Despite those minor stumbles, Into the Woods JR is a triumphant success. It is rare to hear young voices tackle Sondheim’s dissonant intervals and rhythmic complexity without sounding shrill, but this cast did so with professionalism and heart. Parents will love the nostalgia, but more importantly, the young actors on stage clearly understood the moral: Careful the things you say… children will listen.
Ages 6 and up (though the second act’s death scenes may be intense for very sensitive little ones).
Additionally, the sound mix was a tad uneven; the orchestra occasionally drowned out the quieter voices in “On the Steps of the Palace.” into the woods script jr
★★★★ (4/5 Stars)
For the uninitiated, Into the Woods JR follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and a Baker and his Wife, all of whom wish to break a curse set by a Witch. The first act (“I wish…”) is a romp of familiar stories colliding, while the second act (“I wish…”—but with consequences) tackles deeper themes of responsibility, loss, and community. Despite those minor stumbles, Into the Woods JR
A Bewitching Journey: Into the Woods JR Weaves a Spell of Enchantment
The set design cleverly used simple, movable trees and a gauzy scrim to create the feeling of a deep, dark forest. The lighting designer deserves a bow for creating sudden “giant” shadows and magical “cow as white as milk” moments on a budget. The costumes popped—Cinderella’s gold dress sparkled, and the Wolf (played with a swaggering glee by ) was suitably sleek and menacing. Ages 6 and up (though the second act’s
This production proves that you are never too young to grapple with big ideas—or big notes.