Theatre Review: ‘Into the Woods’ at Signature Theatre

The cast of “Into The Woods” at Signature Theatre. Photo by Daniel Rader.

“Do you know what you wish? And are you certain what you wish is what you want?” Classic fairy tales collide in “Into The Woods,” where wishes come true, but happily ever after misleads. A rich coming-of-age fable, this crowd-favorite uses a spectacular score to deliver laughs alongside sorrow. The first of three Stephen Sondheim musicals that Signature Theatre is producing this season in honor of the late composer, this enchanting show comes to life just in time for the holidays, thanks to a cast stacked with local talent and a full-bodied, creative design. 

Signature Theatre’s latest production delivers the excellence Sondheim deserves…

Familiar beginnings reflect the well-known Grimm Brothers’ Tales, a volume of which the narrator (Christopher Bloch) carries as he introduces the distinct storylines soon to intersect: Cinderella (Katie Mariko Murray) longs to attend the palace ball; Jack (Davido Merino) must sell his cow; and Little Red Ridinghood (Sherri L. Edelen) is off to visit her grandmother. A Baker (Jake Loewenthal) and his wife (Erin Weaver) long for a child, but discover the neighboring witch (Nova Y. Payton) has cursed them with barrenness. The witch sets the desperate couple off on a quest to break the spell, sending them into the woods where stories begin to tangle. 

Breaking from the clichéd tales, the depth and creativity of Sondheim’s script emerges in the second act, as consequences stomp in, subverting genre expectations with death, destruction, and no promise of a happy ending. The score—one of Sondheim’s most accessible—is ably carried by a fifteen-piece orchestra and signature-favorite performers. Noya Payton, who recently led “The Color Purple” at the same theatre, and Vincent Kempski, playing Cinderella’s Prince and the Wolf in his sixteenth Signature Theatre production, deliver particularly riveting performances. 

Beyond the actors, the rich and delightful production design further recommends this staging. “Into the Woods” may be frequently produced—a favorite of community and school theatre and even playing on Broadway right now—but you won’t find this resplendent staging there. The Woods creep into a decaying home in a two-story set designed by Lee Savage. Ivy spills in through the window, a thick tree branch stretches through the broken plaster, and ferns border the stage. A crib and mobile, a rocking horse, and a teddy bear speckle the home, symbolic of the fleeting childhood at the heart of the play. Yet, the set also holds surprises that allow for entertaining character entrances and some moments of imaginative staging. 

Costume designer David Israel Reynoso has created clothes fit for royalty (and commoners, wolves, and witches). Cinderella’s blue ball gown is particularly splendid with delicate tulle layers fluttering as she runs from the prince. The Witch’s outfits, whether grotesque or wickedly beautiful, are another highlight. The peasant clothing of the Baker and his wife is no less loving in its detail. Sound design by Eric Norris allows menace to thunder through the audience in the play’s climax, quaking the seats without bursting our eardrums, while Amanda Zieve’s lighting design bathes the stage in the dappled glow of sunlight filtered through leaves. 

Signature Theatre’s latest production delivers the excellence Sondheim deserves to a local audience. A large cast and orchestra alongside gorgeous costumes and scenic design make this an extravaganza worth seeing. Although the fairytale inspiration and whimsical design may seem perfect for all ages, “Into the Woods” is best enjoyed by adults and older children, who won’t mind the long runtime and dark themes. With that caveat, this coming-of-age tale will stir and bewitch with its clever and unexpected twists. So, mark your calendar and find your way into the woods! 

Running time: Two hours and 45 minutes with a 15-minute intermission.

Advisory: 10 years and older.

“Into the Woods” runs through January 29, 2023 at Signature Theatre, 4200 Campbell Ave, Arlington, Virginia 22206. Box Office: In-person or by phone 703-820-9771, Monday through Sunday 12 – 8 pm. Phone service begins 11 am on days with matinee performances. You can email tickets@sigtheatre.org or also purchase tickets online.

Masks are always optional in the lobby and other public areas of the building. Face masks are required inside the performance spaces on Thursdays and Sundays. Face masks are optional inside the performance spaces Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Fridays and Saturdays.