'Into The Woods' is one of Stephen Sondheim's more popular and accessible works,and this evening's production marks the fourth time so far this year that this particular reviewer has seen this show, with another production of it taking place next week in Manchester!
It tells the stories of Jack And The Beanstalk, Rapunzel, and Cinderella, combining them cleverly together with a story about a baker and his son, whilst including many other popular fairytale references. In fact the plot is really quite convoluted, and with James Lapine's book and Sondheim's lyrics, it does sometimes get as thick as mulligatawny, and requires careful singing and careful listening.
As for the singing.... no qualms whatsoever, the entire cast were superb in allowing the clever rhymes and puns to hit the spot every time. In fact, the entire cast was a true ensemble cast, and they worked excellently together. Joseph Meighan's tight but imaginative direction helping them to create solid characters and tell a complicated story with ease.
This was a very British show though, or at least tried to be. Various characters or character groups were given different accents, and so we had Yorkshire, Scouse, RP, Cockney, Lancashire, and for the Witch, Irish. I understand what Meighan was trying for here but two thoughts occurred to me. First is that this diffuses and perhaps even negates the idea of community and unity which is central to one of the main themes of the show; whilst although I am sure it was not deliberate, but giving a witch the only accent to fall outside the UK but within The British Isles could by some be considered as politically muddy waters. The other problem inherent with Britishifying it is the language of the libretto. The Witch's vegetable list is distinctly American and Little Red sings of "nice (being) different than good" - not 'from' as we all know it is in British English, etc...
Otherwise however, this was a consummate and professionally produced musical, whose production values were exceedingly high. Subjectively there were some things which did not happen quite as well as perhaps they could..... but objectivity is the name of the game, and in this regard it was a flawless production, showcasing some amazing local talent, all of whom deserve recognition and so I won't highlight anyone in particular here.
Sound levels were good throughout, lighting and effects were clever and optimal, set design giving different levels and sightlines, whilst being both practical and eye-catching. Costuming was in modern dress, which worked, and the Witch transforms not into a youthful sexy beauty, but a younger version of herself with short straight black hair and a black dress. (minus the magic).
Musical direction by Steven Mercer-Murray was clear and the band faultless all evening. Meighan's production also includes a few surprises. First is the inclusion of lyrics and songs which are often cut from the show, and so those audience members going, thinking they know every word of every song (like me...!) will be in for a little surprise. Whilst he also manages to give a little hat nod to other Sondheim shows throughout too. The most obvious being Sweeney Todd, but Sunday In The Park With George, Gypsy, and West Side Story were also in there too... and perhaps others which I missed
An exemplary and accomplished production putting Altrincham's Garrick Playhouse firmly and squarely back on the map!
Reviewer - Matthew Dougall
on - 19.6.23
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