Into the Woods (1987 Original Broadway Cast)

It's truly a show the whole family can enjoy. Children will enjoy the fairy tales woven throughout while adults are able to appreciate the nuances of humor which are abundant. It is definately a new twist to the fairy tales of old.

Joanna Gleason shines just as bright as Ms. Peters with her portrayal of the Baker's wife. Kim Crosby is wonderful as Cinderella. The rest of the cast gave stellar performances. The portrayal of Rapunzel was not quite in the same class as the rest of the cast, but was still good.

There are so many good moments within this cd: "Agony," "It Takes Two," "Moments in the Wood" and my personal favorite "Last Midnight."


AWESOME MUSICAL!!!!!   April 21, 2004
 1 out of 1 found this review helpful

what else is there to say?? when you first listen to the prolouge you will instantly love this musical! i am a major fan of stephen sondheim and i am just in awe in his works! Into the Woods, which i have performed as the narrator, is one of my most favorite musicals! the complicated lyrics, characters, the music, you will be instantly drawn into it, like i have!!


Disappointing   February 14, 2004
 5 out of 29 found this review helpful

I'm not going to call myself a fan of Stephen Sondheim, as I've certainly never been able to understand the appeal of any of his music. Yet I had heard from my friends that "Into the Woods" is one of his true masterpieces, so I picked rented the DVD and picked up the album.
The problem with "Into the Woods" is that Sondheim's music just doesn't work in the context of the story. His characteristic preference to write complex melodies rather than memorable ones is particularly noticeable in the first act. POSSIBLE SPOILER-Whereas the first act of the show is a happy retread of several popular fairy tales, you wouldn't know it by listening to the first act's pedestrian and overly dissonant score. The second half consists of a "fractured fairy tale" approach, and, despite the potential of said concept, "ITW" fails to deliver.-END SPOILER- Per usual, Sondheim seems to enjoy injecting psychological realism where it is totally inappropriate, and the dismal, depressing second act is where he offends worst.
The redeeming aspect of the album is Bernadette, who, as usual, puts her great personality and fantastic comic timing to work as "The Witch." If you're looking for a better "fairy tale" musical, get Stephen Schwartz's fantastic "Wicked" instead.


~One Of The Most Wonderful Musicals Ever!~   February 7, 2004
God, this recording and this cast is just beautiful. The storyline is funny and touching, and the cast is fabulous. First and foremost is Bernadette Peters as the Witch. She truly shines, and she proves that she can sing anything. Her most beauiful song is "Stay With Me." She finally shows her beautiful belt voice through this heart-breaking song. Gleason is just as inspirational with her ability to milk out her funny moments for all their worth. Crosby has a wonderful soprano voice that is perfect for Cinderella, and Wright is absolutely delightful. Mabye one of the best actors is that of the Narrator/Mysterious Man who is played by Aldredge. Wodnerful acting skills, but not much of a singer. Finalyl there is Chip who plays a loveable and pleasant baker. All in all, this is a great CD!


Into the woods, you go again, you have to every now and then   February 5, 2004
Into The Woods is fantastic musical, and the soundtrack is just as amazing. I reccomend you see the show before listening to the soundtrack, because it does get very confusing to keep up with if you aren't clear with the story. I think that this soundtrack will be a great additions to anyone's music collection. Each cast members voice blends beautifully onto this cd, and they make it seem effortless, even offstage, from inside a recording studio. This is honestly one of the things I look forward to when I get home every afternoon. I suggest getting it at soon as possible.