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Into The Woods
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
Book by James Lapine
Directed by Dominic Missimi
At Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire
Rt. 45 & Rt.22
Lincolnshire, IL
Call 847-634-0200, tickets $42 - $45 with dinner
Wednesdays at 1 & 8 PM
Thursdays & Fridays at 8 PM
Saturdays at 5 & 8:30 PM
Sundays at 1 & 5 PM
Running time 2 hours, 50 minutes with intermission
Through November 19, 2006
This Woods sings magnificently
Ever wonder what happens to characters in a fairy tale after they start “living happily ever after?” Into The Woods answers that in act two. Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and the Witch, Jack the Giantkiller, the childless Baker and His Wife go into the woods for different reasons. Each has a wish: Cinderella for her prince, Red Riding Hood for the primrose path, Rapunzel for escape from her mother the Witch's tower, the Baker and his wife for a child, Jack (at his mother's behest) for gold. They should all be careful of what they wish for—they may just get it!
We see that getting what you wish for -- marrying a prince, having a child, killing a giant -- isn't always what it's cracked up to be. We see that our actions have consequences, but that action MUST be taken: You can't choose not to decide. We all have to go "into the woods" and face our fears every now and then. This fable picks up where the Brothers Grimm left off. The result is a remarkable songfest.
Written by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, winning several Tony’s in 1987, this is a marvelously complex show. The music is challenging, and the performers must be able to act as well as they can sing (a rarity in musical theater, where the focus is usually on the songs, not the depth of the characters). The ensemble at Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire, under the tight direction by Dominic Missimi, has delivered a delightful intriguing show, superbly sung and acted. This ambitious show isn’t for kids and those who can’t sit through almost 3 hours of musical entertainment. I liked this show and Sondheim fans will be treated to a polished production.
The genius of Stephen Sondheim shows as he weaves the opening number throughout in a nursery rhythm motif that seemed like the entire score was one long number. This creates the atmosphere necessary for a fairy tale to flourish. The score is rich in humorous songs, fine ballads and stirring anthems. “Ever After,” “Agony,” “A Very Nice Prince” and “No One Is Alone” are excellent songs while the “Children Will Listen” and the “Into The Woods” songs highlight the show, the cast delivered this score in character effectively.
Peter Kevoian anchored the show as the Narrator/Mysterious Man while Patrick Andrews boyishly played the daft Jack and Michael Aaron Lindner warmly played the Baker. Three singers stood out— Susie McMonagle (Baker’s Wife), Susan Moniz (Witch) and Abby Mueller (Cinderella). Brandy McClendon as Little Red Ridinghood was terrifically funny while Brian Herriott as Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince sang and pompously played the Prince. This cast worked hard and delivered the complicated script effective.
Featuring outstanding customs designed by Nancy Missimi and effective lighting by Diane Ferry Williams together with Cecil Averett’s sound design and the sweet sounds of Patti Garwood’s orchestra, Marriott Theatre’s superb production qualities shine. Director Missimi has staged this fable with a spunk and charm that is infectious. He sprinkles humor throughout while his singers create rich harmonies and clearly deliver Sondheim’s clever lyrics with verve. This is a triumph for ensemble theatre. The entire cast deserved the huge applause they received on opening night. Once more Marriott Theatre in Lincolnshire delivers. This Into The Woods that will make the ride from the city seem like a romp ‘into the woods.’ This production has a happy ending for all.
Recommended
Tom Williams
Tom99@chicagocritic.com for comments
Talk Theatre in Chicago podcast
Date Reviewed: September 20, 2006
Jeff Recommended
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