Play Suggestions: INTO THE WOODS

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INTO THE WOODS

Printed From: Community Theater Green Room
Category: Producing Theater
Forum Name: Play Suggestions
Forum Discription: Need help finding a show that's right for your theater? Ask here.
URL: http://www.communitytheater.org/forum/forum_posts.asp?TID=3158
Printed Date: 11/26/24 at 10:19am
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Topic: INTO THE WOODS

Posted By: elliot
Subject: INTO THE WOODS
Date Posted: 5/05/08 at 3:37pm

Hi everyone! Has anyone directed this musical? We have mostly younger kids and adults. Would this show be a good choice?

~Elliot

Replies:

Posted By: Linda S
Date Posted: 5/05/08 at 4:24pm

Hi Elliot,

After a year of planning, I have just cast Into The Woods. This Sondheim music is challenging as are the props, costumes and special effects. I have cast no one under the age of of 20 (Except for the actor playing Jack, and he has done professional theater.) Everyone has a strong background in music, and it is no one's first time on stage. I would say if you've the talent and the technical staff behind you it would be a great choice. We are having a blast. It is not for the faint of heart though. If you are looking for something with a fairy tale theme that would use lots of kids and adults that might not be so challenging take a look at "Honk", the musical about the ugly duckling. It is really cute show, the music is fun, there is plenty of room for lots of kids, and great roles for adults.

Good luck with your show.

Linda

Posted By: elliot
Date Posted: 5/05/08 at 4:28pm

Thanks Linda! Yes, that is actually my first choice (and the one I will most likely go with). Was just trying to compare it to a few other shows. I was actually in HONK! a few years ago and loved it, so that will most likely be my choice...you pretty much helped me confirm that!

Thanks again!

Elliot

Posted By: paulrace
Date Posted: 5/20/08 at 1:18pm

Into the Woods is a little like a Marx brothers movie with people coming in and out constantly. If your timing between vignettes is off by a few seconds here and there, the whole thing can DRAG. . . .

It slows down in the middle of the second half, anyway, weak timing can kill it.

It also has powerful songs that need to be sung with conviction before they are "believable." Do you have multiple strong singers who are also confident actors?

I love the play, but it is demanding.

Paul Race
www.CreekDontRise.com

Posted By: Topper
Date Posted: 5/20/08 at 5:20pm

I agree "Into the Woods" is possibly one of the most demanding musicals out there despite its supposedly child-like premise.

I had the misfortune of seeing an amateur production before I knew the show at all -- and while I appreciated they had limited budgets for props and scenery -- the biggest detriment was there were very few performers in the cast who could handle BOTH the singing and the acting challenges. All in all, the show was interminable and I found myself fidgeting in my seat through most of Act Two.

Then, a few months later, a good friend of mine was cast in a professional production of "Into the Woods" at one of the more prestigious theaters in town. Of course, I dreaded having to attend the show again (and until she persuaded me with free tickets, I wouldn't have bothered).

Lo and behold, it was a completely different animal. Of course the technical aspects were superior, but having trained singers and experienced performers in the roles (along with professional orchestra accompaniment) made it one of the most enjoyable theatrical experiences I had ever witnessed.

So, nevermind the technical challenges (unless you happen to have a giant's head in prop storage already), if you feel you have quality people up to the challenge, then go for it. Otherwise, this is one show that is best left attempted by other theaters.

PS: I saw "Honk!" with the same amateur group just recently. Even with the limited abilities of the performers and tech, it was still a delightful evening. Hope that helps.

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"None of us really grow up. All we ever do is learn how to behave in public." -- Keith Johnstone

Posted By: Nyria
Date Posted: 5/25/08 at 7:54pm

Have you looked at the Jr. Version of this - it's essentially the same except it doesn't have the second act (which you don't really need as the first act 'ends' anyway)

The acting and singing has to be really good in this but you don't ned much for set, costumes, etc.

Our set consisted of 2 pillars that could be turned to reveal 'trees' or brick. I directed this at high school and it was awesome. There are no major special effects - unless you count the witch changing and that's not very hard.

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NYRIA

Posted By: paulrace
Date Posted: 5/26/08 at 9:21am

Thanks for the follow-up. I'm not interested in this so much, but other folks might be. Have a great spring. P.S. We're Aida-ing in a couple weeks in Springfield Ohio. If anyone's wondering about the feasability of that play for outdoor theatre, limited sets, etc., stop by SpringfieldArtsCouncil.org and click on the Summer festival box.