NJT's "Woods" is an enchanting, thought-provoking, fast-paced tale

“Into the Woods” has become something of a modern classic of musical theatre. It's especially popular with regional and school theatre groups, and I can see why, since the subjects it deals with are relatable to most, considering the foundational fairy tales on which the story is based. Also, from what I've seen, it's especially adaptable in terms of style and theme, and many directors over the years have staged their own unique concepts without actually changing the script. At New Jewish Theatre, director Robert Quinlan has staged a quickly paced, smaller-cast version in the round, with an excellent, versatile cast and an especially approachable tone.

The story is well-known, made up of a collection of fairy tales mashed together, with an original story to tie them together--of a Baker and his Wife hoping to break a curse so they can have a child. In carrying out the directions of the Witch who lives next door--who has her own reasons for wanting to break the spell--the Baker and his Wife encounter several familiar characters--including Cinderella, Rapunzel, and their respective Princes, along with Little Red Riding Hood, the beanstalk-climbing Jack, and the Big Bad Wolf, among others. The story gets into motion quickly, and never really stops moving, as the characters are determined to get their wishes in the first act, without much thought of how their actions affect others. The second act then deals with the consequences of those actions, with an overriding theme of "be careful what you wish for", as well as an emphasis on community and how selfish goals can have unforeseen repercussions.

The look and tone of this production is both simple and elaborate at the same time, with a versatile, shifting set by C. Otis Sweezey, colorful costumes by Michele Friedman Siler, and atmospheric lighting by Jayson M. Lawshee helping to set the mood, which emphasizes earth tones and natural elements, with some movable trees and other set pieces, along with a simple but clever puppet of Jack's cow, Milky-White, operated by Matt Billings, who also plays Cinderella's Prince. There's also a 3-piece musical ensemble led by music director Larry D. Pry, who also serves as the Narrator of the story. All of these elements along with the brisk pacing help to maintain the whimsical, fairy-tale-like tone as the story unfolds.

The cast is excellent, as well, led by the personable Molly Wennstrom and Kevin O'Brien as the Baker's Wife and the Baker, and by the strong-voiced Sarah Gene Dowling as the Witch. There's also a memorable performance from Kristen Joy Lintvedt as the determined Cinderella, as well as Aliyah Jacobs as an energetic Little Red, and Matthew Cox as both Jack and the royal Steward. Most of the cast members play multiple roles, and all are strong, including Billings as Cinderella's Prince and Milky-White, Kevin Corpuz as Rapunzel's Prince and Cinderella's stepsister Lucinda, Sarah Wilkinson as Rapunzel and Florinda, and Phil Leveling in a fun turn as the Wolf, the Mysterious Man, and Cinderella's Stepmother. It's a strong ensemble, with a great deal of energy and chemistry, as well as excellent vocals.

Overall, this journey “Into the Woods” is well worth the trip. With strong direction and pacing, as well as a consistent sense of theme, this show tells its tale with style and heart. And Stephen Sondheim's celebrated score is ideally represented, as well. It's an excellent closing show for the New Jewish Theatre's 2023 season.

Performances of Into the Woods, from New Jewish Theatre, continue at the J’s Wool Studio Theatre until December 17. For more information, visit jccstl.com.