Review: Into The Woods, John Mcintosh Arts Centre

Explaining the plot of Into the Woods without the music might make Act 1 sound chaotic and Act 2 downright unhinged. Yet with Stephen Sondheim’s score, James Lapine’s book, and Tama Knight’s clear direction, this Geoids Musical Theatre production brings coherence to the whirlwind. At its heart, this musical is about finding strength and stability in community, no matter the challenges — one of which is Sondheim’s demanding score. The cast and orchestra handle it beautifully, never missing a beat.

The story follows familiar characters like Cinderella, Jack (of Beanstalk fame), Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel, along with a Baker and his Wife who long for a child. Each begins with a wish, which leads them “into the woods” to pursue their dreams. However, they soon face unforeseen trials and moral dilemmas. In Act 1, their wishes come true, seemingly wrapping up each story happily, but Act 2 reveals the darker consequences of their desires when a giantess arrives seeking revenge for her husband’s death at Jack’s hand. The characters must confront their choices, grappling with loss, blame, and the need for unity in adversity.

The commitment required in amateur theatre is always admirable. Balancing a full 9-to-5 with nightly rehearsals, then performing a full musical every night for a week, is no small feat. Here, the cast delivers Sondheim’s clever lyrics and intricate melodies with passion and skill, creating a seamless experience despite minor sound and lighting glitches.

This ensemble cast is led by the Baker and his Wife, beautifully played by Rob Archibald and Kate Gledhill, with fearsome meddling from the Witch, portrayed by Olga-Marie Pratt. All three are outstanding, leading the cast with sensitivity and grace. Arthur Lewis and Chris Peters as Cinderella’s and Rapunzel’s princes bring Disney-like charm and charisma, and their rendition of ‘Agony’ hits peak comedic timing. Helen Parsons and Isla Brendon excel with their physical comedy, and James Daly and Emma Bowker bring delightful authenticity to Jack and Little Red, capturing their characters’ complex emotions as the only ‘children’ in the story (who don’t always listen as per the song!). 

For me, the evening’s highlight was Amy Foden-Lloyd as Milky White. Her subtle expressions and precise movements bring the cow to life, carrying Milky White’s personality through to the final bows. If another Avenue Q production comes to town, Foden-Lloyd should be on their radar.

The sound and lighting, crafted by Olly Levett and Adam Coppard, are cleverly designed to make the most of a school auditorium’s limited resources. The cast adapts seamlessly, especially in scenes where the ‘giant’ wreaks havoc on the fairytale characters. The large orchestra, expertly led by Musical Director Dominic Veall, adds a rich layer of musicality.

Despite a slight delay at the start — 12 minutes late — the evening was a success. Minor disruptions from audience members filming and photographing didn’t dampen the experience. This Geoids production is a delightful rendition of Into the Woods, capturing both the charm and the challenges of Sondheim’s work.

Music and Lyrics by: Stephen Sondheim
Book by: James Lapine

Directed by: Tama Knight

Musical Direction by: Dominic Veall

Produced by: Adam Coppard

Assistant Direction by: Mika Shirahama

Set Design by: Ellen Redgrave

Costume & Props by: Anna Trofimova

Lighting Design by: Olly Levett

Sound Design by: Adam Coppard

Lighting Operated by: Ruth Luckins

Into The Woods runs at the John Mcintosh Arts Centre until Saturday 2nd November. 

Further information and booking details are available here. 

More information about Geoids Musical Theatre can be found here.