INTO THE WOODS B'way 2002

Vanessa Williams and company in the Tony-winning Broadway revival of "Into the Woods," 2002. See Laura Benanti's "On the Steps of the Palace" from the same performance at • Laura Benanti INTO THE...

[@ryebread9299]

So amazing. Love every video you post.

[@caleb1413]

Wow, such a clear video!

[@dylansmith1833]

What a wonderful treat! I think it’s time for a BWAY revival of into the woods! Makes me wonder if the Encores production will transfer.

[@auroraspiderwoman5886]

This revival opened almost exactly 20 years ago and remains the only Broadway revival of "Into the Woods." But NY has also seen the show at the NYSF/Delacorte; in an off-Broadway Roundabout production; and now Encores!

[@boynamedalexxx]

There are apparently very strong rumors it will transfer-for a very short run (8 weeks), but take it with a grain of salt…I was told by many sources that the 2012 production in Central Park would transfer, however that production was more divisive, and the reaction to Encores has been extremely warm.

[@andrewgaxiola7214]

I have come from the future to tell you that it has transferred and has gone on tour.

[@dylansmith1833]

@@andrewgaxiola7214 I know! I saw it on Broadway! Such a magical time at the theatre!

[@WickedTheMusical7]

Thank you so much for this!! Finally another video of Vanessa’s Last Midnight!

[@wickedfan811]

The first version of "Into the Woods" I saw a few years ago. Such memories! Even though the lyrics changes were bizzarre for me already (but I didn't know that this is the changed lyrics at that point, so yeah).

[@murraypeat2871]

Don't understand why everyone hates the lyric changes? I think it makes so much more sense for the character. The witch was never concerned about people's opinions of her so to have that whole verse of 'I'm the witch, you're the world' felt odd. However here, having just lost Rapunzel, it makes so much sense for her to be talking about how growing up will ruin the purity of this child. These new lyrics tie in much better to both 'stay with me' and her lament. As for the ending I prefer that too, feels much more in character for the witch to voluntarily remove herself from the situation rather than be taken by surprise in her death. Also feels more pivotal that she spent the whole first act trying to regain her looks only to be left with so little that it didn't even matter to her anymore.

[@RoselandPSI7]

3:34 Curtain Call: Jennifer Malenke | Chad Kimball Tracy Nicole Chapman | Dennis Kelly | Amanda Naughton Pamela Myers | Trent Armand Kendall Christopher Sieber | Melissa Dye Molly Ephraim | Marylouise Burke | Adam Wylie Laura Benanti | Gregg Edelman Kerry O'Malley | Stephen DeRosa Vanessa Williams | John McMartin

[@jscho8674]

Hub and I saw this production and really enjoyed it. No one will ever compare to Bernadette for me though. :)

[@bigred8432]

The lyrics, as mentioned are bizarre but also the physical staging often doesn’t make sense.

[@ryanlax404]

Thank you!

[@timgriffin3368]

Why did they take the song down a half note or so, it wasn't very high in the first place. I guess they really wanted Vanessa.

[@jc22358]

Keys are changed on Broadway all the time, for a variety of reasons. For example: for a lead (star), the matinee keys may be lower than the evening performances. Letting covers play matinees only is a relatively new phenomenon. Keys can change with cast changes, depending on the role. This isn't the world of opera, where keys are (usually) fixed. That said, Mozart was not opposed to changing a key if it suited the performer better (or even writing something entirely new). Everything in Musical Theater is subject to the story-telling. In opera, the sonic experience is above all else. Two different mediums; two different aesthetics. It's not about "hitting" the "note"; it's about serving the piece.

[@Jack-on2fb]

which is so strange cause she could’ve sung in a higher key

[@EricMontreal22]

The new lyrics (and other changes for this production like bringing back a second wolf and the three little pigs who were in the original 1986 San Diego out of town tryout) don't work for me. Besides making this about the baby, the last verse seems to want to make it more clear that she's... going to a different dimension where her mom is? I have no idea but they did seem to want to clear up where the Witch is going, only to make it more confusing. For the filmed Regent's Park production ten or so years later they kept the baby angle and the verse she sings to them, but for the ending returned to the 1987 lyrics. I'm not even sure what can be licensed now...

[@kchrules775]

I think this version is licensed (I assistant directed it right before COVID) but the different lyrics and 3 little pigs as well as "our little world" are optional

[@EricMontreal22]

@@kchrules775 Interesting--thanks! So did you use any of it in your production?

[@kchrules775]

@@EricMontreal22 No, we did the original version

[@EricMontreal22]

@@kchrules775 Smart, although I have seen Our Little World effectively used on stage.

[@rinanomainichi]

Lyric changes are so bizarre! Seems like she wanted the Baker's baby in this version, right? Not Jack. I've never been a fan of "witch-hitch-witch" rhyme, to be honest, but I adore "you're so nice" part and it's not here. And the pacing is just waaaay tooo slooooow.

[@clayflix9569]

One of the few elements I think the movie pulled off well. She holds the baby at the beginning of the song (so there’s still the threat of her doing something to the child to make them all pay attention to her) but they keep the old lyrics.

[@paulcanaday-elliott9834]

I was lucky enough to have seen this production, and I was really looking forward to Vanessa Williams as the Witch. And while I remain a fan of hers, I was disappointed in her performance, which felt oddly blasé and low energy. I also didn’t much like The Baker. It was the first time I had ever seen Laura Benanti, though, as Cinderella. And she was wonderful. Also really enjoyed what they did with Milky White. Even so, it was not my favorite production.

[@jasonhays8644]

I thought I was the only one who felt this way. The production felt phoned in by most of the performers. Ms Williams sounded glorious, but the flair that one wants for the witch was missing. She was just a bit blasé as you said. I wasn't a fan of the kids in roles that should be played by adults. Ms Benanti though stole the show. She was captivating. Overall, I was very sad and disappointed in this revival. I don't even remember laughing at the jokes.

[@jscho8674]

Milky White was the best thing in that production! I found the performances to be adequate. But not spectacular like the original version.

[@FishTanksAreCatTVs]

I spy Brad from Gilmore Girls!

[@raulguardans]

you’re not good your’re not bad you’re just NICE.. followed by I’m not good I’m not nice I’m just RIGHT. is such a slap and it’s the synthesis of her beliefs. such an error to take that out

[@superp25]

Yeah, Vanessa Williams kinda sucks in this...

[@jc22358]

Well, she's got a Tony nom... and she's been in several shows, movies, recordings. Her name puts butts in seats (it is a business). Something's working for her.

[@superp25]

@@jc22358That's not a useful response. Lots of moderately taented people are successful. She pretty, but mid as hell talent wise. And she still sucked in this. It happens.

[@nostalgik._]

@@superp25but yet Vanessa is still an award winning actress/singer. Like you can do better