Into the Woods
“Be careful what you wish for” seems to be the ongoing theme in Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Brothers Grimm inspired musical, Into the Woods.
The story follows The Baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to go the King’s Festival, and Jack who wishes his cow would give some milk. When the Baker and his wife are visited by the neighborhood witch, who reveals to them that she placed a curse on their family, the two set off on a journey into the woods to reverse the curse.
Also in the woods, we meet: Little Red, who is trying to visit her grandmother; the Wolf who loves tasty little girls; the Witch’s daughter Rapunzel; and the Princes chasing after their loves. By the end of Act I, everyone has gotten their wish and will seemingly live happily ever after.
But in Act II, when Jack’s beanstalk brings them a visit from an angry Giant, we see how the consequences of their actions haunt them in disastrous ways.
Featuring familiar storybook characters in life-altering adult situations, this multiple Tony Award-winning musical is at once a timeless, relevant and touching modern classic.
Content Warning: It is difficult to gauge how children will react to live theatre. We suggest this show is appropriate for children ages 8 and up. There are sensitive issues that some parents might consider teachable moments and other parents might consider to be themes too mature for their child.
Into the Woods is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International. All performance materials are supplied by MTI.
February 24 - March 5, 2023
7:30 PM – Feb 24, 25; Mar 2, 3, 4
2:00 PM – Feb 25, 26; Mar 4, 5
Capitol Theatre
20 Queen St.
Port Hope
905-885-1071
This production is made possible through the support of the Ontario Trillium Foundation
Reviews
Selena ForsythAm taking deep breaths here in order to try my very best to control the hyperbole that is in my brain and forcing its way into my writing of this review. Beware! I will do my best. Here goes:
Into the Woods is the latest in the list of Northumberland Players magical productions. It’s at the Capitol Theatre and is, in a word, GOBSMACKING! The set design, the lighting, the costumes, the sound, the backdrop projections, the props and, be still my heart, the cast. What an amazing bunch of talent in our community and they seem to all be either on the stage or behind the scenes in this show which could not have been very easy to put together. Starting with the casting of 22 parts.
I wish I could name every single one of the players, on both sides of the curtain, which in itself is a masterpiece! But, of course, I don’t have the space. Other than to mention the following: Director Jim Finan (brilliant), Vocal Director Marie Anderson (simply remarkable), Music Director Dan Kapp and his 11 piece orchestra (hidden away but his musicians did not miss a beat) and Choreographer Alina Adjemian who somehow had all those people in perfect sync all the time.
Oh right! Perhaps I should give you a clue about what the show is all about!
Into the Woods is a musical by Stephen Sondheim based on a book written by James Lapine based on the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales. The story follows The Baker and his wife who wish to have a child, Cinderella who wishes to go the King’s Festival, and Milky White the cow whose owner wishes his cow would give some milk. (Full disclosure: the cow is my favourite ‘character’!)
The Baker and his wife are visited by The Witch, who reveals to them that she has placed a curse on their family and they will not be able to have a baby. The two set off on a journey into the woods to reverse the curse. There we meet Little Red Riding Hood who is looking for her grandmother, the Wolf who has a taste for little girls, the Witch’s daughter Rapunzel, and two Princes chasing after their loves. By the end of Act I all seems to be going according to plan. But then comes Act 2, and a whole bunch of complications! Not the least of which is the angry giant! Oh my! You’re gonna have to be there to find out the rest!
I guess you can tell that I really, really loved this show and advise you to run, not walk, to the Capitol Theatre box office or call 905-885-1071 to book your seat before the show ends on March 5th.
The Capitol Theatre
Location
The Capitol Theatre is located in downtown Port Hope, right beside Memorial Park.
Address
20 Queen St.
Port Hope, ON
L1A 3Z4
Getting Here
Parking is available in public lots behind the theatre and town hall (off Elias St.).
Street parking is available around the theatre.