Trafford’s The Theatre Factory presents Into the Woods, the area’s first production of a musical by the much revered and admired composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim, since his passing in November.
Into the Woods is one of Sondheim’s most popular shows, having been produced on Broadway, the West End, and countless community, university, and high school productions, along with being made into a top-grossing Disney live-action feature film.
Lupine and Sondheim cleverly intertwine the plots from Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel, Cinderella and, several others. “Be careful what you wish for” seems to be the ongoing theme of this Brothers Grimm-inspired musical as it explores the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests.
The show follows The Baker (Ryan Hadbavny) and his wife (Emily Urbaniak) who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to go to the King’s Festival, and Jack (Kevin Rabbits) who wishes his cow (Milky White played by Matt Dudley) would give some milk. When the neighborhood witch (Liz Brendlinger) visits Baker and his wife, who reveals to them that she placed a curse on their family, the two set off on a journey into the woods to reverse the curse.
In the woods, we also meet Little Red, (Hannah Rosenberg) who is trying to visit her grandmother, the Wolf (Sam Brooks, who also plays the Prince) who loves tasty little girls, the Witch’s daughter Rapunzel (Robbi Walker), and the Princes chasing after their loves. By the end of Act I, everyone has gotten their wish and will seemingly live happily ever after. But in Act II, when Jack’s beanstalk brings them a visit from an angry Giant, we see how the consequences of their actions haunt them in disastrous ways. The community must come together to save each other and their kingdom, but sacrifices must be made.
Into the Woods, Directed by Matt Mlynarski and Choreographed by Robbi Walker, at the Theatre Factory opens December 10th and runs through the 18th. For tickets, visit: https://www.onthestage.tickets/show/the-theatre-factory1/into-the-woods-94127/tickets
Categories: Arts and Ideas, Show Previews
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