ABC's ENCORE! Into the Woods with Kristen Bell streaming now

[atunes]

Watch at: https://www.hulu.com/encore or ABC On Demand.

[Someone in a Tree2]

I was afraid it would combine the worst of Dance Moms with the worst of Real Housewives of Orange County. Happily I was surprised by how invested I got in the show. Was delighted that the final performance was something to celebrate, not to make fun of. Just one clunker note-- did they really do just Act I of INTO THE WOODS and skip Act II? Very disappointing after just airing a discussion about the need to honor the author's intent to the letter. Oy!

[MaddieBB12]

I loved it! I can't wait to see what else they do with this show. 

It was absolutely hilarious to me that the woman who was the Baker's Wife was eight months pregnant while playing a character who's entire arc in the first act is that she...can't get pregnant. 

And speaking of the first act, yes, I found that very odd too. I'm not sure what happened there. Maybe they didn't want to spoil the show? Or maybe it had to do with the rights (not sure what happens when it comes to rights for stuff like this--obliviously they needed them to perform they show but maybe there were additional obligations when it came to filming?). But I did find Kristen Bell's comments about authors intent very well thought out and worded. Hopefully the message will start to get through to people.

[jpbran]

Don't many schools do the "school version" which is pretty much just Act 1?

[dramamama611]

That's only the "jr" version....and while high schools CAN do that version, it's really geared for beginners and middle schoolers.  

 

As to why....it very well may be a rights thing.  Do we know for sure they only DID act one?  They could have simply decided it would be more coherent to focus on that for a one hour broadcast.   The other thing is: they did only have a week - trying to do the whole thing in a week would likely be disasterous.

[MaddieBB12]

jpbran said: "Don't many schools do the "school version" which is pretty much just Act 1?"

Are you referring to the junior version of the show? https://www.mtishows.com/into-the-woods-jr Yes, this one is pretty much only Act I, but I think (and someone with more information might be able to correct me, and please do!) but I think the junior versions are only supposed to be done if the entire cast is under 14, i.e. for middle schools and summer camps. School versions tend to be pretty much the full show but with certain lines or lyrics changed (these changes are usually minimal; "Avenue Q" and "Rent" have school versions that are basically the same show but are more PG-13 than R). 


But Junior versions are usually much, much more altered so that they only run an hour. I can't imagine that many high schools would do this, but I could be wrong.

[dramamama611]

^Actors have to be under 18 (or maybe it's 18 and under) but high schools CAN do the jrs.  As I said above (you were likely typing when I posted) they are really set up for beginners and middle schools.  (Or, I suppose, someone really on a budget.)

[Jordan Catalano]

Why did they do thit “junior version?” I’m guessing it was because

A) They had six days to learn a show
B) The show wasn’t being filmed and aired in its entirety, so who gives AF?

[dramamama611]

Awww...it was really sweet.  Very taken with how honest they all seem to be in their interviews.  (Ok, the insurance salesman was a little delusional)

[Auggie27]

I was reluctant to watch more than a few minutes, but then pulled in. Finally, it was able to wring earned tears. Kind of wonderful, wasn't it?  Maybe all the more so because this was not a group of people who coulda/shoulda/would gone forward, but like most kids in drama programs, only good enough; yet to a person deeply invested in participation, and reverential about the nostalgia that the reunion engendered. It was sweet without ever being cloying. And the individual backstories were genuinely moving. Yep, a couple of tears. And Woods is the perfect show to push so many buttons. 

[jasonf]

I was figuring they did the whole show but only showed us Act One. Children Will Listen and the Into the Woods song they did show are from the end of act 2,,,,,

[starcatchers]

jasonf said: "I was figuring they did the whole show but only showed us Act One. Children Will Listen and the Into the Woods song they did show are from the end of act 2,,,,,"

 

Ever After is the act one finale. 

 

The insurance salesman killed me, but they were mostly wonderful. It was fun to watch for sure. 

 

[Sertzo19]

I absolutely loved it! Was a little bit confused about the tone of the show the first 15 mins or so because I wasn't entirely sure what the producers' intentions were. It turned out to be heartfelt and funny. I hope that if the show does eventually make it to full series they maybe focus on one or two groups of actors for an entire season because I almost felt like everything was too rushed and we didn't really get to know everyone as well as I would have liked. Such a fun show! 

[StorytellerMG]

Ha Just caught this thread! You guys are awesome! Glad you liked it!

[Call_me_jorge]

So I actually just watched this and I have to say my favorite person was the music director. All his side comments were gold! Like “close enough” in regard to the repunzel not hitting the right notes.

[StorytellerMG]

Haha He's a lot nicer in real life. I promise. :)

[mlledir]

Anyone other Crazy ExGF fans notice the premiere ep is in West Covina??

eerie.

and I love it.