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Rating:  - Grimm's Fairytales Revisted
Take your favorite Grimm's Fairytales--throw them in a blender and hit MIX! Steven Sondheim does a teriffic job mixing Rapunzel, Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, etc. into a magical funfest. But the best part is Part Two--What happens after "Happily Ever After" Enjoy the original B'Way Production with Bernedette Peters as the Witch (and such a WITCH she is!!!!)
Rating:  - Utter Perfection ...
I am the sort of person who is not quick to praise. Most Broadway recordings, even if I adore the show, will have, in my mind, something lacking ... a poorly-done scene here or there, an actor lacking in talent or passion, etc., etc.
However, this original Broadway cast videorecording of Into the Woods is nothing short of perfection. Stephen Sondheim is a genius of a lyricist and composer, and this is some of his finest work. The cast more than does him justice.
On the female side, Bernadette Peters stands about 5 feet tall, but her presence commands the stage. Joanna Gleason captures the Baker's Wife flawlessly, and Danielle Ferland as Little Red Riding Hood portrays youth and innocence in a sufficiently obnoxious yet loveable fashion. Kim Crosby (Cinderella) has a beautiful, soaring soprano and acting ability to spare, giving a character which could come off as static a good deal of depth.
Chip Zien as the Baker has a quirky emotive quality to his voice that proves powerful, as we are made privy to his roller-coaster of emotions on his quest for a child and for happiness. Robert Westenberg as the Big Bad Wolf and Prince Charming was sufficiently pompous and almost seductive, with a vocal richness unmatched in this production.
I couldn't write this review without giving a paragraph of praise to Ben Wright (Jack). I believe he was not much more than 20 years old (if that) during this performance ... but I can't imagine "Giants in the Sky" being sung any better, by anyone. Many Jacks get caught up in exuberant youthful giddiness, which has a place but tends to be overdone and annoying. Wright embodied a frightened, excited, confused, overwhelmed, sweet boy trying to grasp "a world like none that [he's] ever known ..." His voice is accurate, clear, and smooth as can be, highlighting subtle vocal phrases which are often overlooked.
His performance alone is reason enough to buy this DVD or VHS. The fact that the rest of the cast is nearly as good makes it a "can't miss."
Rating: - Into the Woods DVD
I love this filmed version of the Broadway play, and my dvd quality was perfect. Into the Woods is an awesome story about mixed-up, intertwined fairytales that is great for all ages. I can watch this over and over again! Ordering was easy, and I received the dvd right on time. I would most certainly order again through Amazon, and I recommend Into the Woods to anyone who loves a good show!
Rating: - A Classic
Bernadette Peters is at her very best in this classic musical fairytale. Joanna Gleason and the rest of the superb cast bring this magical show to life in a beautifully stage production that works well on DVD
Rating: - Peters is great.
Bought this DVD just to see the play before my child auditioned for it locally. Funny and witty play. Peters was great!
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