Director’s Notes
Into the Woods premiered on Broadway on November 5, 1987 and ran for 765 performances. It won Tony Awards for Best Score, Best Book and Best Actress in a musical. It is based on the original fairy tales compiled by the Brothers Grimm. I saw it in Boston on its’ first national tour in 1989. After one and a half hours, with all of the fairy tales tied up in a neat bundle, I turned to my sister and said, “That was a short musical.” Somehow I missed the rising of the beanstalk that signaled there would be an ominous act two. I wasn’t alone as several patrons appeared to put coats on to vacate the theater. Luckily, ushers who knew that it was merely intermission assured us we needed to stay.
Act one has an optimistic ending. It is the happily ever after we all long for. The stories appear to sort themselves out and everything is as it should be. And then life happens. Act two is our reality. Things we wish for or desire don’t always turn out the way we had hoped. Life is messy. Good and bad things happen to everyone so be careful what you wish for!
When I interviewed to become a teacher at CHS, I went thru rigorous interviews. During one interview, with administration, I was asked what I thought of the musical Into the Woods. I answered with trepidation, but told the truth. I loved Act One and could have lived without Act Two. Two of the Deans roared at the answer. One agreeing wholeheartedly with me and the other said Act Two was by far the better act. Since exploring the work with your amazingly talented students, I have come to love Act Two. This challenging and imaginative “what happens after the happy ending?” allows the actors to delve more deeply into the characters than many lighthearted musicals allow.
Challenges in this musical are plentiful. Sondheim is not easy. The shows small cast did not accommodate the abundant talent at this school. With over 80 students involved, we sought to find roles for the many students who love to participate in our annual musical. We have strived hard to have this be a truly immersive experience and hope that you enjoy your venture Into the Woods with us.
Lauren Cochran
Director
