What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
randy_girl
Chorus Member Joined: 10/31/04
#0What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/16/05 at 7:42pmI've noticed that more and more middle and high school are attempting Into the Woods. What is the deal with that? Sondheim is hard stuff to sing, and it sounds awful if it's done poorly. Why then, do directors think it's a good idea to subject audiences to kids with bad voices singing about licorice, giants, etc? I know the show is based on fairy tales, but that doesn't mean it should be performed by kids. Wicked the book is based on a story for kids, but I wouldn't recommend that to 11 year olds...
Sienner921
Understudy Joined: 12/18/04
#1re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/16/05 at 7:47pmBecause it's an AWESOME show...in fact, the BEST! lol umm I haven't heard of many jr. high shows doing it. Last year our rival high school did it and it was absolutely fabulous. If the director feels the students can handle it than so be it, although a lot of directors are just crappy english teachers :-/
#2re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/16/05 at 7:48pmIt's an amazing show adn the production I saw was really good, except for Rapunzel and Rapunzel's Prince.
MargoChanning
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
#3re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/16/05 at 7:52pmIsn't there a "Junior" edition of the show for middle schools and doesn't it simplify the score a bit?
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie
[http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/]
"The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
#4re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/16/05 at 8:06pmThe Junior Version BUTCHERS, MUTILATES and RAPES the score!
"One no longer loves one's insight enough once one communicates it."
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
The opposite of creation isn't war, it's stagnation.
#5re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/16/05 at 8:08pmI agree with SticktoPriest. The regular version, which the high school did, is a lot better than the junior version.
MargoChanning
Broadway Legend Joined: 4/5/04
#6re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/16/05 at 8:19pm
BUTCHERS, MUTILATES and RAPES!
Oh my, such violence to perpetrate on such a sweet show ...... sounds more like Sweeney Todd or something.
"What a story........ everything but the bloodhounds snappin' at her rear end." -- Birdie
[http://margochanning.broadwayworld.com/]
"The Devil Be Hittin' Me" -- Whitney
lesserworm
Understudy Joined: 11/23/04
#7re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/16/05 at 8:24pm
Junior versions should not be made. They can completely destroy a show. Example: A middle school was doing Grease (why do middle and even elementary schools think they can do Grease?!) The pregnancy was changed to the girl getting her first period, all of the sexual references were taken out, (the song, Sandra Dee was cut, and the lyrics to greased lightning were changed.) The changes completely took away the meaning of the show. And that's just one example. Tons of other musicals suffer the same fate. (Fiddler on the roof, Guys and Dolls, and worst of all, Les Miserables.)
Sorry, just felt the urge to rant, and this thread was the most opportune place.
So now you've met the court of 364, and if you ever wish to come...don't.
BudFrump23
Broadway Star Joined: 5/20/03
#8re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/16/05 at 10:48pm
I think one of the main reasons High Schools and Middle Schools do this is because it is a huge Ensemble piece, and there are no real stars. Parents love to see their kids shine on stage, and with Into The Woods, all of the characters have their moments. I'm not saying it's a legitimate reason to perform a work of Sondheim, but it's one that many directors might consider when picking a show that's going to have many kids auditioning.
(I saw a production of this in a high school once, and so many kids auditioned, they had them be trees and come out to sing during the Prologue and at the end.)
I'm as jumpy as a virgin at a prison rodeo!
#9re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/16/05 at 10:51pmWow. When I saw it, they had exactly enough cast members, with Snow White and Sleeping Beauty. I never thought that people could act so badly while saying two words but guess what? It happened.
#10re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/16/05 at 10:55pm
Into the Woods is possibly one of the worst junior versions I've ever had to witness...
CTY
Understudy Joined: 1/6/05
#11re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 1:04am
Actually, Priest, the Jr. version
BUTCHERS, MUTILATES, and "HARASSES" the original score
if you kno the revised rap you kno what i'm talking about lol
#12re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 1:13am
hahahaha...sorry, I just got a picture in my head of a group of 11 year olds doing les mis.....heh heh heh....I could see it now...
"I dreamed a dream in days gone....Hi mommy!! byyyyyy"
Was that a fat joke?
#13re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 1:19am
In an interview with the Toronto Star, Sondheim gave his thoughts on why INTO THE WOODS is his most-performed show (it's a large ensemble piece), and also expressed his disapproval for the Junior edition. The Junior edition cuts out the second act which, to Sondheim, is the point of the musical: you must deal with the consequences of your actions. (I agree wholeheartedly; I love the fun and frolic of ITW's first act, but it is the second act that gives the show weight and lifts it to the level of moving allegory, making INTO THE WOODS a Great Musical.)
My biggest issue with middle and high schools doing INTO THE WOODS is that often they misrepresent it, making the musical much lighter and jovial than it really is. What I find special about INTO THE WOODS is the dark, sombre and elegiac tone of the second act. A friend of mine was involved in a high school production and when we were talking about the show, he remarked how funny the succession of deaths were; I was shocked, because I found (in the original production, anyway) that the deaths were very serious and moving, thus leading to the beautifully sad final three numbers of the show. The narrator's death is funny, but each killing that follows it grows more and more serious in tone. I find schools don't show the emotion of this well.
BlueWizard's blog: The Rambling Corner
HEDWIG: "The road is my home. In reflecting upon the people whom I have come upon in my travels, I cannot help but think of the people who have come upon me."
Updated On: 1/17/05 at 01:19 AM
#14re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 1:32amI can see your point Wizard about ITW and then again I have diverging thoughts about your opinion. Yes, Its very hard music that needs to be executed correctly for it to be brought justice. And yes, often times high schools murder this brilliant musical. Recently, as a favor, I performed in a Private school's production of ITW, which was the model example of what you are describing. Everything was simply terrible. However, I attend the Professional Performing Arts School in NYC and this year we're going to take a stab at ITW as the Spring Musical. TO be blunt, the students at my school are damn talented. We have been Professionally trained and major and specialize in musical theatre. We're planning to bring out the dark side of the show and relate the characters and situations to how they are viewed in todays modern society. Its going to be a different production that Im sure is unlike any other that will breath new light into the piece. I was cast as Jack, my dream role, and I am more than excited. Youre very right in your assumption. But if a school such as mine, who has the capability of understanding and committing to such a challenging and beautiful show, should decide to put it up, dont stand in our way because we will kick ass! haha
"I need to know that someone out there cares...Are you there?"
Updated On: 1/17/05 at 01:32 AM
#15re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 2:04amWhy whenever something like this is brought up does someone have to say that WICKED is a kids show but wouldn't want to see a high school attempt it? Like what's currently on Broadway is really any better? The material if perfect for high school or jr. high. It was practically written by writters of that intelligence level. There isn't really anything in it that would be challanging for a seasoned theatre vet. Updated On: 1/17/05 at 02:04 AM
#16re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 2:13am
RustyJusty830, I have every confidence your school will put on a remarkable show. I was referring to how schools often screw up INTO THE WOODS, not always! 
Congrats on getting the role of Jack -- you get that glorious solo, "Giants in the Sky"!
BlueWizard's blog: The Rambling Corner
HEDWIG: "The road is my home. In reflecting upon the people whom I have come upon in my travels, I cannot help but think of the people who have come upon me."
randy_girl
Chorus Member Joined: 10/31/04
#17re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 2:31am
"Why whenever something like this is brought up does someone have to say that WICKED is a kids show but wouldn't want to see a high school attempt it? Like what's currently on Broadway is really any better? The material if perfect for high school or jr. high. It was practically written by writters of that intelligence level. There isn't really anything in it that would be challanging for a seasoned theatre vet."
Cats,
I said that wicked the book, as in novel, is based on a story for kids (the wizard of oz), but that I wouldn't recommend the novel to kids. i wasn't talking about the musical...I know that the wizard of oz itself is very allegorical, but the movie is kid appropriate.
oh, and I really like what you have all said about ITW. I had the (unfortunate) pleasure of seeing ITW twice in one weekend by two different teenage groups. The first was a middle school that did the junior version, and the second was the full version by a youth theater group. both sucked a lot. and now one of the middle schools i work at is giving it a shot. oh the joys of being a teacher...
why are "the broadway powers that be" allowed to take a great sondheim show and cut it down to a junior version? did he (sondheim) actually give it the ok, or does someone else get to decide those kinds of things?
Chorus Member Joined: 12/31/69
#18re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 2:41am
"It was practically written by writters of that intelligence level."
CATS - that was rather harsh and uncalled for.
#19re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 2:52amCan't help it. I'm never gonna waver in my belief that given the source material, it could have been so much better. The book especially. It's pathetic. And if Mr. Shwartz really wanted to be proud of the work he should have had the balls to higher an assistant lyricist. It's such an utter shame. We're all allowed to have an opinion. They made choices. and it's my opinion that they made the wrong ones. Updated On: 1/17/05 at 02:52 AM
#20re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 2:53amWizard, You are wonderful...haha...Thanks!
"I need to know that someone out there cares...Are you there?"
Featured Actor Joined: 12/31/69
#21re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 2:55amCATS - it's one thing to think that the product is somewhat lacking - it's something else entirely to question the intelligence of the creators.
#22re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 2:59amyou're right. that was a bit of an insult to some high school students.
VeuveClicquot
Broadway Star Joined: 11/2/04
#23re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 3:28am
I think the perfect response to your question can be viewed in the recent PBS documentary "Children Will Listen." It's about an inner-city middle school that puts on a performance of INTO THE WOODS, at the national Sondheim festival, no less.
The kids are not particularly good. But man, it brought tears to my eyes, watching Sondheim watch these young kids performing his material.
Why shouldn't kids do Sondheim? For me, seeing a younger generation discover the brilliance of his words and music more than outweighed the fact that the performance itself wasn't top-notch.
Updated On: 1/17/05 at 03:28 AM
VIETgrlTerifa
Broadway Legend Joined: 1/18/04
#24re: What is it with middle schools and Into the Woods?
Posted: 1/17/05 at 6:40am
I couldn't agree more VeuveClicquot. If anyone saw that special, in which Sondheim and Lapine seemed to have approved of (if not then they had a funny way of showing it by speaking about it before the special came on), then they would know why the Junior version of Into the Woods exists.
Seeing those kids appreciate Sondheim and be so passionate about theater...yeah at times it can be bad, but IMO it's worth it.
"I've got to get me out of here
This place is full of dirty old men
And the navigators and their mappy maps
And moldy heads and pissing on sugar cubes
While you stare at your books."
