Peyton Crim and Sarah Wolter (Photo by Bryan Carpender)
Reviewed by Taylor Kass
Knot Free Productions at Greenway Court Theatre
Through Aug. 11th
RECOMMENDED
Stephen Sondheim’s Into the Woods looms as large in the musical theater canon as the giant in its second act. Although its fairytale characters are familiar (Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Jack of beanstalk fame), the musical itself is complex and even a little messy. But Knot Free Productions’ Into the Woods, directed by Mary Jo Duprey at the Greenway Court Theatre, is anything but messy. It’s a straightforward, no frills version of one of Sondheim’s greatest hits, anchored by stellar classical musical theater vocals rarely seen on LA stages.
Once upon a time, a Baker (Trance Thompson) and his wife (Sarah Wolter) are cursed with childlessness. Their neighboring Witch (Emily Jenda) offers to remove the curse – if they can procure the ingredients for a potion before three midnights elapse. Their quest takes them into the woods, where they run into a bevy of fairytale characters and must ask themselves how far they’re willing to go to get what they want. Does happily ever after truly last forever?
Director Mary Jo Duprey’s background as a voice coach is evidently applied to her cast of talented singers, who easily and beautifully execute Sondheim’s technically challenging score. However, gorgeous vocals alone aren’t enough to carry the several intertwining plot lines in this three-hour epic. Thankfully, most of the main cast incorporate detailed and unique acting choices to match their strong vocal abilities. Standouts include Sarah Wolter as the Baker’s Wife, whose comedic timing is scene-stealing and Emily Jenda as the Witch, whose sheer power is mesmerizing. Peyton Crim is an irresistibly charming and bumbling Cinderella’s Prince with a beautiful baritone. Jack (Christian McCleary) and his cow best friend Milky White (Aaron Camitses) also deserve acknowledgement for milking every possible ounce of comedy from their roles.
Into the Woods explores the violence and ambivalence underneath the neat morals of our favorite fairy tales. “You’re not good, you’re not bad, you’re just nice,” the Witch admonishes her fairytale friends. That’s why a revived classic like Knot Free Productions’ Into the Woods feels so refreshing – although it’s much-beloved, it’s thoroughly challenging.
Greenway Court, 544 N. Fairfax Ave., W. Hollywood. Fri.-Sat., 8 pm, Sun., 6:30 pm; thru Aug. 11. www.bit.ly/ITWLA. Running time: 3 hours, including one 15-minute intermission.
