Welcome to City Kidz Playhouse's production of Stephen Sondheim's Into the Woods. As we embark on this journey through fairy tales reimagined, we are reminded of the profound impact Sondheim's work has had on the world of theatre. His intricate melodies and complex characters have forever changed the way we experience musical storytelling. Into the Woods, with its seamless blend of whimsy and gravity, stands as a testament to Sondheim's genius.
In this production, we delve deep into the themes and lessons embedded in Into the Woods. Sondheim and book writer James Lapine challenge us to consider the nature of our desires and the consequences of attaining them. The characters, each yearning for a wish to come true, navigate a labyrinth of challenges that ultimately lead them to question the very essence of their dreams. Act I is a journey of discovery, where wishes are fervently pursued and seemingly fulfilled. Act II, however, forces us to confront the aftermath: What happens after "happily ever after"? Are our dreams truly what we imagined, and can they sustain us?
Our concept for this production is rooted in the interplay of darkness and light, reflecting the characters' paths as they traverse through shadows to find clarity and truth. We've chosen to strip away the ornate, fairy-tale set pieces traditionally associated with these stories. Instead, our minimalistic black and white set serves as a canvas upon which the vibrant and colorful portrayals of our actors come to life. This stark contrast echoes the narrative journey from the desire-driven first act to the reflective and questioning second act.
In Into the Woods, each character must confront their own "giants"—the fears, doubts, and moral dilemmas that challenge them. This journey through darkness, both literal and metaphorical, ultimately brings them—and us—into the light. Sondheim's masterpiece offers a simple yet profound truth: we are not alone. As we navigate our own life's forests, facing uncertainties and hardships, we are reminded that someone will always be on our side, guiding us through the dark and into the light.
Thank you for joining us on this journey. May you find your own light in the shadows, and remember that together, we can face any giant.
Warm regards,
Lissette & Nicole
Artistic Directors, City Kidz Playhouse
