If you know me, then you probably could guess that I had fun watching Into the Woods. And you’d guess correctly. Others might want more of the movie than mere fun, but to me, that’s what I expected. And I enjoyed the time watching the film.
I’d not seen the stage production or any other medium with this particular story. But as a story borrowing from so many other familiar tales designed to have deeper lessons, yes, Into the Woods also tries to teach lessons, the principle of which I saw as ideas of greed and all of its surrounding complications. (What are you willing to give up for what you want? What is it that you really want? Are you asking for too much? Who are you trying to please? Do you realize the risk of losing what’s dearest to you if you pursue the dream you think you’re supposed to have? Whose dream is it, anyway?) The other predominant thread woven in the mixed tales borrowed from Brothers Grimm is that issue of relationships between parents and their children—with greed interlaced among those notions too.
The darker nature of the original fairy tales is much more apparent here than in the glossy animated pictures called up in my mind when I think of Cinderella or Rapunzel and the like. I’m not sure how much goes back to the original darker tales or how much is part of this new story. Either way, it does paint a shadow across those memories of singing bluebirds and frolicking forest creatures.
The cast impressed, with Meryl Streep, of course, wowing as always. But as a whole, they worked so well off of each other, whether the self-absorbed all-too-charming player of a prince, the oh-so-needing-love Rapunzel or Jack, whose youthful zest was a delight to watch.
I wasn’t disappointed in the show, but I also wasn’t blown away. But I am glad that those who never get to see shows on stage, whether due to cost or accessibility, they can access modern musicals. Even those with an age-old fairy tale base.