"Into the Woods" may star well-known and beloved fairy tale characters, but they are far from the happy endings often seen in today's culture.
Sondheim and Sondheim's famous musical debuted almost 30 years ago, but it continues to be popular and well-known to this day. The story follows more closely with the original Grimm Brother's fairy tales than the Disney versions that are so prominent in pop culture.
While not without humor, "Into the Woods" does not shy away from exploring darker themes. These characters are often forced to make difficult decisions in order to achieve their greatest desires, sometimes with dire consequences.
One such character, the Baker, is played by Kevin Thiel, a junior BFA acting major. "He is a simple human with deep desires that he is willing to go to great lengths to fulfill," Thiel said. While he relates to the Baker's struggle to fulfill his greatest desire, Thiel hopes he will not go to the same lengths as his character does to get what he wants.
"The downfall of the Baker--and of many characters in the story--is selfishness," Thiel said. "For that reason, I hope that I won't go to the same lengths as the Baker when pursuing my wishes."
Julianne Graffeo, a freshman BA theatre major and the assistant stage manager for this production, attests to the musical's longevity and its relevance in today's world. "Everyone in the audience has experienced some of the loss, loneliness, desperation and joy that the characters feel throughout the show," she said. "Everyone can relate to wanting something so desperately that you will do anything to get it."
Even Hollywood decided to capitalize on the musical's popularity. This past December a film version of "Into the Woods" was released, starring Meryl Streep, James Cordon, and Emily Blunt. Considering the film's popularity at the box office, Otterbein could not have timed their production better.
Both Thiel and Graffeo agree that the story's over-arching themes are to be careful what you wish for and to accept the consequences that result from your actions. But Thiel says there is a hopeful message about achieving happiness that audiences should also take away from this show.
"...the pursuit of our happiness will not come unchallenged, but as long as we know what is really important to us, we will be able to stand up and fight for ourselves," he said.
Opening night is April 9 at 7:30 p.m at Cowan Hall. Shows on April 10 and 11 begin at 8 p.m., and there is a Sunday matinee on April 12 at 2 p.m. Performances on April 16-18 begin at 8 p.m.
