"Into the Woods" Interview with Cast Member Emmie Chin

UB Theatre and Dance’s annual spring musical “Into the Woods” by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine opens for a single week run at UB, from April 23 – 26, 2026. Tickets are only $10-$25. Get best seats early at: https://www.ticketmaster.com/search?q=into+the+woods+ub+center+for+the+arts

Freshman BFA Music Theatre major Emmie Chin plays The Witch, a powerful, volatile figure whose outward menace masks deep vulnerability and longing. Initially driven by bitterness over a betrayal and a desire to regain lost beauty, she manipulates others with sharp wit and intimidation, using magic as both a weapon and a shield. This is Emmie’s first production with IB Theatre and Dance. Notable past credits include Fantine (“Les Misérables”), Olive Ostrovsky (“The 25th Annual Putnum County Spelling Bee”), and Veronica Sawyer (“Heathers the Musical”). Emmie is also a songwriter, plays the guitar, and is a journalist as part of the HerCampus magazine chapter for University at Buffalo. 

To someone unfamiliar with "Into the Woods," how would you briefly describe the show?

“Into the Woods” is a heart-warming show about wishes, consequences and growing up, all while blending your favorite fairy tales. 

What first made you want to become a performer, and when did you first begin to appear on stage?

What made me want to become a performer was the love and care of the theater community. I have made some of my best friends from when I started theater at the age of 6 to 17 when I started my first semester at UB. 

Tell us about your role as The Witch. What are her motivations and journey?

The Witch is one of the most complex and fun characters I’ve ever played! As the show goes on, she faces battles with self-control and holding onto the past. The Witch can teach everyone a little bit about themselves, especially how to let go of things you love when it’s time. Her journey is about love turning into control, and then into loss. 

To what degree, if any, do you identify with your character, and how does that inform your performance?

As an 18-year-old college freshman, it can be hard to relate to an old witch, but what I’ve come to realize playing this part, is that she, just like everyone, is just a person. A person with feelings, motivations, passions, and a soul. Playing this part has helped me grow an astounding amount of empathy.  

Do you have a favorite song from the show? What's it like to sing with a live orchestra?

My favorite song is "Moments in the Woods" sung by the Baker’s Wife, played by Caroline Jameson. Singing with a live orchestra is an honor to be accompanied by such wonderful musicians.  

What's been one of your favorite experiences on stage, in this show or another?

One of my favorite experiences on stage has been any sitzprobe I’ve been part of. Hearing the orchestra for the first time and getting to sing through the show with them is so surreal.  

How difficult or easily do you find it to memorize dialogue, songs, melodies and then incorporate them with any choreography?

I personally find it quite difficult to learn new material for shows especially if it’s a new musical or play that I’ve never heard of. But I have done “Into the Woods” twice before college, so I was very familiar with the music, lyrics, and lines. 

Do you ever experience nerves before you perform? If so, what do you do to help control them? And / or what's your day-of-show routine like before the lights go up?

I am ALWAYS nervous before a performance. I always make sure that I take a moment for myself before a show just to mentally prepare for the next 2 hours. Being in a musical is much like running a marathon and actors are athletes.  

Have you watched the movie version of the musical If so, what do you think of it and how does it compare to the live version?

I have watched the movie version of this musical. I am personally not the biggest fan of it, much because I think most of the acting and comedy beats were missed from the live stage book. But any movie with Meryl Streep in it makes the movie better! 

Who are some of your favorite performers, either from the music theatre world, or just in general? Why?

My favorite performer in musical theater is Eva Nobelezada. She, like me, is of mixed Asian descent, and it is really awesome to see someone like me represented in the theater world, especially to such a large fan base. I also really enjoy her style of singing, where she mixes traditional musical theater sounding styles with modern folk, indie, and pop tones, similar to my own voice.  

Aside from "Into the Woods," is there a 'dream role' which you've always wanted to play? If so, why?

I’ve always wanted to play Mary Jane in “Jagged Little Pill,” although I might need to wait a few years to be the right age for that part! The story in “Jagged Little Pill” is a very important one to tell and helps people come to terms with ideas of recovery from addiction, trauma, and building family relationships.