Come "Into the Woods" with familiar fairy tale characters as they seek solutions to problems together.

A group of actors and musicians, all sharing ties to Lebanon, have joined together to put on what they hope is the first of many summer musicals. Their goal is to raise money for improvements to the Lebanon High School Auditorium.

The first project is to replace the outdated sound system.

Terri Krebs, co-organizer of the fundraiser, said bids for the system range from $19,000 to $50,000, but it will end up closer to $20,000.

The new system will include wiring, speakers, an amplifier, mikes and soundboard.

"The more mikes you add, the more the price goes up," she said.

The high school has only five mikes that have been purchased over many years.

For this production, they are renting eight more mikes and other items to ensure quality sound.

Everyone will be miked in this production, so singers can be heard above the live orchestra.

"We will turn off the mikes on the last number, so people can see what it's like, and pass the hat at the door," Krebs said.

People have come from Eugene and Portland to participate.

Most everyone participating was either a teacher or student from LHS, with two who are future students.

John Beck, 13, and Avery Shields, 9, are the youngest members of the cast.

Retired music teacher Peter Butler, 71, is the oldest.

Three cast members were in the same production when LHS put it on in 1995.

Josh Lowe, who plays Jack, is from Sweet Home and is the only cast member who has no connection to Lebanon.

Retired art teacher Steve Quigley did the art on the scenery.

"It's so awesome to see everyone come together," Krebs said.

The show is directed by theater arts teacher Debbie Edwards, vocal music teacher Kevin Wong and retired primary teacher Krebs.

Krebs is conducting the orchestra, consisting of 18 players.

The strings are from the Lebanon Chamber, she said.

Patty Crenshaw, who helped create costumes, said she was able to recycle quite a few outfits from the Renaissance Feast.

"The story centers around familiar fairy tale characters encountering each other in the woods while each seeks solutions to problems," said Anne Johnson, who plays Jack's Mother.

One especially entertaining scene, Krebs said, is when the princes argue about who has the most difficult princess: Rapunzel, who is locked in a tower, or Cinderella, who continually runs away.

This musical was chosen because it requires powerful singers and instrumentalists, she continued.

"Sondheim's music is technically challenging and fast-paced," Johnson said.

But the musicians are up for it.

"The hardest part is the music and dialogue have to correspond," Krebs said. "The harmony is right on, didn't have to work very hard on the harmony."

Krebs has plans to revive the old ticket booth, line the path with undecorated Christmas trees and have an intermission complete with refreshments.

Advance ticket buyers will have seating preference.

Tickets are $5 and may be purchased at Umpqua Bank, Linn Co. Federal Credit Union and at the door.

All donations are tax deductible.

The auditorium seats between 500 and 550 people.

The group will continue summer musicals until enough money is raised for the sound system.

Afterward, they will work toward other goals, including replacing wardrobe cabinets and other equipment.

'Into the Woods' cast

Narrator, Tracy Krebs

Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk, Josh Lowe

Jack's mother, Anne Johnson

Baker, John Kluttz

Baker's wife, Charlotte Finster

Cinderella, Ali Krebs

Cinderella's stepmother, Cathey Blackburn Shields

Florinda, Fagan Clark

Lucinda, Nikki Funk

Little Red Riding Hood, Victoria Harvey

Witch, J'Aime Beck

Mysterious Man, Peter Butler, 71

Wolf, Jason Rankin

Rapunzel, Faith Bourgeois

Rupunzel's Prince, Colin Salisbury

Cinderella's Prince, John Evans

Cinderella's Prince's Steward, Joshua Searles

Snow White, Kelsea Vierra

Milky (cow), John Beck, 13

Sleeping Beauty, Monica Macedo

Jack's hen, Avery Shields, 9

Cinderella's mom, Kim Fandino

Cinderella's father, Jon Chaney

Giant, Debby Edwards (also director)

Granny, Carol Dinges