Encores: Into the Woods to Transfer to the St. James for limited run this summer? — Page 12

I had previously thought Phillipa could be a great Cinderella, I think she’d be an excellent choice. I’ve yet to see Patina’s Witch, but I’m told it’s great and given her track record I have no reason to think anything but.

I’m also coming around more to the idea of Brian paired up with Sara. He actually wouldn’t look too far off from her (who upon a further look is a little bit older than I remembered) and he knows how to play up the youthful charm. My only doubt was if he’d look too old opposite her, other than that I have zero doubt that he’d be perfect for the role.

On paper, Miller & Soo are fantastic casting.

Pippa Soo as Cinderella is thrilling casting. I hope it's true.

I love Patina but wasn't blown away by her Witch at Hollywood Bowl. Really wish it was still Heather or even Renée Elise Goldsberry.

Well Brian’s take on that song is expectedly lovely. Yeah I’m ready for him to tackle the part again. Though given all the swirling rumors I won’t exactly hold my breath.

alexidarling15 said: "Pippa Soo as Cinderella = brilliant. Would that mean no Broadway transfer for Suffs? I loved her in that, too."

Suffs is definitely still a LONG way off from Broadway. I loved it, but it definitely needs at least one more reworked production (probably regional or out-of-town) before it's ready to come to Broadway. Shaina is also busy ALL summer between Devil Wears Prada in Chicago and As You Like It at the Delacorte. So, the earliest this theoretical production is happening is this fall, but probably later than that.

Kad said: "There’s also another casting change for a less marquee role that I think is surprising. I’ve been hearing Rapunzel’s Prince has also been recast. The new actor isn’t the “wrong man” for the role- but he has 3 Tony nominations and I would think it’s a bit of a small role for him. But I guess a paycheck is a paycheck!"

I'm guessing Brandon Uranowitz...?

Kad said: "I can confirm that James, Miller, and Soo are the names I’ve been hearing and would be expecting.

There’s also another casting change for a less marquee role that I think is surprising. I’ve been hearing Rapunzel’s Prince has also been recast. The new actor isn’t the “wrong man” for the role- but he has 3 Tony nominations and I would think it’s a bit of a small role for him. But I guess a paycheck is a paycheck!"

As with all of Kad's hints, this one's obvious too. I too think Joshua Henry is more of a name than someone who'd want to play Rapunzel's Prince but I can see wanting to be on stage with this cast singing Sondhiem a reason enough to say yes.

I'd rather see Joshua Henry as The Baker!!

I'm surprised this isn't disappointing to more folks. I can understand transferring a concert production when the casting catches lighting in a bottle... but when they're recasting so significantly I really wish this was going to be a full revival. There's so much magic in a full staging of Into the Woods I'm sort of sad we're probably just getting a concert staging.

Anyway. The new names being mentioned are all remarkable and I'm happy about that. I'm sure I'll go and I'm SURE I'll be delighted and forget all about my complaints.

I was going to ask about the concert staging too. I haven't been able to see it - is there much in terms of set, costuming, choreography?

The concert production was the orchestra surrounded by stair risers and a walkway/platform in the back and playing space in the front. White birch tree-type drops flew in for the woods, and there were some small set pieces to indicate the houses in the beginnings of each act. It definitely featured about the same or more design elements than the usual Encores! presentation.

I really don’t understand all the objections to simply polishing the staging, as is. I found it highly effective and let the show be the star. I usually find a lot of set, or lots of concept, for Into the Woods swallows the whole show up. The costumes could maybe use some love, and as Kad mentioned, it would be nice to see something more done with the Witch’s transformation. But otherwise, I don’t really need anything more.

Even if the set is mostly the same for Broadway, I expect they'll be able to enhance the staging, especially since the cast would be fully off-book. Or maybe they do retool the set and costume designs. David Rockwell designed the set, and we know he is capable of big "wows" if given the right budget.

Josh Henry would be excellent as Rapunzel's Prince –– and overqualified. But a paycheck is a paycheck, and he's got 3 young kids :)