Whoever thinks tales such as Cinderella and Little Red Riding Hood can’t teach adults something never saw Into The Woods. In Steven Sondheim’s beloved fractured fairy tale, the underlying themes of these universal stories become even more apparent: Jack’s journey up the beanstalk becomes a metaphor for growing older. Rapunzel’s story is a cautionary tale for the sheltering of children from the evils of the world. And Into The Woods is unafraid to show us what happens after the happy ending wears off and reality sets in.
This all sounds very clever and didactic, but the show is also an extremely funny, crowd-pleasing musical, and its fantastical setting and all-ages appeal make it a perfect choice for Signature Theatre‘s inaugural show in its new theatre complex. The crew has built an impressive set for the occasion – a large, sand castle-like structure is like something out of a Gothic illustration, complemented by dark-hued foliage hanging from the ceiling. Though the show’s semi-circular set-up provides some staging hiccups (too much action is geared straight upstage, for example), this new home should suit the company well in the years to come, especially now that Signature has not one, but two stages to play with.
Signature is a master at ensemble pieces, and Into The Woods is no exception, with parts large and small played with a lack of vanity and exceptional humor. Acting both subtle and otherwise permeates the production, and both styles work fine here. In the more cartoonish realm of performances are the impossibly cute Lauren Williams as Little Red Riding Hood, and Stephen Gregory Smith as the achingly innocent Jack – both have an appealing rapport with their audience, and sell their signature songs with gusto. And we cannot forget the two princes, one after Cinderella (James Moye, also engaging as the feral, oversexed wolf), the other pursuing Rapunzel (Sean MacLaughlin); together, they steal the show with their dramatic tale of one-upmanship, “Agony” (“You know nothing of madness till you’re climbing her hair…”, one prince challenges).
