At this point it’s not big secret that I do not have much love for the classic Stephen Sondheim musical Into the Woods. We all have our unpopular opinions and while I admire the bold ambition of the subversive nature of what Sondheim tries to do I don’t think he pulls that second act off. You can learn more about my feelings on the show here:

That said, Into the Woods is a show done enough that I am going to end up seeing it a couple times a year as a professional theatre critic. As such, I need to be able to look at an individual production and determine whether it is a good example of the show and one its many fans will enjoy. I recently had this opportunity with Creekside Theatre Festival’s production of Into the Woods. It’s perhaps most special for its setting but definitely worthy of your time if you like this musical.

When I say special setting what I mean is this production takes place in the woods! It’s at the Heritage Park Ampitheater in Cedar Hills and this stage is literally surrounded by trees. And this isn’t just window dressing. Director David Walker has the cast going out amongst the trees when they are looking for Jack or trying to find the giant. It’s a very immersive experience!

They keep everything on the actual stage really simple with almost no additional props outside of the Milky White puppet and the other items for the spell. The cast is all solid with David Peterson being the standout as the Baker. He elevates the part through both his excellent singing and acting making a character who can be one-note more nuanced and tender. I also really enjoy Cinderella’s Prince played by Kyle Burch. He has the swagger needed for the role and is very funny with Rapunzel’s Prince (Jared Wilkinson) in the best song of the show ‘Agony.’

I must admit I felt that Tiffany Nutter was a little low energy as The Witch the night I saw it but the vocals are there so maybe it was just an off night? All the costumes and makeup are excellent particularly for the Cinderella characters, and I had no problem hearing and understanding all the dialogue which can be challenging in outdoor amphitheaters.

You do want to make sure to bring a chair or blanket to sit on and some layers to get warm if it ends up being a chilly evening. I’d also recommend some bug spray especially if you are sitting on the grass. Into the Woods is playing through July 2nd and tickets can be purchased here. If I was reviewing just my personal taste I’d give it a Mixed Bag but for this show and its fans I’d say go see it.

Into the Woods has music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim with a book by James Lapine.

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