INTO THE WOODS Previews — Page 4

ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "UWS10023 said: "The community chorus had to do with the mission of City Center, a theatre for all people of NYC, so it is no surprise that the concept is not part of this production given that it was not fully realized."

Is it the mission of City Center, or the mission of Lear who comes from the earthy crunchy Public Works world? Encores productions had never used Community Choruses before that I'm aware of.

Either way: the idea could have worked at Encores with better execution, but just ended up being unnecessary. I'm sure it's a stronger ending without."

Mayor LaGuardia came up with the idea of turning the facility into a performing arts center and he wanted the theatre to be accessible to all New Yorkers. That is why City Center has outreach programs that go into the schools and community centers and a Fall For Dance program that is affordable for everyone. Perhaps Lear was inspired by this well known bit of history. Even if the community chorus idea was not fully realized, Lear proved herself to be a talented director.

Updated On: 6/30/22 at 03:36 AM

Brian D’arcy James has played the Baker before.

Beautiful show. Amazing direction. Can we get Sara in a Secret Garden revival? The weakest link was Patina, but I see room for growth. Can we get her a new wig and outfit? She looked like Jan Brady. Her transformation was dissapointing. No clue what the narrator was saying half of the time. Run to see this. In time this will be a sell out

Updated On: 7/1/22 at 05:07 PM

Yes, for Thursday afternoon but couldn't go 😭

They now have window cards:

I'm looking for some seating advice. I'm looking to buy tickets to see this in August, but I'm having trouble deciding what section/row to select. I'm looking at Row O in Mezz on the aisle or Row B in Balcony. I normally use View From My Seat, but the few pictures and descriptions that are up for the show contradict each other. Any advice is appreciated! Thanks!

Updated On: 7/1/22 at 09:17 PM

I'm just hoping for some sort of extension. I'll be in NYC the week after it closes.

Just checked a bunch of random July dates for some tickets and sales look like they have been picking up.

Perhaps Gavin reworked his schedule and will not be gone as much. I think he had a cruise ship obligation but I could be wrong.

I saw the matinee today. I was in the front row (BB) and masks are required and enforced in the two first rows.

I enjoyed the show more than I did at Encores, likely because I had a much better seat. The stage wasn't too high, and it was a lovely view.

Sara has only gotten better. BDJ is perfect, and his "No More" brought me to tears. He is also very funny. Patina Miller is sensational, and reminds us why she is a star. I think I enjoyed her more than Headley, who was too serious during act 1. Miller nails many of the laughs in act 1, and her transformation was perfection. Her "Lament" was heartbreaking.

I also enjoyed Soo more than Benton. Soo was lovely throughout, sang beautifully, and was funny when needed. I did really miss Ann Harada. Aymee Garcia does a nice job, and has a more serious take on the role, but I missed Harada's daffier interpretation.

It can't be stated enough how impressive Sara is in this role. It is such a beautiful match of actress to character. I wish Sondheim was here to see her performance, because I can truly see her becoming a Sondheim interpreter. Sadly, I don't think there's many roles for her in his cannon, and it would've been nice if Company had run long enough to have Sara replace Lenk, another Sondheim role she would've matched nicely. Her Baker's Wife would certainly be a strong Tony contender if this opened in the Spring. Her "Moment in the Woods" has developed and deepened nicely, she absolutely nails the character's conflict during the song.

As others mentioned, the staging is nearly identical to what was seen at Encores, but given the quick transfer, it makes sense. It's a joy seeing a stripped down version of this show, and like Jordan mentioned, it really is a beautiful homage to the original 1987 version. I did not really enjoy the Shakespeare in the Park or Fiasco versions of the show, so it's refreshing to see a production present the show exactly as written.

The audience was absolutely wild for it, but not in a distracting way. There was such an electric enthusiasm throughout the theater. Most children in the audience were well behaved. I am not used to being around children at a Sondheim show, lol.

I definitely look forward to returning to this revival again soon. The reviews are going to be absolutely stellar, and I hope it becomes a financial success.

Updated On: 7/2/22 at 09:50 PM

Also saw the matinee Saturday, after having seen it at Encores two months ago.

I pretty much loved it, and of the new cast members I particularly loved D’arcy and Soo after having been disappointed that NPH and Benton didn’t transfer. Bareilles has possibly improved in an already Tony-worthy performance. And her chemistry with D’Arcy was excellent. Also, at the end I found myself thinking I could actually see D’Arcy’s Baker and Soo’s Cinderella one day appropriately becoming each other’s second go at love, which was touching.


Almost universally, the cast delivers. Creel was hilarious and now with Henry the first Agony truly stopped the show. Opel gets all the laughs and the new Jack’s Mother acquits herself well. I do have to admit Miller was the one replacement I found inferior to her Encores counterpart. Headley had a gravitas and truth I missed from Miller, and I think Headley also got more and better laughs when I saw it. Still, Miller sang the role very well, and looked great — I did think the transformation look was superior to the look they had for Headley.

After having seen two previous New York revivals, I would say this one is definitely the best cast overall, but it disappointing not to have any sets or magic. I get it’s just the Encores staging, but to get such a great cast doing the show on 44th Street even if only briefly … it’s hard. You walk out the door and are confronted with the marquee of Phantom, the show which beat ITW for Best Musical and has one of the richest physical productions in town, including theatrical magic tricks.


But if you are willing to use your imagination, it’s such a strong cast it’s a really persuasive and moving production.

Jordan Catalano said: "Talk to me about Phillipa and Brian."

Philippa was delightful. Cinderella is very much in her wheelhouse, and it was fun to get to see her dip into a little more comedy than she usually gets to.

Brian is one of my favorite performers in general, and for me, was the best of the new additions. He's got such a wonderful presence, and he and Sara are a dream together. No More absolutely gutted me in the best way.