Composer

:

Stephen Sondheim

Genre

:

Musical Theatre

Style

:

Musical Theater

Compose Date

:

1987

Average_duration

:

80:34

Movement_count

:

21

Movement ....

'Into the Woods' is a musical composed by Stephen Sondheim, with a book by James Lapine. The musical premiered on Broadway in 1987 and has since become a beloved classic. The plot of the musical is a mash-up of several fairy tales, including Little Red Riding Hood, Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. The story follows a baker and his wife who are cursed by a witch and must venture into the woods to collect items to break the curse. Along the way, they encounter various characters from the fairy tales, each with their own desires and motivations. The musical is divided into two acts, with the first act focusing on the characters' journeys into the woods and their individual quests. The second act explores the consequences of their actions and the aftermath of their wishes coming true. The music of 'Into the Woods' is complex and intricate, with Sondheim's signature style of intricate lyrics and complex melodies. The score includes several memorable songs, including "No One Is Alone," "Agony," and "Children Will Listen." 'Into the Woods' premiered on Broadway in 1987 and was a critical and commercial success. The musical won several Tony Awards, including Best Original Score and Best Book of a Musical. The show has since been revived several times on Broadway and has been adapted into a film and a television special. One of the unique characteristics of 'Into the Woods' is its exploration of the darker side of fairy tales. The musical delves into themes of loss, regret, and the consequences of our actions. The characters are complex and flawed, and their desires often lead them down dangerous paths. The show also features a meta-narrative, with the characters acknowledging their roles in the fairy tales and questioning their own agency. Overall, 'Into the Woods' is a beloved musical that has become a staple of the musical theater canon. Its intricate score, complex characters, and exploration of darker themes have made it a favorite among theater fans and critics alike.

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