Into the Woods

Famous fairy-tale characters Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack (of the beanstalk) cross paths with a curse-busting baker and his wife on a journey through the woods. Act One, which can function as a lighter, simpler junior version of this Sondheim musical, ends on a “happily ever after” note. But Act Two goes to some dark places that include murder and adultery. The Neptune production includes a versatile and evocative set that makes the most of the small stage, some delightful theatre magic (I love the witch’s flash-and-bang transformation and the gory wolf-gutting.), clever puppetry (Milky White, the cow, comes alive as a character.), and spot-on singing (The “Agony” reprise and “Children Will Listen” are outstanding). An enchanting, entertaining journey into the woods. —Kate Watson