Into the Woods – Script Youth Musical Theatre
Crescent Theatre – Birmingham
Friday 28th November– Dress Rehearsal
By Lee Williams
Photography – Lee Williams Photography (For WOISC)
If you love fairy tales but wish they had a bit more bite (and more songs), “Into The Woods” is right up your alley. This musical, created by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, takes stories you already know—Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel—and mashes them together in a way that’s both hilarious and surprisingly deep. Since hitting Broadway in 1987, it’s become a favourite for theatre fans everywhere. Now it’s here – presented by Script Youth Musical Theatre Company.
At first glance, it’s a strange and wild mix of familiar characters all heading into the woods to chase after their biggest dreams. The Baker and his Wife just want a kid, but a Witch has put a curse on them. Everyone’s paths cross, and things get out of hand fast. Wishes do come true—but not always in the way anyone expects.
The music in “Into The Woods” is awesome. In the original Sondheim really knew how to write songs that stick with you. From the catchy and funny “Agony” to the moving “No One Is Alone,” there’s a great mix of humour and heart. The lyrics are clever, packed with puns and deeper meanings, so there’s always something new to catch each time you listen.
The production and set here is kept simple, letting your imagination fill in the rest. There’s plenty of room for cool lighting and sound effects, and with so many characters sharing the stage, things stay lively and fun.
This show gives actors a lot to work with—no boring roles here! Whether it’s the Baker, the Witch, or even Little Red Riding Hood, everyone gets a moment to shine. Performances by Gracie Reynolds and Masie Holdsworth as the Witch are lively and pop whereas Daniel George and Niamh Scott-Walters/Lexi Roberts play the Baker and Baker’s Wife brilliantly. We must admit, Nancy Reynolds and Isla Rose Thompson play extremely cute cows!
“Into The Woods” is loads of fun, with catchy songs and sharp humour, but it also has something to say. Whether you’re watching for the first time or the fiftieth, you’ll find new bits to enjoy and think about. So, if you’re up for a musical that’s smart, funny, and a little bit dark, don’t miss your chance to get lost in these woods.
