Into the Woods

I had the pleasure of seeing Into the Woods yesterday as performed by Fiasco Theater on tour.   Let me first say, that I adore the work of Stephen Sondheim.  Since I first saw the show back in college, I have been a big fan.  My high school did it the following year.  And of course I needed to own the original production on video starring Bernadette Peters.   This is the first time I've seen the show on tour by a professional company, and what they did was amazing!  

They managed to take a huge show with a large cast and orchestra, and scale it down to only about a dozen or so actors on stage.  It was accomplished by having all actors play various musical instruments and quite a few actors play multiple parts.  I know you think it's crazy, but it really works to showcase the brilliance of Sondheim's lyrics and music.  The singer is not fighting against a massive orchestra and the sheer genius of the words are laid bare.   I wasn't sure if I was going to be into it, but it totally worked!

Also, the set was minimal with everyday props such as hats and cloaks to distinguish the characters from on another.  This is a picture of Rapunzel and her cleverly knitted hair cap.  The actress was also Little Red Riding Hood.   It even worked when characters died.  You saw the actors really transform from one part to another.  The simplicity of the set and props made you fully get drawn in by the story and music.   It was magical.

Notice the bright pink hats.  These gentlemen portrayed Cinderella's stepsisters as well as the Princes.   Also, the one guy was Milky White.  This show features the best acting of a humanoid cow I have ever seen!  The cow was probably my favorite character.    Please go see this!   It's in town until the end of this month.