INTO THE WOODS, WA

Here is a proper review of the show from the Sunday Times. June 06, 2008 12:00pm THE comic musical Into the Woods delivers superb theatre to Perth and is a must-see production, writes STM reporter Alicia Bridges. In a top-level production of Stephen Sondheim’s fairytale musical Into The Woods, which opened at the Subiaco Arts Centre last night, the Yellow Glass Theatre has shown it means business about its promise to deliver high quality theatre. A fantastic interpretation of Sondheim’s already clever material, the comic musical was brilliantly performed, immaculately presented and a hit with the audience, some of whom were in fits of hysterical laughter throughout the show. The story begins in the village, where fairytale characters Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack (who will later discover the beanstalk) prepare to go “into the woods” in search of their dreams. The village witch, who has cursed the baker and his wife never to conceive a child, offers to undo the hex if the humble couple also brave the forest to collect a handful of items only attainable from the fairytale characters. Quelling their fears by singing the words “the woods are just trees, the trees are just wood”, the fairytale icons set off on their individual journeys. As the characters cross paths they encounter death, romance, betrayal and happiness, all presented with an element of jest. A handful of additional characters are also introduced along the way, including the notable hunchback man under the bridge and two dim-witted princes, who stole the show singing dramatic tales about the hardships of chasing fair maidens. It seems all loose ends are tied at the end of the first act, but the seemingly happy ending is turned upside down after the interval when a giant returns to wreak havoc on their village. The characters take on a more human form in the second act, as their true colours shine through in the midst of a crisis. A smart comic tale, Into the Woods unfolds in the surrounds of a beautiful set. It has been created with great care and enthusiasm and credit must go to Chris Kabay, whose directing ability shines through in the cast. The performers were animated in their roles and showed real vocal talent. Emphasising the notion that wishes are not always what they seem, the Yellow Glass Theatre’s Into the Woods left the audience abuzz and is sure to please many more before the season ends on June 14.