Into The Woods

First appearing on Broadway in the 1980’s, Into the Woods follows a Baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wished to attend the King’s Festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. The would-be parents learn that their trouble is due to a witch’s curse, which they set off to break. They succeed but then suffer the consequences. This contrast between the hopes and dreams of Act 1, and the happenings of Act 2 was brought to the audience through good singing and some very good acting.

Director Elodie Boal has used her cast well but at times it was difficult to recognize some of the main characters from my youthful memories such as Little Red Ridinghood, Cinderella and Rapunzel, despite Rapunzel still having long hair. Having actors enter from the audience area, allowed the director more freedom of movement and in particular kept the  audience alert.

The witch, as portrayed by Jennifer Bashley, was a really nasty piece of goods until she lost her power and then became a steady influence. A key role, Jennifer was very good indeed, bringing out the evil intent well. The two princes, played by Matthew Leigh and Matthew Bennett, were solid in voice and movement and blended into the action perfectly. Unfortunately, Gary Farmer-Trickett lacked oomph and expression as the narrator.

Perhaps the overall costuming could be fine tuned a little bit, but it’s an enjoyable production. Congratulations to RMT for adventuring Into the Woods. Sondheim’s musical challenges are not easy but this company came through it with flying colors.

Bill Davies