The standout performance of the evening came from as the Witch . Commanding the stage with a booming (and shockingly clear) voice, they transformed from a grotesque, rapping antagonist into a glamorous, wounded mother figure with astonishing ease. Their rendition of “Last Midnight” was a showstopper—equal parts terrifying and thrilling.
Given the complexity of the source material, the pacing in the second act occasionally lagged. The junior version cuts the heaviest songs (like “No More”), but the actors sometimes rushed through the quieter, more emotional dialogue about the Giant’s destruction. The finale, “Children Will Listen,” was beautiful, but it could have landed with more impact if the cast had taken a breath before the final harmonies. into the woods script jr
Ages 6 and up (though the second act’s death scenes may be intense for very sensitive little ones). The standout performance of the evening came from
For the uninitiated, Into the Woods JR follows the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and his beanstalk), and a Baker and his Wife, all of whom wish to break a curse set by a Witch. The first act (“I wish…”) is a romp of familiar stories colliding, while the second act (“I wish…”—but with consequences) tackles deeper themes of responsibility, loss, and community. Given the complexity of the source material, the
Approximately 75 minutes (no intermission, which is perfect for younger siblings).
Additionally, the sound mix was a tad uneven; the orchestra occasionally drowned out the quieter voices in “On the Steps of the Palace.”
A Bewitching Journey: Into the Woods JR Weaves a Spell of Enchantment