Into the Woods | Ad Astra

When the original Into the Woods musical premiered on Broadway in 1986, I wasn’t even born. However, I did see the Walt Disney movie version about ten years ago, and as a big musical theatre fan, it would be almost a crime not to see the actual stage production at some point. “Be careful what you wish for”...but in my case, my wish came true in the best possible way, and the stage production was beautifully delivered.

Marking the opening of its newly transformed performing arts space, Ad Astra Theatre Company debuted Into the Woods at the Galaxy Theatre, directed by Tim Hill and with musical direction by Ben Murray. The story weaves together several classic fairy tale characters: Cinderella, Jack, Little Red Riding Hood, and Rapunzel, along with a baker and his wife. Driven by wishes, their paths collide in a magical forest.

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First things first: I wasn’t expecting the narrator to be such an active presence on stage. I’ve mostly experienced narrators as voiceovers in movies, so this physical presence caught me by surprise—but having the narrator interact directly with the story added a fresh and engaging dimension to the live experience. Another thing that stood out to me was the baker’s father, who had a much bigger role here compared to the movie, which made the family’s story feel deeper and more grounded.

The cast, without a doubt, was first-rate. The performances themselves were a true showcase of their craft. As the story unfolded, what really stood out to me was how each character was given their moment to shine through solos, duets, or as part of a group. There was a great variety in the musical numbers, but my favourite moments were easily the ensemble scenes, when all the characters were on stage. There was something magical about everyone singing together, blending their voices so beautifully, that gave me goosebumps—especially in the opening and the finale. The cast’s vocals were not only strong and powerful, but full of emotion and intention. Each performer was clearly devoted to their role, and you could feel it in the way they delivered every line with clarity and heart throughout. The humour also landed effectively—the comedic timing was sharp and brought out the wit and charm from the script in just the right moments. The movement, the physicality, the choreography, the transitions between scenes—it all came together so seamlessly from moment to moment, holding my attention from beginning to end.

The stage design and lighting truly enhanced the enchanting atmosphere of the show. The wooden floor, rustic set pieces, and hanging plants created an immersive forest feel, complete with bird sounds that made you feel like you were right there in the woods. The lighting skilfully supported the story’s mood and characters; during scenes between the Wolf and Little Red Riding Hood green and red lights shifted to highlight the tension of their interactions, with red signalling the Wolf’s dangerous presence. Bold flashes accompanied the Witch’s entrances, matching her sudden and disruptive energy. The live music—featuring piano, strings, and woodwind instruments—added immediacy and depth, perfectly underscoring both the show’s dramatic and lighter moments. The costumes stayed true to the classic fairy tale styles, fitting each character’s personality and role. One detail I found particularly clever was the creative staging, including the way they handled Rapunzel’s long hair, ingeniously using movement across the stage to suggest height and distance without the need for a full tower.

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Although Into the Woods is built on familiar fairytale elements, it challenges the typical “happily ever after” with a darker, more emotional weight and a powerful message that centres on human complexity, highlighted by the line “You are not good, you are not bad, you are just nice”. Songs like “Your Fault” and “No One Is Alone” remind us that our actions have consequences, but we must ultimately take responsibility for our choices and come together to support one another through the fallout. As the lyrics say—emphasising the difficult but essential role of personal choice—“Sometimes people leave you halfway through the wood, others may deceive you—you decide what’s good.”

I walked out the theatre door with the musical tunes still stuck in my head, and the audience clapping along even after the curtain fell. If you haven’t experienced this famous production yet, I invite you to experience it. Have an adventurous evening deep into the woods—just don’t wander too far off!

Into the Woods plays at Ad Astra’s Galaxy Theatre until Saturday 18th of October 2025.