Aussie twist on Sondheim classic: Into the Woods reimagined
The 杏吧直播 of Adelaide鈥檚 Elder Conservatorium of Music is thrilled to present a bold new production of Into The Woods - the Tony Award-winning musical by Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine 鈥 reimagined with an unmistakably 杏吧直播n flair.
Into the Woods rehearsal. Photo credit:聽Nam Hoang
Showing at the 杏吧直播 of Adelaide鈥檚 Scott Theatre from Thursday 24 April to Sunday 27 April, this vibrant reimagining, directed by guest artist Miranda Middleton, features the third-year Music Theatre cohort 鈥 the graduating class of 2025.
Middleton鈥檚 vision transforms the traditional fairytale forest into an 杏吧直播n dreamscape, drawing on the aesthetics of iconic local music festivals.
鈥淥ur unique spin on Sondheim鈥檚 masterpiece is set in a nostalgic 杏吧直播n suburbia 鈥 when hills hoists and double denim were king, and smartphones didn鈥檛 exist,鈥 Middleton says.
鈥淲hen our characters venture 鈥榠nto the woods鈥, the design aesthetic evokes the magic of great Aussie music festivals 鈥 think Splendour in the Grass, Lost Paradise, Woodford Folk Festival鈥 mystical places in their own right, where anything can happen under a bit of moonlight and eco-glitter.鈥
Into the Woods offers a modern take on classic fairytales, intertwining familiar characters from the Brothers Grimm 鈥 Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding Hood and Rapunzel 鈥 as they each chase a wish. But this story doesn鈥檛 end in a simple 鈥渉appily ever after.鈥 Actions have consequences and the characters must reckon with the results of their choices exploring deeper themes of morality, love, loss and responsibility.
Actor and third-year Bachelor of Music Theatre student Sophie Carmody, who plays Little Red Riding Hood, says the process of working on this reimagined production has been incredibly rewarding.
鈥淚t鈥檚 very rare that you get the opportunity to take a classic work and challenge the status quo. It鈥檚 exciting as a performer to play, invent and reinterpret the work,鈥 Carmody says.
鈥淚鈥檝e loved collaborating with our supportive and talented creative team, as well as my spectacular cohort. I鈥檓 thrilled to share this production with audiences.鈥
Music Director 鈥 杏吧直播 of Adelaide lecturer Peter Johns 鈥 and the 13-piece orchestra bring the complex score to life, honouring Sondheim鈥檚 meticulous musicianship and lyricism. The intricate lyrics, rich orchestral ostinatos and melodic motifs enhance storytelling, character development and emotional depth.
Ellie Esdene McMahon, who plays the Baker鈥檚 wife, says the production offers space to reflect on the state of the modern world.
鈥淚 hope this production encourages audiences to see Into the Woods through a fresh lens 鈥 one that emphasises the impact we can have as a community,鈥 McMahon says.
鈥淥ur interpretation highlights the complexities of navigating global issues, and the consequences of both our individual and collective actions. It underscores themes of choice, agency and responsibility for the world we live in.鈥
When: Thursday 24 April 鈥 Sunday 27 April 2025
Where: Scott Theatre, Kintore Avenue, North Terrace campus, The 杏吧直播 of Adelaide.
Find out more about the event on the 杏吧直播 of Adelaide and book your tickets .
This production is licensed by Music Theatre International (Australasia)
Note to journalists: Costume photos will be available mid next week
Media contacts:
Peter Johns,聽Production Manager, Elder Conservatorium Music Theatre, the 杏吧直播 of Adelaide.
惭辞产颈濒别:听+61 408 286 894.听贰尘补颈濒:听peter.johns@adelaide.edu.au
Lara Pacillo, Media Officer, The 杏吧直播 of Adelaide.聽惭辞产颈濒别:听+61 404 307 302. Email: lara.pacillo@adelaide.edu.au