Once Upon a Time

Into the Woods

“Once upon a time” proclaims the wise, old narrator, played by Broadway veteran David Patrick Kelly, cueing the accomplished, 15-member onstage orchestra that’s conducted by talented Musical Director, John Bell. What a dynamic opening to one of Stephen Sondheim’s finest, lush and best-loved scores!And just like that, this incredibly magical, magnificent musical is off and running.

Just imagine if some of your favorite childhood fairy tale characters all lived in the same neighborhood?  As their familiar stories begin blending together, Cinderella, Little Red Ridinghood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and the Witch, and many others, all wish for something different. By the conclusion of Act I, all of their wishes have come true. But in a darker Act II, they find they must band together in order to survive their magical existence. Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s clever interweaving of these tales ultimately drives these familiar characters on a journey of growth and self-discovery. The end result is simply spellbinding, especially in this delectable, dynamic new Broadway Revival production, now a spectacular 2023 National Tour beautifully Directed by Lear DeBessonet and Choreographed by Lorin Latarro.

The production, which features several of the actors from the New York Revival, boasts a cast of gifted, A-list Broadway performers. Recreating their roles in the Tour are handsome Gavin Creel as Cinderella’s hilarious Prince and the Big Bad Wolf. David Patrick Kelly reprises his role as the Narrator and The Mysterious Man. Also, talented Cole Thompson returns as Jack (“There Are Giants in the Sky”), funny lady Nancy Opel appears again as Cinderella’s Stepmother and Alysia Velez charms with her lovely vocals once again to the role of Rapunzel.

New to the National Tour are talented real-life husband and wife musical theatre actors, Stephanie J. Block and Sebastian Arcelus, who play the Baker and his loving Wife. Unfortunately, Ms. Block was currently on vocal rest for this week’s performances, but her capable understudy, Ximone Rose, beautifully performed the role in her absence. Ellie Fishman also stepped in at the last moment as a stunningly captivating Cinderella, perfectly filling the golden slippers for an ailing Diane Phelan. Although a few audience members attended this production hoping to see the actors originally cast in these roles, they weren’t disappointed. Rest assured that only the finest, most gifted understudies are in the wings to step in at the last minute.

Magnificent Tony Award-winner Montego Glover, who dazzled audiences in “Memphis,” is The Witch in this National Tour. She’s incredible as the crabby old woman who wants the Baker and his Wife to find the necessary ingredients for a potion to restore her youth and beauty. In return she’ll lift a spell so that the couple can finally have a child. When she bursts onstage near the end of Act I as a gorgeous, young siren, Ms. Glover continues chewing up the stage and taking control of this story, far into Act II.

There’s plenty of comedy in this musical, and in this production a hilariously deadpan Katy Geraghty steals the show as Little Red Ridinghood, a kid you don’t want to mess with. Her every appearance on stage evokes laughter, and her solo, “I Know Things Now,” is a musical moral lesson laced with mirth. Aymee Garcia is simply terrific and so funny as Jack’s frazzled, fretful but loving Mother. Broadway actor Jason Forbach is in full voice as a priceless Rapunzel’s Prince. He teams up beautifully with Gavin Creel, who not only dazzles as the Wolf (“Hello Little Girl”), but is a riot playing Cinderella’s Prince. Their duet, “Agony,” is a total showstopper. And the flexible and funny Kennedy Kanagawa is the puppeteer who brings Milky White, Jack’s emaciated pet cow, to life. He’s absolutely fantastic and practically inseparable from his puppet.

This National Tour is brimming with gorgeous songs, side-splitting comedy and poignant morals and messages. Despite it being presented somewhat like a concert version of the full musical, there’s a stunning Scenic Design by David Rockwell and brilliant, expressive Lighting by Tyler Micoleau. Andrea Hood’s costumes are fairy tale modern, but colorful and effective. Throughout the production we find moments filled with sly naughtiness, hilarious hyperbole, lessons to be learned and lessons that bear repeating (“Children Will Listen,” “No One is Alone”). This magical production will charm the child out of even the most hardened grownup. And, as the Baker’s Wife sings, “That’s what woods are for: for those moments in the woods.” Enjoy and savor each and every moment in this magical production. 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented April 25-May 7 by Broadway in Chicago at the Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph St., Chicago.

Tickets are available at all Broadway in Chicago box offices, the BIC Ticket Line at 800-775-2000 or online at www.BroadwayInChicago.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com.