One More Productions presents the final show of the 2008-2009 season, Into the Woods, at the GEM Theatre in Garden Grove this weekend!  The show will close out this Sunday, July 12th, 2009.  Doesn’t leave you much time to see the show, but I think it’ll be worth your while.

Into the Woods had an interesting effect on my friends and me in high school.  Our class went on a nice, yearly field trip to the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles and we were fortunate enough to experience Into the Woods, the Broadway Revival starring Vanessa Williams as the Witch.  That particular tour won a Tony for Best Revival of a Musical!  Needless to say, it was absolutely enchanting and the story and songs stuck with us throughout high school.  We’d often be seen skipping to our next classes singing, “…into the woods, it’s time to go!  I hate to leave, I have to though!” and belting out “to the festival!” anytime we were off to do something fun.  It also inspired a short-lived interest in the fairy tales of our childhood as told by the Brothers Grimm.

My use of the word enchanting is probably misleading…this isn’t a “Disney” tale.  Oh no, definitely not.  In fact, it’s probably not the most kid-friendly musical.   I think what we liked the most was a different, more realistic take on the stories we grew up knowing.  And I mean, come on, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim?  Hello!  Here’s a short synopsis of Into the Woods:

When a Baker and his Wife learn they’ve been cursed with childlessness by the Witch next door, they embark on a quest for the special objects required to break the spell, swindling, lying to and stealing from Cinderella, Little Red, Rapunzel and Jack (from the bean stock). Everyone’s wish is granted at the end of Act One, but the consequences of their actions return to haunt them later, with disastrous results. What begins a lively irreverent fantasy in the style of “The Princess Bride” becomes a moving lesson about community responsibility and the stories we tell our children.

I haven’t seen this particular production myself, but there are plenty of good reviews over on Goldstar, where the discounted tickets are already completely sold out!  General Admission tickets are $20 and there are 4 shows left!  Thursday – Saturday evenings at 8pm and Sunday at 3pm.  Check out the production page for more ticketing information.  I hope you enjoy the show!