Into the Woods is a much loved musical for many of those who know it. For those who are unfamiliar with it, it can be a confusing blend of familiar stories told through very wordy songs - some catchier than others. Victorian Opera present a conservative rendering of how these fairy tale characters and the woods they inhabit may look. This production keeps the narrative front and centre, which succeeds in making a rather complex tale very clear. In presenting such a literal interpretation, however, many of the themes and morals become all but lost.
The cast perform to a very high standard, but differing styles of acting have a jarring effect. At one end of the scale David Harris' naturalism gives us an endearing vulnerable Baker, while at the other end Melissa Langton, Jeremy Kleeman and Matthew McFarlane give the Princes and Jack's Mother a pantomimic treatment (and bring in the laughs). Similarly, the broad Australian accents of John Diedrich's Mysterious Man and Josie Lane's Little Red Ridinghood sat uncomfortably beside the slightly American cadence of Christina O'Neill's Baker's Wife and the more neutral accents of others. At times it felt each character was performing in a different play, which seems to defy the spirit of the story that brings them all together. I feel a stronger directorial hand was needed to pull every element of production toward one cohesive style.
Notably lacking in this production was the grim, gritty flavour that bares its teeth in Act II [spoiler alert]. By maintaining the light tone established in Act I, it becomes laughable as the cast drop dead in quick succession. In fact, the stage deaths were so awkwardly staged there was a distinct air of embarrassment in the audience.
Into The Woods is very much a show of two halves, and that is very much the point of it. Anyone can find their Happily Ever After when times are good, but it is much more complex finding hope when times are bleak. This production shies away from such bleakness, so in my mind it misses the point. Although Act II is much shorter than Act I, it started to feel very cumbersome and by its end I felt exhausted. Watching a musical should not feel like so much hard work.
There are some gorgeous voices to be heard, and several fine performances. In particular, Queenie van de Zandt proves herself once again in the coveted role of the Witch.
See this show if you are unfamiliar with it, as this is a good introduction to a wonderful story. Unfortunately, for fans of the show it misses the mark by lacking a distinct point of view.
