Fans of Stephen Sondheim take note—a new production of “Into the Woods” has hit Chicago and the result is spellbinding!
The groundbreaking theatre company The Hypocrites has inventively reimagined the Tony Award-winning play. Director Geoff Bunton brilliantly brings the musical to life by incorporating a “children at play” aesthetic, which is as fun and whimsical as it is provocative. What starts out as a clever mash-up of fairytale characters and themes soon becomes a commentary on the fragility of the human psyche when we see that getting what you wish for doesn’t necessarily bring happiness or fulfillment.
As one expects from a Sondheim musical, the score is outstanding, with one show-stopping song after another. The Hypocrites Company is chock fill of uber-talented performers, including Aubrey McGrath, who as Jack brought the house down with his rendition of “Giants in the Sky.” I also adored Will Skrip as Cinderella’s Prince Charming, who, along with his regal brother (Rapunzel’s prince, played by Michael Brown), delighted the audience with “Agony.” Other standout performances include Sarah Bockel as Cinderella/Rapunzel, Joel Ewing as the baker and Alison Hendrix as his wife.
“Into the Woods” is warm, funny and thought-provoking, the perfect antidote to the agony of these long winter days.
“Into the Woods” runs through April 5 at The Mercury Theatre, 3745 N. Southport Ave., Chicago. Tickets are available online or by phone at 773-325-1700.
Photo: Sarah Bockel, Hannah Dawe (front), Aubrey McGrath, Kate Harris (2nd row), Hillary Marren, Will Skrip, Michael Brown, Joel Ewing (3rd row), Blake Montgomery, and Allison Hendrix (back) star in The Hypocrites’ production INTO THE WOODS, now playing through March 30 at Mercury Theater Chicago, 3745 N. Southport Ave. With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and the book by James Lapine, The Hypocrites bring their heightened and playful sense of theatricality to the beloved musical.
