Into the Woods

I'm relatively familiar with "Into the Woods." I've watched the Broadway production multiple times. I watched the movie. I read the script multiple times before I saw the show, so I knew what I was getting myself into when I bought my ticket.

I have to say I was partial to the set. The way the trees were moved to signify transitions was extremely unique because they were moved during the scenes, rather than between them. It made for very smooth transitions between the scenes, and shaved several minutes off the total production time.

The costumes were pretty much what I would have expected, had I not spent several weeks working on them before the show opened. Traditionally, fairy tales are set in a medieval/Renaissance looking era, and Washburn's production held true.

Photo courtesy of Washburn Theatre

The costumes were as effective for the show. I was confused by the Wolf's costume. He was dressed as a sort of Russian palace guard, which did not make sense with the rest of the show.

I really enjoyed the blocking and choreography, except in one scene. Towards the end of Act Two, the Baker's Wife comes back from the dead for a moment to help her husband learn to take care of their infant child. They sing a moving duet, and it's one of the most tender scenes in the show. However, the blocking put Cinderella, Red, and Jack downstage center right in front of the audience. The three characters turn around to watch the show with the audience, which would be cool. The problem was, all I could see was the butts of these characters. I was sitting in the front row, and I couldn't see any of the action on the stage. I missed the duet because I was too busy trying not to giggle at the butts in front of me, as immature as that may be.

Overall, however, I think the show was good. The cast worked well together, the costumes were appropriate. There were no major technical difficulties (or tornadoes, which happened during one of the "Mauritius" shows). Altogether, I would give it 4 out of 5 stars.