Into the Woods

If you are a fan of fairy tales, magic, and adventure, you will definitely love “Into the Woods” – a Broadway musical that combines some of the most beloved fairy tales into one captivating and enchanting story.

The musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine, was first staged in 1987 and has since become a classic with numerous revivals and adaptations, including a Disney movie in 2014.

The story begins with a quest by a childless Baker and his wife to break the curse placed on them by a wicked Witch, who reveals that she cursed them because the Baker’s father stole from her garden. The Witch offers to lift the curse in exchange for certain items that can only be found in the woods, leading the couple on a journey through the Enchanted Forest.

Along the way, they meet some familiar characters from popular fairy tales, such as Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Jack (of the beanstalk fame), each with their own wishes, dreams, and struggles.

The interactions between these characters are hilarious, heartwarming, and sometimes unexpected. Little Red Riding Hood turns out to be feisty and fierce, while Cinderella is not exactly the fairy-tale princess we might expect her to be. Rapunzel, locked up in a tower by a possessive Witch, longs for freedom and love, while Jack, who trades his cow for magic beans, has to face the consequences of his reckless act.

As the story unfolds, we witness how each character’s desire for something more, whether it’s a prince, a cow, a child, or a new life, leads them into the woods and into each other’s paths. We also see how their actions have consequences, some of which are tragic and some of which are transformative.

The music of “Into the Woods” is as varied and rich as the story itself. From the catchy and upbeat “Into the Woods” and “Agony” to the hauntingly beautiful “No More” and “Children Will Listen,” the songs capture the emotions, conflicts, and themes of the plot. Sondheim’s lyrics are clever, witty, and poignant, such as in the song “Giants in the Sky,” where Jack sings about his longing for adventure and his sense of awe when he climbs the beanstalk.

However, “Into the Woods” is not just a fairy tale with a happy ending. It also deals with darker themes, such as loss, betrayal, and the consequences of our actions. The second act takes a dark turn as the characters face the consequences of their wishes and actions, which include death, deception, and destruction.

The final message of the musical, however, is one of hope and redemption. As the characters learn from their mistakes and face the tragedies that befall them, they also discover the power of community, forgiveness, and love. In the end, the woods become a symbol of the journey that each character takes, both literally and figuratively, towards self-discovery and maturity.

If you have not yet experienced the magic of “Into the Woods,” I highly recommend that you do. Whether you are a fan of musicals or just love a good fairy tale, “Into the Woods” is a must-see for all ages. It will take you on a journey you will never forget and leave you humming the tunes long after the curtains have closed. So, pack your basket and your sense of adventure, and venture into the woods – you never know what magic awaits you there.