NORWAY — The fairy tale characters of “Into the Woods” come to life in the Oxford Hills Music and Performing Arts Association production opening this weekend.

This popular musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, weaves together the plots of several fairy tales. It explores the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests, their interaction with a witch who has placed a curse on them, and their interaction with other storybook characters.

This show is directed by Andrew Scott Turner, who played Dr. Gibbs in OHMPAA’s production of “Our Town” a few months ago.

The story follows a baker and his wife who wish to have a child, but they must reverse the curse of a witch. On their journey, they cross paths with characters including Jack of beanstalk fame, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood, and others.

The plot is propelled by the narrator and a Mysterious Man, both of which are played by Scott Parsons.

Camden Colby plays Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk, and Jen Beaudoin is his mother. Josh Witham is the Baker and Kristen Searles is the Baker’s Wife.

Little Red Riding Hood is played by Lilijune Rennie. In the role of the wolf is Daniel Rennie, who also plays Cinderella’s Prince. Brandon Sukeforth is Wolf 2 as well as Rapunzel’s Prince. Red’s Granny is played by Sandra Fickett.

Jennifer St. Pierre portrays the witch and Rapunzel is played by Janelle Raven.

Melissa Sproul is Cinderella and her mother is played by Kristen Short, who also is the Giant in the sky who confronts Jack.

Dennis Twitchell appears as Cinderella’s father. Robin Reis is Cinderella’s stepmother.

Others are Sarah Porter as Florinda; Jessica Correia as Lucinda; Eric Bell (steward); Molly Van Loan (Snow White); Riley McGough (Sleeping Beauty); and Mallory Martin (Milky White, the cow).

The Three Little Pigs are played by Gabi Turner, Griffin Turner and Maren Pinkham.

There are several songs that have become familiar over the years since this show debuted. Among them are “Children Will Listen,” “No One Is Alone” sung by Cinderella, Baker, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack), and “Giants in the Sky” sung by Jack.

Everyone’s wish is granted, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them with disastrous results.

“Into the Woods” premiered on Broadway on Nov. 5, 1987, where it won several Tony Awards, including best score.

This is not a children’s show. It has many dark and disturbing moments that would not be suitable for grade-school children.

Performances at Norway Grange, 15 Whitman St., Norway, are at 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 10, 11 and 12 and on Nov. 17, 18 and 19, and at 2 p.m. on Nov. 13 and 20.

Tickets are available at Books-N-Things, Main St., Norway, phone 207-739-6200.