THE HANGOVER REPORT – Encores! gets its groove back with an enchanting and heartfelt revival of Sondheim and Lapine’s INTO THE WOODS

Sara Bareilles, Niel Patrick Harris, and Heather Headley in the Encores! revival of “Into the Woods” at New York City Center (photo by Joan Marcus).

This weekend at New York City Center, I attended the highly anticipated, ultra-starry Encores! revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s ever-popular 1988 musical Into the Woods. It’s been a time of signifiant change for Encores!, City Center’s popular series devoted to resuscitating forgotten and/or under-sung Broadway musicals. Its current season represents the first under the leadership of Lear deBessonet (who replaced longtime artistic director Jack Viertel); the season also marks the last for musical director Rob Berman (who has been ensconced in the role since 1994). Although both Mr. Viertel and Mr. Berman will be sorely missed, the hope is that the injection of new blood will keep the series relevant and dynamic.

I’m happy to report that the indispensable City Center series has gotten its groove back with this inspired staging of the beloved fairytale mash-up after its somewhat misjudged revivals of The Tap Dance Kid and The Life earlier in the year. If Into the Woods obviously falls outside of the series’ purview – it’s neither forgotten nor under-sung – so be it. Ms. deBessonet’s production is enchanting and heartfelt in all the right ways, both honoring the spirit of Sondheim and Lapine’s creation, while allowing us to tap into its potent lessons afresh. Thankfully, no modifications have been made to the material, including Jonathan Tunick’s colorful original orchestrations, which have been lovingly recreated by Mr. Berman. Thanks to Ms. deBessonet’s unfussy yet witty direction and David Rockwell’s cleanly minimalist yet artfully evocative scenic design, the “semi-staging” brings to the fore the best elements of both full production and concert staging. The incorporation of a community choir during the emotionally climactic “Children Will Listen” definitely feels like a touch of the director’s, whose previous gig was successfully launching and helming the community-oriented Public Works program. Under Ms. deBessonet’s guidance, I can see Encores! becoming a platform for community engagement through theater – a welcome evolution, indeed.

The casting is pretty much as deluxe as they come. Leading the company are Heather Headley (fierce, earthy) as the Witch, Neil Patrick Harris (endearingly nebbish) as the Baker, and Sara Bareilles (intuitive, grounded) as the Baker’s Wife, each of whom put their own distinct stamp on these well-trodden roles, vocally and dramatically. Also faring wonderfully are the lovely Denée Benton as Cinderella, a hammy Gavin Creel as the Wolf/Prince, and newcomers Cole Thompson (earnest and innocent) and Julia Lester (street smart and sassy) as Jack and Little Red Riding Hood, respectively. Rounding out the cast are such stage luminaries as Annie Golden and Ann Harada (comic gold, both). All in all, this Into the Woods is a thrilling and much needed return to form for Encores!, and it bodes well for its new leadership and the revivals to come under their watchful eye.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

INTO THE WOODS
Off-Broadway, Musical
Encores! at
New York City Center
2 hours, 45 minutes (with one intermission)
Through May 15

Categories: Off-Broadway, Theater

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