In this Stephen Sondheim musical, anything can happen when you go ""Into the Woods,"" the closing production of the season for University Theatre. It introduces the audience to their favorite fairy-tale characters in a way they have never seen them before. Show-goers follow Little Red Riding Hood to her granny's house, meet an ugly old witch and some handsome princes, see if Cinderella ever makes it to the festival and much more. It's the stories and characters we all know and love in situations we never could have predicted. Who knew princesses could be so clumsy, old men so mysterious and that trees could sing so well?
There are some people who may assume that because this is a Stephen Sondheim musical it will be specific to certain musical tastes, but the cast and crew have made it universally likable. This musical is sure to be pleasing to both the trained and untrained ear.
Not only is the singing good, but the acting is tremendous as well. Viewers will forget that these are students on stage and believe that their favorite fairy-tale characters are actually right there in front of them.
""Into the Woods"" has an impressive set and elaborate costumes, and the characters are dynamic, hilarious and brilliant. The story takes many turns, and audience members can only imagine what adventures will unfold next.
""Into the Woods"" may have twisted characters and plots, but the morals of the original fairy tales are still a big part of the play. Viewers may even learn some new lessons from the show.
""A sharp knife may be dull tomorrow,"" said Bobby Arnold, who plays the Wolf, Little Red Riding Hood's rival.
""Into the Woods"" is Arnold's fourth show at UW-Madison, and he praised the show and the director, Pam Kriger.
""Pam is a very efficient director. She knows what she wants, and she helps guide you there,"" he said.
Arnold said he was lucky to work with such a talented cast and crew. The show is challenging both theatrically and musically, but the cast and crew did a phenomenal job putting everything together, including the intricate costumes.
Arnold said his wolf costume, made out of actual wolf hide, adds to the authenticity of the costume and helped him get into his role. The other costumes are also gorgeous and worth going to see.
The show is pleasing to the eyes and definitely the ears, especially when Rapunzel sings in her tower. Katherine Biskupic, who plays Rapunzel, said she really enjoyed the numbers where the whole cast came together. These numbers are incredibly fun to watch and listen to, as is the entire show. When asked what her favorite part of the show was she replied, ""Definitely the cast.""
""Energy is up and there is so much going on,"" Biskupic said. This is definitely not a show that you will fall asleep or get bored watching.
As Arnold described, each character has a distinct goal. By the end of the first act, the audience may assume their goals have been reached, but the second act has even more compelling action that's yet to come. When the narrator says, ""To be continued!"" at the end of the first act, he means it. There is a lot more action in store involving more fairy-tale characters and lesson-learning. The show is sure to please a variety of audiences.
Remaining performances of ""Into the Woods"" will take place in Mitchell Theatre on April 22, 23, 24, 29, 30 and May 1 at 7:30 p.m. and April 25 at 2 p.m. Tickets range from $14-20 and are available at www.utmadison.com and the Union Theater Box Office.
