Posted: 8/31/22 at 8:58am
¿Macavity?, thank you for that description of the show. Personally, it sounds like an amazing concept, and really interesting. The original London production always seemed so interesting to me, who for the longest time only saw the phots included in the cast recording book.
Posted: 8/31/22 at 9:37am
Yes, thank you ¿Macavity?! But, the original show already had a brilliant framing device and concept. Now, I must say most of this show sounds like something absolutely stunning and brilliant, but the getting rid of the Baker's father, and perhaps using those Witch and Wolf masks, unfortunately seem to remove some of the emotion, which I feel is integral to the show being great. Still sounds like an absolute must-see show if you can.
Posted: 8/31/22 at 12:40pm
A Director said: "Sondheim ALWAYS included James Lapine when talking about INTO THE WOODS. Guess the BBC in Bath doesn't know James Lapine. It is not a good sign when the et and costumes UPSTAGE the actors.
Where the script changes approved?"
Do the costumes upstage the actors? I’m assuming you’ve seen the production?
Posted: 9/9/22 at 8:27pm
I returned last night and the show was considerably tighter. Milky was less intrusive, the characters felt much more put together, and a few small - though important - moments worked better. That said, it still has its problems. I love this production's take on the Mysterious Man, but it doesn't totally click. Why the little girl in the beginning? Why the death-like Mysterious Man? And what is their relationship? I really admire this production, but it still needs a bit of work to live up to its full potential.
My main reason for writing this though... Right before the show, a man affiliated with the theatre or production asked the audience to stand and hold two minutes of silence for the passing of the Queen (I understand many theatres across the UK did this or something similar), which had just been reported 30 minutes or so prior. Some people didn't know and there were several audible gasps. After the silence, the band played "God Save the Queen".
Now, I just moved to the UK a year and a half ago, and I certainly don't consider myself a "Royalist", but it was extraordinarily moving to experience this and then INTO THE WOODS. The sorrow of the theatre gently lifted when the little girl came onstage and started playing with her toys; it was so innocent and touching.
The line about the the royal family never doing anything got a big laugh when I first visited this production nearly two weeks ago, but it was wisely dropped last night.
The second act had a special relevance to it; "No One is Alone" and the finale hit hard. Alex Young as the Baker's Wife was in tears singing the finale, wanting so badly to take and hold her child. Not sure if this was just a new addition or if it came from the emotional charge of this particular evening, but it crushed me.
A truly special night.
Posted: 9/11/22 at 5:09am
Wow.That that happened the night you saw the show again. Heavy. And so wise they dropped the "royal family" line. I bet the Baker's Wife was crying because of the emotion of the circumstances, but it would be nice if it could be kept in the show. Thanks for reporting. Any word on this going to the West End?
Posted: 9/11/22 at 6:43am
I went to the closing performance last night - I don’t think I can really add or improve on what has been already said but I just love, love, love the direction/design/concept. For Sondheim, which I’d typically say is produced on the cheaper end, it feels lavish, beautiful, dark, interesting, imaginative. There are a few Jaw dropping moments like the Giant, Jack climbing down from the beanstalk, the witch apparition at the beginning, the wolf flowers - the blood from the heel - DID I HEAR A SWEENEY UNDERSCORE AT THAT POINT OR AM I MAKING IT UP?
I have an uneasy feeling that it might be the end of the road though. I overheard a conversation from a spouse of one of the leads that they are still hoping for a transfer next year but nothing is confirmed. I would not say the reviews or sales make it a sure bet. Such a shame though I really think it’s just beautiful and if it weren’t for the encores! Production, if it wasn’t cancelled at the Old Vic and had a proper run in London, if the reception was a little warmer I think it could have been Broadway bound.
Feels very special to see this beautiful show in this very beautiful town just after the Queen died. They are still doing silence and God Save the Queen at the beginning.
Updated On: 9/11/22 at 06:43 AM
Posted: 9/13/22 at 10:54am
Hehe,it would be so awesome if they played some Sweeney with that foot-cutting.
I wish so much it could have been Broadway bound! I wish even more it would have played at the Old Vic and gotten a pro-shot! Or even a pro-shot at Theatre Royal Bath! Or in the West End! Some way I could see it!
Posted: 9/13/22 at 2:22pm
Some photos that illustrate how cool an experience it is that the show is held in Bath:
Notice bus with Into the Woods advertising:
Theatre
Curtain before show: Note the toy theatre at the centre of the stage. This is the one that the little girl comes and plays with to 'put on' the show we are actually watching. For the 2nd act curtain they put a toy baby instead, which actually becomes the giant and becomes a MASSIVE spectacle, almost (but not quite) like King Kong the musical. 
Posted: 9/14/22 at 11:36am
Thank you so much for posting those, binau! The city and theatre are lovely! And what a lovely curtain and set!
By the way, I have seen only a few clips of "Rose's Turn"s on Broadway, and Bernadette's which I believe I saw the Tonys version of, was the best to me. She was my favorite. I wish I could have seen her full turn in Gypsy.
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