Into the Woods???
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Topic: Into the Woods???
Posted By: Guests
Subject: Into the Woods???
Date Posted: 1/26/05 at 3:51am
| Our theater group has been very successful with family standard musicals and a few of us really like "Into The Woods." However, one of our favorite music directors says the music is too challenging (although she has never done it) and is discouraging us, and I quote "I wouldn't touch that with a ten foot pole!" Anyone done the show and have a report? Would love some feedback! I love the music. We have some very talented folks but it does appear complicated. |
Replies:
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 1/27/05 at 12:56am
|
"Into the Woods" was recently attempted by my
eldest son's high school. The music is VERY challenging as the play is practically an operetta. Also, the script is somewhat convoluted and requires a large cast ... all of whom should be accomplished singers. Personally, I don't consider the show one of Sondheim's best efforts, although I'm sure there will be many who disagree. The play runs close to three hours and requires numerous set changes and specialized set pieces (a tree branch splits; the baker's house is trampled by the giant, etc.) Even though my kid was in the show, I found the entire procedure tedious to watch and many of the audience (including friends and family) seemed to agree -- it's difficult to maintain interest in a story that is difficult to follow and is mostly sung. If you're still looking for a family-friendly musical with a faerie-tale theme, you might want to try "Once Upon a Mattress." Compared to "Woods" it is decidedly simpler and much more accessible. Good luck! |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 1/27/05 at 2:15pm
|
Having done both shows, "Into the Woods" and "Mattress", "Mattress is the easier of the 2 to do and I think the audience will respond to it more. "ITW" is very difficult musically and the set does present some challenges. Just my 2 cents... |
Posted By: Gaafa
Date Posted: 1/30/05 at 11:11pm
|
Give 'Honk? a try, it comes with rehearsal & show quality CD?s, which should suit your Lady MD - plus teacher aids & info on set ideas & choreography! It?s simple to stage - one set, no down time scene changes! In fact I think MTI Broadway Junior?s, come with a fee free performance license - for junior school groups & others! It?s based on the Ugly Duckling - without feathers! The songs are good - especially ?Warts ?n all?! The birds beaks are baseball caps & costumes only T shirts & tracky daks! ------------- Joe Western Gondawandaland turn right @ Perth. Hear the light & see the sound. Toi Toi Toi Chookas {{"chook [chicken] it is"} May you always play to a full house} |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 1/31/05 at 3:27am
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"Honk" has been on the "we should do that" list for a while. I'll take a look at "Once upon a matress" as well. The commentary was much appreciated! |
Thanks very much for the feedback! My instincts (along with your comments) tell me it is maybe more than I want to take on as a director right now. I will travel to the big city this weekend where a high school is performing it and I'm sure my answer will lie there.....Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 2/05/05 at 6:44pm
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My choir is about to perform Into The Woods and I'm the stage manager. We are still in the early stages, but so far, it seems do-able. I will post after it is finished. I'm very excited because it is hilarious and the students will get a kick out of it. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 2/19/05 at 12:19am
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Hello, I was just wondering if there was any site any of you guys knew of that has a posting of the "Once Upon A Mattress" script on it. I am not looking to buy a script book, or anything like that.. I just want to read the "Once Upon A Mattress" script online. If you guys know anything, please post ASAP, thanks so much. |
Posted By: genesius
Date Posted: 2/21/05 at 9:39am
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Into the Woods is a great show but it's a bear - the music is difficult and the set is complex. We're doing it now and just decided last night to delay opening a week. |
Posted By: Guests
Date Posted: 3/10/05 at 8:16pm
| We are doing Into the Woods for our school play and i am directing it. Any ideas for a set or choreography? |
Posted By: Nyria
Date Posted: 3/23/05 at 9:10pm
|
Our set is very simple - I have two large pillars on stage left and stage right - both have bricks on one side (for the house scenes) and greenery and vines on the other - for the woods. Then in the middle of the stage I have a large book (the cover at least) that says "Once Upon a Time" ------------- NYRIA |
Posted By: sparklegal
Date Posted: 3/30/05 at 7:32pm
| My high school did "Into the Woods" and "Honk" and as far as difficulty, they are on opposite ends of the spectrum. "Into the Woods" requires actors with a very keen sense of music and they need to have amazing ranges to hit the ever changing octave notes in almost all of the songs. For the musicians, the music is very tedious and repeptitive. Our school managed to pull it off, although it was a struggle. "Honk"'s music is almost too easy as the songs are easy to memorize and are catchy. I prefered acting in "Into the Woods" but if you want a musical you call pull off easily, then go with "Honk". |
Posted By: roshelle24
Date Posted: 4/26/05 at 6:39pm
|
hi! my high school performed i.t.w last year as our musical. we started working on it in december and performed for 2 1/2 weeks in the end of march into april. The show was difficult- but being blessed with an amazing pit orchestra and vocalists and actors we pulled it off! i.t.w is not meant for highschools unless you have a LOT of time, talented large cast, and strong vocalists as well as a great crew who can do FAST quick changes, and set changes!! (it's been my favorite show thus far!!) in the past i have done (w/ my high school) grease, footloost, into the woods, and just recently completed the sound of music. hope it helps! :) |