Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Fresh blood infuses vibrant, campier life into the hit Broadway revival of INTO THE WOODS

• By drediman
• September 7, 2022
• No Comments

Leah Michelle isn’t the only one who made a splashy entrance in a currently running Broadway show last night (for those of you unaware, the Glee star made her highly anticipated debut as Fanny Brice in Funny Girl). Down at the St. James Theatre on 44th Street, fresh blood infused new life into the hit revival of Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into the Woods, which just announced its final extension through January 8. The new cast represents effectively the third company to take on the musical’s iconic characters since the Encores! production opened to great acclaim at New York City Center last spring.

Leading the enticing new ensemble are Stephanie J. Block and real life hubby Sebastian Arcelus as the Baker and his Wife. Also fresh to the company are Krysta Rodriguez as Cinderella, Katy Geraghty as Little Red Riding Hood, Andy Karl as The Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince (original cast member Gavin Creel returns to the show on September 16), and Montego Glover as The Witch (Ms. Glover shares the role with original Broadway cast member Patina Miller, who will play the role during weekends). The musical’s other characters continue to be played by the actors who were already in the roles.

On their opening night, the new cast was greeted with enthusiastic ovations, and they rose to the occasion giving vibrant performances. It was obvious that many in the audience were repeat visitors to Lear deBessonet‘s sparingly appointed, deeply human staging (including yours truly), and they pounced on each gleeful, winking line reading with rabid anticipation. Indeed, the show’s latest crop — along with the preexisting cast members — have upped the camp factor more than I recall, much to delight of the show’s many devotees in attendance last night. Although a part of me misses the unalloyed heart on display in my initial City Center viewing, there’s no denying the polish and entertainment value of the current product at the St. James.

In contrast to the superb Sara Bareilles, Ms. Block gives The Baker’s Wife more of a legit Broadway sound (unleashing her awesome belt in high powered renditions of “It Takes Two” and “Moments in the Wood”) and a highly animated disposition. Nicely balancing her diva antics is Mr. Arcelus, who gives a grounded, well-sung performance as The Baker. Mr. Karl unearths comedy gold with his flamboyant take in his dual roles, giving Mr. Creel a real run for his money. As The Witch, velvet-voiced Ms. Glover delivers a decidedly less dominating performance, registering more as a part of the ensemble than a leading player (not necessarily a bad thing). Rounding out the new additions are Ms. Geraghty’s Little Red — a portrayal closely in the mold of Julia Lester’s hilarious standout performance — and Krysta Rodriguez’s amusingly self-conscious Cinderella.

Ms. deBessonet’s production remains the very model of elegant simplicity and thoughtfulness. And as always, the full (onstage) orchestra under the baton of maestro Rob Berman — who is on a valedictory high with his final Encores! assignment — is a true dream team, bringing nuance and rich swaths of color to Mr. Sondheim’s beloved musical composition.

HIGHLY RECOMMENDED

INTO THE WOODS
Broadway, Musical
St. James Theatre
2 hours, 45 minutes (with one intermission)
Through January 8