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Regional Reviews: Phoenix Into the Woods Also see Gil's review of A Klingon Hamlet
The plot weaves together the stories of classic fairy-tale characters: Cinderella, Jack (of beanstalk fame), Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel, as well as an original tale of a Baker and his Wife who are desperate to lift a Witch's curse placed on them that prevents them from having children. Each character journeys "into the woods" to achieve their wishes, but after those wishes come true at the end of Act One, darker consequences unfold in Act Two. Themes of loss, responsibility, and the ripple effects of our choices emerge as these once-simple tales are turned on their heads; it turns out "happy ever after" may not be so happy after all. Sondheim's score is both gorgeous and intellectually rich, with witty, tightly rhymed lyrics that sparkle with insight and irony. Lapine's book effortlessly combines multiple familiar tales with an original story, resulting in a tapestry of interwoven pieces that is clever and moving and that all combines together effortlessly. The combination of the score and book resonates with profound themes about growing up, parental relationships, sacrifice, and the blurry lines between right and wrong. Under Karla Koskinen's clear direction, the cast inhabit their character with clarity and charm. Alyssa Chiarello plays the Witch with fierce command and emotional intensity, delivering both comedy and pathos, especially in her show-stopping solos, including a fun "Witch's Rap" in act one and a soaring "Last Midnight" in act two. The Baker and the Baker's Wife are portrayed by Nick Barakos and Meggie Siegrist with warmth and authenticity, their chemistry grounding the show's emotional arc. Barakos' strong stage presence and Siegrist's sublime comic timing and delivery create two of the best performances of these characters I've seen across more than a dozen productions of the show. As Cinderella, Dani Apple is graceful and thoughtful, navigating the character's personal growth with a quiet strength. Elyssa Blonder is spirited and funny, with excellent comic skills, as Little Red Riding Hood, providing a delightful mix of innocence and spunk, and Tre Moore is earnest and endearing as Jack, with a singing voice that soars. Moore's scenes with Jack's loving yet exasperated mother are both funny and touching, due to Elyse Wolf's humorous expressions and sharp comic skills, presenting a superb portrayal of this frustrated woman. Cinderella's Prince is played with gleeful arrogance by Shonn Wiley, while Grace Rogers as Rapunzel and Liam Boyd as her Prince add some lovely dramatic and humorous moments; Wiley and Boyd's refined delivery of "Agony" is a hilarious crowd pleaser. Michael Kary is wonderful as the Narrator and the Mysterious Man, and Trisha Ditsworth is both funny and warm as three supporting characters. The supporting cast includes Lauren Carroll, Ellie Barrett Harvey, Savannah Inez, Mike Lawler, and Rob Watson, who form a strong ensemble that clicks together beautifully. Koskinen's direction is sharp and swift, ensuring the show moves briskly while allowing emotional moments to land fully, although there are a couple moments in the second act when the staging could provide more clarity (especially in a scene when Little Red is strangely present on the side of the stage when the Baker's Wife encounters the Prince). The comedic timing throughout is spot-on and Koskinen provides a few fun, inventive touches that add charm without distracting and that will give fans of the show some original bits to relish; I especially liked when Kary transformed from one of his characters to the next in full view of the audience. Under Kevin Robert White's music direction, the orchestra is superb and each lyric and phrase is articulated with clarity and meaning by the cast. The costumes and sets are rentals. They work well overall, with colorful and character specific outfits that feature a range of materials and fabrics. The metal-structured forest set evokes an abstract woodland, although, while visually striking, it's static so lacks some of the detail and atmosphere that could deepen the immersive feel; you never truly get the sense that you're in different parts of what you're told is a vast and expansive woods. Tim Monson's lighting, with its sharp and deep colors, evokes multiple gorgeous stage images to shape the shifting moods in the piece, and the sound design by Dave Temby delivers crystal clear vocals and crisp notes from the 12-piece orchestra. Into the Woods at The Phoenix Theatre Company is a polished, heartfelt production that captures the wit and wisdom of Sondheim and Lapine's masterwork. While the set could be better, the cast and direction beautifully honor the complexities of the material in a visually engaging and emotionally resonating production. Into the Woods runs through July 13, 2025, at The Phoenix Theatre Company, 1825 N Central Avenue, Phoenix. AZ. For tickets and information, please visit phoenixtheatre.com or by call 602-254-2151. Directed by Karla Koskinen* Cast: |
