Stepping into the world of Into the Woods, the musical by James Lapin with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, is like entering a twisted fairy tale mashup. The story follows characters familiar from childhood bedtime stories - Cinderella, Jack (of beanstalk fame), Little Red Riding Hood, and a childless Baker and his Wife - all venturing into the woods to fulfill their deepest desires. However, this isn't your typical happily-ever-after journey. As the characters cross paths and their wishes intertwine, they face unforeseen consequences, moral dilemmas, and the true cost of their choices. Into the Woods is a darkly humorous and thought-provoking exploration of ambition, family, and the complexities of getting what you wish for.
There is an alternate way to do this show, which is to say in a less stylized and less comic way than deBessonet chooses. It can be played as if these characters were realistic humans and I'd like to see it done that way again someday on Broadway, for I have it seen work a different kind of spell that way. More than once. But this is a legitimate way to go and deBessonet and her supremely talented cast certainly deepen their vulnerability as the material darkens and the winds of agony and change swirl around the forests of life.
Originally staged at New York City Center Encores!, Lear deBessonet's magnificent, starry Into The Woods all but demanded a Broadway transfer, with sold-out crowds packing City Center and those left out wanting in. Last week at a Broadway preview, the audience was so stoked for this show and this cast that a loud and prolonged cacophony of applause greeted the rise of the curtain. Clearly, this Into The Woods preceded itself. To say it delivers on its promise is an understatement.
1986 | New York |
Reading New York |
1986 | San Diego, CA (Regional) |
Old Globe Production (Pre-Broadway) San Diego, CA (Regional) |
1987 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
1988 | US Tour |
National Tour US Tour |
1990 | West End |
London Production West End |
1997 | Broadway |
Reunion Concert Broadway |
2002 | Los Angeles |
Los Angeles Revival (Pre-Broadway) Los Angeles |
2002 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Broadway |
2007 | West End |
London Revival West End |
2015 | Off-Broadway |
Roundabout Theatre Company Production Off-Broadway |
2015 | St. Louis, MO (Regional) |
The Muny Production St. Louis, MO (Regional) |
2016 | US Tour |
Fiasco Theater National Tour US Tour |
2019 | Los Angeles |
Hollywood Bowl Revival Los Angeles |
2019 | Immersive |
Rooftop Musical Society Immersive Production Immersive |
2022 | Broadway |
Broadway Revival Production Broadway |
2023 | US Tour |
US Tour US Tour |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
1988 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Best Actress - Musical | Joanna Gleason |
1988 | Theatre World Awards | Performance | Danielle Ferland |
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