one another.

It is in the second act where the musical takes a more serious, darker tone. The characters are confronted with grave concerns about their wishes and are forced to be responsible.

"The second act is my favorite because that's where the genius lies," Minton said.

Although the show features traditionally fairy tale characters, Sondheim explores heavier issues that are more likely to teach adults rather than children a lesson. Sondheim presents the audience with several complex stories within the show, said Thomas Foral, professor of theater.

Minton said she auditioned for the show because she admired and wanted to work with the director, Victoria Bussert. Learning the music was a challenge because of Sondheim's intricate lyrics. "You have to have good musicians," she said.

Foral said the music is interesting because Sondheim does not present his ideas superficially and because his lyrics are provocative.

Since the show was created to be toured, the sets are limited but versatile. Three 4-by-10 foot storybooks together weighing 1,500 pounds can be opened three different ways. The backs of the storybooks serve as the forest. Hanging trees and hand props help create a mystical atmosphere.

"The books open to a certain width and we play within our book areas," Minton said. For the performers learning how to easily open and close the sets took time and practice, she said.

Tickets for "Into The Woods" for adults are $24, $20 and $18, and for students are $20, $16 and $14. The show is presented by the Center for Performing Arts and is co-sponsored by WTAJ and WRSC-AM.