I finally saw this yesterday afternoon, and I echo every single rave review on here. This production is so special. The whole cast is just incredible. Mary Kate Moore was on for the Baker's Wife, and she was terrific. What I love most about this production is how true it stays to the original. There are no gimmicks. Lear DeBessonet fully trusts the material, and even manages to mine out the humor in the show in a new and exciting ways I have never seen done with any other production of INTO THE WOODS.
Patina Miller is delectably evil, sassy, sexy, and just gorgeous in every way. She really knows how to tap into this indescribable wicked persona. Brian d'Arcy James is so good as the Baker. His "No More" is heartbreaking. Carl, Creel, Harada, and Rodriguez are all on top of their A-games. Just truly stellar performances all around.
I loved the simple and minimal staging. It really allows the show to speak for itself and lets the performances just shine. The puppetry is amazing. I would love for this to run into eternity like CHICAGO with a revolving door of talented actors coming in and out, but I don't think that will be the case. I am so glad I got to see this, though! It's one of those special treats that just reminded me why I love Broadway so much.
"There’s nothing quite like the power and the passion of Broadway music. "