Julia Lester Reveals Stephen Sondheim Chose Her to Play Little Red Riding Hood in 'Into the Woods'

Julia Lester is opening up about the late Stephen Sondheim.

The 22-year-old High School Musical: The Musical: The Series star is currently making her Broadway debut in a production of Into The Woods, where she portrays Little Red Riding Hood.

Stephen wrote the music and lyrics for the show, and while Julia‘s run as Little Red didn’t begin until earlier this year, she reveals she actually got his support before he passed away last fall.

See what she shared inside…

“It was just another one of those self-tapes that came through. But of course this time it wasn’t just another self-tape. It was Into the Woods at City Center with Sara Bareilles and all these amazing people,” Julia told TheaterMania.

“And I know that Little Red and Jack were two of the only, if not the only parts that they held auditions for,” she continued. “So I sent in a tape and about two weeks later my agents called me and opened the conversation with, ‘Stephen Sondheim wants you to play Little Red.’ I burst out crying.”

Julia also added that while she never got to meet him, he was a “huge supporter.”

“He passed away before we started the Encores! production so unfortunately I never got to meet him or thank him for this incredible opportunity. But it’s been amazing feeling his presence throughout every performance that we’ve done,” she shared.

“He was such a huge supporter of everything since day one so I could really go into the show thinking, ‘I guess I really do belong here because Steve himself saw my tape and wanted me to play this part,’” Julia added.

Into the Woods is only on Broadway for a limited time. The show will close in August.

If you’re going to be in NYC, get tickets HERE to see Julia in Into the Woods on Broadway!

ICYMI: Check out Julia in the season three trailer for HSMTMTS.