Into the Woods Review – What If Your Wishes are Granted?

Based on Grimm fairy tales that most of us remember from our childhood, INTO THE WOODS proved irresistible to famed music composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim. It was only to be expected that, in collaboration with James Lapine, this iconic musical would be born. Intertwined with many of the most famous fairy tales of all time – “Little Red Riding Hood,” “Jack and the Beanstalk,” “Rapunzel,” “Cinderella” – INTO THE WOODS weaves a fascinating new story from the remnants of the old. Bearing in mind the “happily ever after” ending trope, Sondheim explores reality vs. fantasy in his updated view of wishes and dreams. His question? What happens if your dreams really do come true? First produced in San Diego in 1986 and soon followed by its Broadway premiere in 1987, INTO THE WOODS found an enthusiastic audience. The Sondheim musical ran for hundreds of performances and won three major Tony Awards. Knot Free Productions proudly presents the latest revival of INTO THE WOODS in 2024.

Aaron Camitses, Christian McCleary, and Lisa Dyson – Photo by Bryan Carpender

The time is the distant past, and the place is fantasyland. It seems that four groups of fairy tale characters have their special dreams. The baker (Trance Thompson) and his wife (Sarah Wolter) desperately want a child – but that is unlikely due to a witch’s curse rendering the baker infertile because, many years before, the baker’s father stole vegetables from the witch’s garden (including those infamous magic beans). The witch already kidnapped the thief’s daughter, Rapunzel (Roni Paige), and locked her away in a tower. While the baker and his wife ponder possible solutions to their dilemma, Cinderella (Kailyn Leilani) longs to go to the King’s festival and find her true love. Jack (Christian McCleary) wishes his cow would give milk, and Little Red Riding Hood (Emma Rose Lutsky) needs sweet rolls to bring to her grandmother.

Clare Snodgrass, Brandon Schumann, Osher Fine, and Kailyn Leilani (sitting) – Photo by Bryan Carpender

But, as it turns out, there is a way to right all the topsy-turvy dreams the group has. To break the spell, they must give the witch a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as blood, hair as yellow as corn, and a slipper as pure as gold. The problem? The offerings must be assembled in three days. So off they all go “into the woods” to follow their dreams. Will they succeed? Do dreams come true? If so, will they end up happy and fulfilled? Sondheim and Lapine have some very particular views on the subject – and the Brothers Grimm will soon find out what they are.

Peyton Crim and Stephen L. Wilson – Photo by Bryan Carpender

Skillfully helmed by Mary Jo DuPrey with musical direction by Anthony Zediker, INTO THE WOODS is as close to perfect as a production gets. Each member of the large cast has a magnificent voice and knows how to project – and act besides. Kudos to the huge, talented, and exuberant ensemble cast – with special congratulations to Trance Thompson, who clearly believes that the show must go on – crutches and all – despite an injury sustained during the prior night’s preview. Without skipping a beat, the entire cast helps his seamless transition from walker to hopster. Overall, the cast is pretty young – with that special indescribable energy that youth brings. Besides all of that, INTO THE WOODS has its own mini-orchestra (director Zediker on keyboard, Kevin Sakal for reeds, Carlos Herrera for different reeds, Ernie Carbajal for cello, and Phil Moore to substitute for all reeds).

Peyton Crim and Sarah Wolter – Photo by Bryan Carpender

The production crew is also top notch, including Ian Geatz’s scenic design, Michael Mullen’s costumes, Krys Fehervari’s hair and make-up, and Matt Richter’s sound and lighting. INTO THE WOODS is clearly a group effort which succeeds beautifully.

Emma Rose Lutsky and Kailyn Leilani – Photo by Bryan Carpender

Chuckles and guffaws abound as this clever, creative examination of wishes, dreams, and fairy tales holds the audience in its grip. Sondheim would definitely have loved this production of INTO THE WOODS – and the audience clearly feels the same way. This is a not-to-be-missed show with something for everyone. And one of the best productions of Sondheim’s classic musical that this reviewer has seen.

Emily Jenda – Photo by Bryan Carpender

INTO THE WOODS runs through August 11, 2024, with performances at 8 p.m. on Fridays and Saturdays and at 6:30 p.m. on Sundays. The Greenway Court Theatre is located at 544 N. Fairfax Avenue, Los Angeles, CA 90036. Tickets range from $40 to $60. For information and reservations, call 323-673-0544 or go online.