Test your knowledge of one of Stephen Sondheim's most enchanting musicals with these fascinating trivia facts about Into the Woods. How well do you know the beloved fairy tale characters and the intricate storylines woven by Sondheim and James Lapine? From its premiere on Broadway to notable revivals and adaptations, this musical's history is rich with award-winning performances and memorable productions. Dive in to discover new details, or challenge your friends to see who knows Into the Woods best!
Adaptations
- The 2014 film adaptation of 'Into the Woods' directed by Rob Marshall starred Meryl Streep, who received an Academy Award nomination for her role as the Witch.
- A Disney film adaptation directed by Rob Marshall was released in 2014, grossing over $213 million worldwide and receiving three Academy Awards and Golden Globe nominations each.
Musical Composition
- The musical was the result of a second collaboration between Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, following their successful project 'Sunday in the Park with George'.
- The cast recording of the 2022 Broadway revival of Into the Woods won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
- The original London production of 'Into the Woods' at the Phoenix Theatre included the song 'Our Little World', enhancing the relationship between the Witch and Rapunzel, and lasted for 197 performances from September 1990 to February 1991.
- The song 'No One Is Alone' was added to Into the Woods during its initial run in San Diego, leading to changes in the finale.
- Into the Woods is a musical that combines several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, featuring characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, and Rapunzel.
Notable Tours
- The original cast of 'Into the Woods' reunited for two concerts in Costa Mesa, California on November 9, 2014, and later at the Brooklyn Academy of Music on June 21, 2015, featuring discussions hosted by Mo Rocca.
- The 2010 Regent's Park Open Air Theatre production of 'Into the Woods', which later moved to Central Park in New York City, received critical acclaim and an Olivier Award for its innovative outdoor staging.
Production Facts
- Bernadette Peters, who played the Witch in the original Broadway production, left the show after almost five months due to a prior film commitment, Slaves of New York. Peters was replaced by Phylicia Rashad.
- The first Broadway production of Into the Woods opened at the Martin Beck Theatre on November 5, 1987, and ran for 765 performances.
- The original Broadway production of Into the Woods won the 1988 New York Drama Critics' Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical.
- In 1989, the show was professionally filmed with seven cameras on the set of the Martin Beck Theatre for PBS's American Playhouse.
- Into the Woods originally premiered at the Old Globe Theatre in San Diego, California on December 4, 1986.
- The 2002 Broadway revival of was nominated for ten Tony Awards and won two, including Best Revival of a Musical and Best Lighting Design.
- The Hollywood Bowl's 2019 production of 'Into the Woods' reused Ann Hould-Ward’s costumes from the original Broadway production, adding a touch of historical continuity.
- Christian Borle was originally cast in the 2022 Encores! production of 'Into the Woods' but was replaced by Neil Patrick Harris due to scheduling conflicts.
- The 2022 Broadway revival extended its run multiple times due to popular demand, ultimately scheduled through January 8, 2023. There were multiple cast changes, with significant replacements including Stephanie J. Block and Sebastian Arcelus taking over as the Baker's Wife and the Baker.
- Into the Woods premiered on Broadway in 1987, winning three Tony Awards including Best Score, Best Book, and Best Actress in a Musical for Joanna Gleason.
- Tituss Burgess starred as the Witch in the DreamCatcher Theatre production in 2015, becoming the first male actor to play the role in a professional setting.
- A 2022 production at Arkansas Repertory Theatre featured the pre-recorded voice of Hillary Clinton, former Secretary of State and one-time Presidential nominee, as the Giant.
