The comedic heartbeat of the show was the duo of the and the Baker’s Wife ([Actor’s Name]) . Their chemistry was wonderful, and they navigated Sondheim’s rapid-fire patter songs (“Maybe They’re Magic”) with clarity and charm. Special mention goes to [Actor’s Name] as Little Red Riding Hood —feisty, funny, and sporting a wolf-coat that got one of the biggest laughs of the night.
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. into the woods script jr
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.
has once again proven that big magic can come in small packages with their delightful production of Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods JR . While Sondheim’s famously complex music and witty, layered lyrics might seem like a tall order for a cast of young performers, this junior adaptation proves to be a perfect fit, and the cast rose to the occasion with impressive skill and palpable joy. The comedic heartbeat of the show was the
★★★★ (4/5 Stars)
Ages 6 and up (though the second act’s death scenes may be intense for very sensitive little ones). A Bewitching Journey: Into the Woods JR Weaves
Approximately 75 minutes (no intermission, which is perfect for younger siblings).