The Players at Barker Playhouse, Providence, is currently presenting Into the Woods through April 6. This thought-provoking musical with lyrics and music by Stephen Sondheim, and book by James Lapine intertwines classic fairy tales—Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, The Baker and His Wife, and Rapunzel into a single narrative.

The characters’ quests for their wishes lead them into a dark forest, where their desires collide with unintended consequences. The story explores themes of ambition, morality, and the complexity of happily-ever-after, questioning whether getting what you wish for is truly the answer.

With Sondheim’s challenging music, sharp lyrics and Lapine’s clever story twists, Into the Woods highlights the unpredictable nature of life, offering both humor and insight into the human experience. The Baker and His Wife, a tale specifically created for this musical by Lapine, links the other fairy tales in the show.

It is difficult to draw out individual performances from this imaginative, creative, magical and well-cast production. The credit for this is given to co-directors, Samantha Hudgins and Lydia Johnson. It is one of the best productions of Into the Woods this reviewer has experienced.

Equally impressive is the music director, Tim Sauer (keyboard) conducting a fairly large orchestra. It is rare to have both a live-orchestra and an ensemble this large firmly locked into every perfect, musical number.

Bravo to the behind-the-scenes crew who brought the vision of Hudgins and Johnson to a staged reality.

Without one weak link in the cast or orchestra, Into the Woods delivers a production that blends individual brilliance with collective harmony to create an exceptional ensemble. Each actor brings a unique energy and depth to their role, yet together, they form a cohesive unit that elevates the storytelling. From the complex, emotional range of the Baker (Alex Paul David) and his Wife (Elizabeth Peterson) to the whimsical and profound portrayal of the Witch (Erin Malcolm), every character contributes to the narrative’s intricate web.

Ingeniously, Hudgins and Johnson cast an actor as the Milky-White Cow. This character is usually represented as a mechanical prop or cardboard cutout. However, Jeff Davis as Milky-White is outstanding. Without a word spoken, Davis’s subtle reactions on stage not only supports each scene, but enhances without upstaging actors.

Applause to costume designers Connor Goins and Stephanie Travera for Milky-Cow’s imaginative ensemble and a beautifully dressed cast.

The supporting roles, including the charming and quirky Princes (Nathan Huey and Ruan Leverone), determined Little Red Riding Hood (Madison Cordona), a cunning Wolf (Ian Hudgins), inquisitive Jack (Jack Becker), a worried Jack’s Mother (Liz Messier), Rapunzel (Abbey Lane), Stepmother (Holly Applegate), Florinda (Malari Martin), Lucinda (Vanessa Sciolto), Steward (Ryan Gorman) Giantess/Hen (Savannah Horton) and Granny/Harp (Sam Lowry) all add layers of texture and humor.

Cast interactions felt natural and spontaneous, reinforcing the sense of a shared purpose in this reimagining of these beloved fairy tales. Whether through ensemble numbers or intimate moments, the cast’s collaborative spirit makes Into the Woods a theatrical experience which should not be missed. If you have not purchased your tickets for the remaining performances, do not walk to the box office—RUN!

What:         Into the Woods

Where:       Barker Playhouse
400 Benefit Street, Providence

When:        March 28 & 29, April 3, 4 & 5 - 7:30 p.m.
March 30 & April 6 - 2:00 p.m.

Box Office: 401-273-0590
https://www.playersri.org/main-stage