Chicago stop for ‘Into the Woods’ tour irreplicably magical
Stephanie J. Block, Sebastian Arcelus and Katy Geraghty. Photo by Matthew Murphy for HANDOUT.
Resplendent, decadent, and surprisingly intimate, a star-studded revival of Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine's Into the Woods is touring the country to give form to a community's wish for survival, and it's as inventive as it is refreshing. In the vein of hoping through adversity, the Chicago opening of this production presented a shocking twist and a legendary triumph that is sure to go into the annals of theatrical storytelling.
This production of Into the Woods strips back gaudy set dressings and elaborate lighting in favor of an intimate concert approach: simply some birch trunks, some steps, and a full orchestra in the middle of it all. Director Lear deBassonet uses these bare bones great effect, letting the talent and play of the ensemble speak for itself as the tale unfolds.
However, something fantastical took place on opening night, fantastical even by the standards of this fairy-tale musical. Diane Phelan took to the stage as Cinderella with power and poise, and the show continued in its twisty way, exactly as any self-respecting Sondheimite expects Into the Woods to go. But just before "Giants in the Sky," stage manager Marcedés L. Clanton’s voice boomed throughout the theatre:
"Good evening. Due to sudden illness, for the remainder of the performance, the role of Cinderella will be played by Ellie Fishman. The role of Lucinda will be played by Erica Durham."
Unfreezing himself, our usually omniscient narrator David Patrick Kelly quipped "We'll let you know what happens soon." “Soon” being the word: costume and hair team Cookie Jordan and Andrea Hood earned their month's paycheck by turning Fishman into Cinderella in less than forty-five seconds. Audience waiting with baited breath, we heard her first line uttered after escaping the palace steps for the first time: "I just need to catch my breath."
The audience shrieked in relief and delight.
The show must go on, indeed.
And Fishman’s turn as Cinderella was worth the anticipation of the night's interruption. Her portrayal of the role is delicate yet firm, with a lofty and sweet soprano that one can't help but love.
No matter the hurdles, this top-drawer cast and crew is all that's needed to make this tour a legend. Gorgeous costumes and rich orchestra are just icing on the cake.
Gavin Creel oozed charm either as the foppish Big Bad Wolf or his casual and aloof Prince. Creel's choices are bold, fresh, and as delightful as the butter-smooth tenor.
The Baker's Wife, usually played by Stephanie J. Block, was that night-of-all-nights played by Ximone Rose, herself a force of passionate determination, and David Patrick Kelly shone with wry wit and haggard confidence as both Narrator and Mysterious Man. And Sebastian Arcelus's Baker rounded out the central familial trio of the show beautifully. As a compellingly tired and put-upon attitude to the Baker. his down-to-earth approach to the rolecompellingly contrasted with all the wild fantasy.
Never before has there been a more perfectly cast Little Red than Katy Geraghty. Funny, feisty, and fervent, Geraghty is a gifted comedienne sure to elicit a smile and even a tear.
Theatre has returned, and truly thrived these last few months, and hopefully in a more stable and resilient form as our community finds its footing once more. Into the Woods is a reminder that no matter what comes a journey into the unknown, we will come out the other end more resilient for the hardship. This production strips the material down to its basic form and lets its ensemble breathe it to life.
You just might make a new wish to see it all a second time, though it wouldn’t be quite the same as what it was that night. Theatre is an inexactly amazing artform.
The New York City Encores! production of Into the Woods tours the country through July 30th. For tickets or more information, please click here.