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.
In striping Woods down to its bare essentials, the very brilliant DeBessonet has crafted a near-perfect revival that breathes intoxicating new life into a masterpiece we barely realized needed new life at all. It is a remarkable evening, as effortlessly comforting as it is staggeringly heartbreaking. Honestly, the production is so good that it's oddly hard to review. That's largely because there is no concept to analyze, no take to unpack. DeBessonet just does the show, as matter-of-factly as you've ever seen it done. No frills; no fuss: all heart.
Judging by the waves of screaming and applause that greeted every character entrance, and which followed every number, people who encountered Into the Woods as young adults are already flocking to the St. James Theatre to unite their inner child with their outer show queen. I'm right there with them. A Sondheim revival with vocally superior, perfectly cast performers, intelligent direction and design, and a sizable orchestra? Sometimes wishes do come true.
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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