From the Artistic Director about Into the Woods

This week Into the Woods, a new production of the classic musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, this time re-invented by the team from Fiasco Theater begins previews at the Laura Pels Theatre.

Roundabout has a long and happy history with the work of Stephen Sondheim, having collaborated with him on some truly thrilling projects: the first Broadway revival of Pacific Overtures, the biographical Sondheim on Sondheim, and even the renaming of the Henry Miller's Theatre for this great artist. But while I love the original works themselves, what I have come to admire about Steve in recent years is his willingness to let the next generation of artists try their hand at creating new visions for some of his most iconic pieces. He would have every right to be protective of his best-known work, but instead, Steve has seen the rewards in allowing his shows to be approached through new eyes. Productions like Joe Mantello's vibrant, Tony-winningAssassins or Sam Buntrock's technology-infused Sunday in the Park with George wouldn't be possible without Steve's own excitement for seeing what a fresh perspective may bring.

If you've had the good fortune to see their Cymbeline or Measure for Measure, you'll know that Fiasco Theater is one of the most exciting groups to appear on New York stages in recent years. They have an ensemble-driven energy that forefronts performance and makes for decidedly unfussy productions, stripping shows down to their emotional cores and making use of the natural elements around them. When Fiasco's directors Noah Brody and Ben Steinfeld wanted to step away from Shakespeare and try their hand at a musical for the first time, they landed on Into the Woods as a perfect match for their aesthetic. I know that many artists wouldn't even entertain the idea of letting a young group like this play with their work, but thanks to the open minds of Sondheim and Lapine, a truly stunning new production came to life.

With an ensemble of 10 actors, all playing a variety of instruments on stage, this Into the Woods is a beautiful new take on a beloved piece. As characters from different fairy tales connect, each has a unique sound, from brassy princes to a guitar-driven Jack and his beanstalk. Wonderful touches of ingenuity abound, with a taxidermy wolf, sheet music birds, and a surprisingly evocative cow bell. When a feather duster can become a hen and curtains can turn into two terrible stepsisters, we are in a world where imagination drives storytelling, and anything can happen.

I'm so proud to be working with the artists from Fiasco and to be sharing this incredible new take onInto the Woods with you. I think it's a truly special production, and I hope that it will be as memorable for you as I have found it to be. I'm eager to hear your thoughts, so please email me atartisticoffice@roundabouttheatre.org to share your feedback.

I look forward to seeing you at the theatre!

Sincerely,

Todd Haimes
Artistic Director