Written by James Lapine and the late great Stephen Sondheim, Into the Woods has made its way back to Broadway in fleeting fashion.
Returning with a star-studded ensemble cast led by the likes of Brian d’Arcy James, Sara Bareilles, Joshua Henry, Gavin Creel, Patina Miller and Phillipa Soo. Into the Woods returned home to Broadway’s St. James Theatre with a confirmed eight-week run, kicking off on July 10.
Known as being one of Stephen Sondheim’s most transgressive and loved musicals. Into the Woods draws inspiration from that of the fairytale curator duo The Brother’s Grimm. Two authors infamously known for their ability to create modern Greek-like odysseys with quirky and contemporary characters.
Stephen subtly steals elements from the Grimm’s tales, sprinkling a sparkle of Sondheim magic that connects all the characters triumphantly together in what has become, one of Sondheim’s most cherished microcosms.
Characters such as Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella and Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk find themselves under one roof, crossing paths with one another as they each venture Into the Woods.
All on their own quest of desire and fate, Sondheim effortlessly connects the pieces through elegant monologues and intricately crafted moments on stage.
While the Broadway interpretation will be the first introduction to Sondheim’s work for many, Into the Woods has long been a highly recognised entry of work across the states. With the original interpretation airing back in 1998 on PBS back.
The PBS original featured a very different cast with Chip Zien, Joanna Gleason and Bernadette Peters leading. The 1988 original went on to receive widespread critical acclaim, even winning a Tony for best original score.
The 2022 version, hopes to relive such glory days, with Grammy Winner and Tony nominee Sara Bareilles leading the cast. Hopefully Bareilles and co’s acting calibre and pedigree can help elevate an already immaculate script.
Filling the shoes of Joanna Gleason, Bareilles spoke with Vanity Fair earlier last month about her excitement for this new creative endeavour.
“I knew I loved the comedy and the brilliance of weaving together fairytale characters, but quickly realised during the rehearsal process I had never really taken in the depth and complexity of the themes and how they might resonate in our world today. I have come to know just how timeless and classic this tremendous work of art is.”
The renowned Musical is being directed by Lear deBessonet with choreography helmed by Lorin Lattoro.
Following Into the Woods critical acclaim at this year’s Encores! And the sold-out concert production with Neil Patrick Harris in New York. Its Broadway return has always only been a stone’s throw away. A true testament of any artistic masterpiece, ultimately being its ability to stand the test of time. And if anything, Into the Woods ages like a fine wine. Getting better every time.
Into the Woods is currently in the midst of its eight-week run at Broadway’s St. James Theatre. For further information regarding showtimes, tickets or more information on the cast and story. Follow the link below: