The Public Theatre's Shakespeare/Park presents INTO THE WOODS -- Discussion- Page 23

[henrikegerman]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 8:06am

If this production is half the fiasco it reportedly is, it will break my heart.

[Wynbish]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 9:16am

When they read through his bio (again, all of this while the show is going on), the guy said, "I have no idea who he is."

Does is not say in there that he was in the original cast? And is a legend? And does that show like a boss?

Jordan, Dawson or Pacey?

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 9:49am

Did anybody else want to scream "WE GET IT! WE'RE IN THE WOODS?" From the birds that are tree branches to the Witch becoming a tree.... It was a bit overkill.

And seriously -- there was a monitor last night? How do you explain the very sloppy music? Like when Donna Murphy l got so behind on "Stay With Me" and the pit actually had to pause and wait for her.

What I mainly do not understand is this: the entire framework of the show has been changed by the directors. There is a new verse in "Last Midnight". New plot points. New text at the beginning and end... Why did Sondheim raise hell over PORGY & BESS and then approve this? Seems a bit hypocritical, no?

SPOILER:
I don't understand how anyone who loves this show could love the concept. You go on the entire journey to learn it's a dream, or rather -- a nightmare. Which makes the entire evening a condescending lecture instead of a moving journey.

[AnnieFreak]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 9:58am

Totally disagree with you!

I was there last night and this show was the NOT the nightmare this board is making it out to be!! The director tried something new, maybe not all great choices, but what did you PAY for your ticket??? Good night of theater and enjoyable evening at the Delacorte!!

[AnnieFreak]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 10:01am

Loved your review!! Very concise and well written!!! I was there tonight as weel and couldn't agree more! Thanks for the well thought out post!

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 10:01am

Annie, what we paid has nothing to do with the conversation. For many of us, this is our first musical. Or the musical that started our love affair with theatre. It's going to create polarizing views. If you don't like to debate them, don't come on a thread like this.

To touch on the Wolf/Little Red: I found it to be pretty vile, and so in-your-face that the moment doesn't even work. A lot of people around me were uncomfortable, not just me.

[AnnieFreak]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 10:06am

Actually I LOVE the debate!! Just felt your points were attacking and not constructive!

Remember this Board is for ALL to post their opinions. Not up to anyone to tell someone not to post!

Updated On: 7/28/12 at 10:06 AM

[Wynbish]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 10:10am

Sondheim disapproval of P&B is different because Diane was making changes without approval from the creators, seeing as they have long been deceased.

[adamgreer]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 10:34am

I really think some people need to get the DVD of the production, or the production they starred in at the local community theater, out of their head. The last thing this production needs is Lapine coming in to make the show more like the two productions he's already staged.

I frankly find it patently offensive that people would say something as utterly obnoxious as, "I don't understand how anyone who loves this show could love this concept." I love this show and thought the concept worked. At times it works better than others, but on the whole, I think it works. It's not your father's Into the Woods, but it's something different. I think it's very funny that the same poster who said they don't understand how anyone who loves this show could love this concept also said they're interested in debating different points of view. Contradiction much?

Updated On: 7/28/12 at 10:34 AM

[Kad]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 2:21pm

Broadwayguy:

The instrumentation is as follows: French horn, cello, viola, bass, violin, trumpet, keyboard, flute/piccolo, bassoon, clarinet, percussion.

Also, Cinderella's father has been re-instated and is played by Chip Zien.


I, too, find the concept to be effective- and thought that far before I knew this production would be coming to NYC. I think it ties into the parent/child themes in the show neatly.

Yes, we all grew up with the original production of Into the Woods. But that was one production. Anything that veers away from it is not a travesty. The idea that this Into the Woods would be good if you didn't know the show/that production is absurd. Every production should be judged on its own, not in relation to an entirely different idea of it.

[broadwayguy2]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 2:43pm

Thank you very much, kad.
I can not wait to hear them. It would be nice to see these licensed as an alternative for companies that can not manage the 16, much like how Beauty and the Beast offers two orchestrations.
Interesting to see Cinderella's Father reinstated.. I rather liked the idea of him being cut and was curious to see it live, but it does give Chip Zien an extra 3 minutes of stage time.
As I said, I have yet to see the production (I can not wait!), but I certainly do not view the original production as true gospel. I love it and yet there are many many things that drive me absolutely crazy. However, I am not sure I will like the child narrator concept since it also kills one of my favorite aspects of the show that doesn't exist DIRECTLY in dialogue.

[mlipton1]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 2:48pm

I've been watching this board from the beginning and wanted to finally just put in my 2 cents.

I saw the production on Wed night after waiting at the In the Boroughs location. I'm moving from NYC this Friday to start graduate school and wanted to see the show really badly, and kind of wanted to wait on line, NY bucket list and all.

I have never seen a production of Into the Woods before so I had nothing to compare it to, but my friend and I absolutely loved the performance. We were laughing at all of the jokes that hit perfectly, loved the music and all of the actors' performances. I did notice a few mistakes, but again, had never seen a production so had no real comparison.

That being said, I am by no means a Broadway novice, having seen nearly 40 shows since the age of 7 and this one was one of my favorites, it was beautiful, fun and I left with most of the songs in my head, which is more than I can say for many shows I have paid a pretty penny for.

I think everyone nitpicking little things that were wrong are missing a big point of Shakespeare in the Park. It's not a multi-million dollar broadway production backed by investors, its The Public, whose goal is to bring amazing live theatre to people every summer for free. For people like me who have a true passion and love for the theatre and can't necessary afford all broadway has to offer. The production wasn't perfect, but for me, it was a perfect NYC experience, a beautiful night in Central Park complete with a very well done and enjoyable production of a classic musical. I certainly got what I wanted out of it and for that I thank The Public!

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 3:45pm

There are things that I didn't care for but by no means would I rip this production to threads. I was there on Tuesday. No, it wasn't perfect but these people are professionals and handled themselves as such. I woild like to see some of the people bashing the show get up there and do a better job.

There was mention of not going on until they had enough rehearsal time. It seems that due to the weather, that time was shortened. I also expect that with member/doner tickets and the expected free tickets they would give out, they could not postpone performances for but so long.

Just like any other show in early previews, there will be glitches. These people have to get used to this set and they also have the elements to worry about.

Even with the things I didn't care for, I hope to see it again. And anyone who wants to see it but is now thinking twice because of what you are reading here, it will be your loss if you choose not to go in my opinion.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 5:59pm

I'm not judging this based on the DVD. I've seen wonderful productions from High Schools, Colleges and professional companies.

The problem with this production is that the story is convoluted. There is so much clutter, that you're losing the heartbreaking journey.

And not constructive? I said several times there is a lot of talent that is not gelling. I've hardly been a Debbie Downer on the whole thing. I'm rooting for them.

[VanFan]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 7:22pm

I happen to agree with the idea of getting the OBC, your local production etc.. out of your mind. BERNADETTE IS NOT ON STAGE!. Once, we've moved into the acceptance stage, then we can play by the same rules that we expect the critics to, no reviews until opening. Jeez, They've only run the show with band and tech 3 times. Yes, thats right. Plus, there was a put-in for a prince.So,i was there last night and now I want to try and play by my own rules .. I'm kind of fascinated by the new breath it's getting. There's alot of talent up there and it's better than an episode of Live at the actors studio..I often wonder that those who rip on one particular actor on that stage, if in fact you auditioned, wished that you had auditioned or played it in Into the woods JR? and that people get thrown when they add the sets, lighting and costumes..
ok,call me hypocritical, im as bad as the rest but my non review review is that once tech is in place and the actors space is more familiar, that this production is like the same characters that we love finding themselves in different woods ie; a whole new world.. i kind of dig it.
oh, and that Morgan whatshername... seems to have a little friendship with a certain NY post employee. truth be told....

[SNAFU]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 8:05pm

last night was my first experience with Into the Woods. I never listened to the score, never saw the show, never read a synopsis.
I thought it was a visually ugly show. It tried hard at a concept but made a messy busy looking production.
There were some great performances on stage, and some not so great ones and an occasional cringe worthy note hit. Everyone was working hard.Shouldn't it appear effortless? There were some moments of pure comic delight, other moments that fell flat.
Maybe after a time the show will gel... it hadn't last night.

The real highlight were the racoons (?) that wandered through the set before the show stared.

[iluvtheatertrash]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 8:08pm

It happened DURING too, Snafu!

[SNAFU]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 8:20pm

Didn't catch the during from where I was sitting.

Wonder if they are Equity?

Updated On: 7/28/12 at 08:20 PM

[uncageg]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 9:12pm

We saw them on Tuesday during the second act. They were walking under the platform.

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 9:19pm

Anyone attending this evening's performance?

[adamgreer]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 9:31pm

During the show they waddled out from stage left and actually kind of stopped for a minute just as Donna turned to make an exit. She kind of paused, and waited for them to move on so she could exit. It was kind of funny, and in a way, added to the woodsy feel.

[SNAFU]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 10:51pm

They very well might be part of the show itself. Will check my program to see if there is an animal trainer listed in the tiny credits.

[Wynbish]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 10:52pm

"Into the woods to catch some rabies."

[jacobsnchz14]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 11:17pm

"The 'coons on the street, all dance 'round my feet"

...oh, wait... that's a different show.

Wonder if when they transfer, the raccoons'll have to fall safely into the pit (which they WILL have)!

Obviously they're not intentional, but it is uncanny that they aren't!

[SNAFU]

Posted: 7/28/12 at 11:22pm

I wonder if they sign?