The University of Utah Department of Theatre presents “Into The Woods,” February 16 - 25 at the Babcock Theatre. This beloved fairytale mashup by the Pulitzer-Prize-winning team of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine, brings together a Grimm cast of characters whose paths cross in unexpected ways. When their wishes lead to dangerous consequences, these familiar characters must reckon with unfamiliar questions: Whose story is this? And how do we want it to end?
For many, especially aficionados of musical theatre, "Into The Woods" is a classic that is simply hard to beat. When asked what makes it so special, the cast was pretty unanimous in their response: the music.
For actor James Wong, who plays the Baker, it was hard to pinpoint just one beloved song. "My favorite songs are probably ‘Stay with Me,’ ‘On the Steps of the Palace,’ 'Giants In The Sky, and ‘Moments in the Woods," he said. "This musical was one of the first shows that I'd ever seen, so I have a lot of favorite things about the show."
“The score is so brilliantly written. You could listen to the music alone and still understand so many parts of the script,” said actor Helena Goei, who tackles the role of the Witch. Goei also pointed out that in this particular staging, the orchestra plays on stage rather than below in the pit, bringing them even closer to the sound. "We are all working together to create this play world," Goei said. "The show would be nothing without them."
Nathan Ginsberg mentioned that the music was essential in the development of his character, Jack. "Studying the score has really made me appreciate the attention to detail that composers put into their music, and it’s been fun to implement that detail into my storytelling," he said.
Bolstered by the music, "Into the Woods" imparts powerful lessons that stay with all those who touch it.
"I’m hoping that the community takes away the message that 'No one is alone,' Ginsberg said. "In a time where we are so isolated by technology and politics, it’s really easy to feel alone. 'Into the Woods' helps to show how the people around us can help us get through difficult times when things don’t go our way."
James Wong agreed, "I think the University community should come to this show because it's a timeless classic. There's so much that can be studied about it from an academic perspective, and it teaches lessons for everyone. I hope that [the audience] can learn to be careful what you wish for, because you just might get it. I think a line that captures this well is 'You may know what you need. But to get what you want, better see that you keep what you have.'"
In reflecting on the process, the cast also emphasized their gratitude for the priceless memories created.
"My favorite thing about the show is having an opportunity to spend a lot of time with my classmates to create this beautiful show to close out my senior year at the U, said Little Red actor Paris Howard. "Many of the cast members are in the Class of 2024 who were impacted by COVID which limited the opportunities for many of us. It is great to have this show as an exclamation point for the end of our senior year."
Directed by assistant professor David Eggers, this show is sure to delight. We'll see you there!
Into the Woods
Babcock Theatre
Friday, 2/16 @ 7:30 PM
Saturday, 2/17 @ 2 PM
Saturday, 2/17 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, 2/18 @ 2 PM
Thursday, 2/22 @ 7:30 PM
Friday, 2/23 @ 7:30 PM*
Saturday, 2/24 @ 2 PM
Saturday, 2/24 @ 7:30 PM
Sunday, 2/25 @ 2 PM
*ASL Interpreted performance and Audience Talkback
