Guthrie Theater goes "Into the Woods" this summer

MINNEAPOLIS – A story filled with magic and wonder spanning generations takes the stage in Minneapolis.

"Into the Woods" is now showing at the Guthrie Theater. The Tony Award-winning musical combines several classic fairy tales into one entertaining play.

Tuesday afternoon at the Guthrie, four special words boomed over the speakers. "Once upon a time," said the narrator, played by Regina Williams, followed by a jolt of music from the band. Suddenly, the stage came to life with actors breaking into song.

The well-known introduction to fairy tales kicks off "Into the Woods," a musical that weaves together storylines and characters from Cinderella, Rapunzel, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Little Red Riding Hood. All of them are centered around a childless baker and his wife, hoping to start a family.

"At the heartbeat of 'Into the Woods' is in fact marriage and family," said director Sarna Lapine. "And it's not a Hollywood love story. It's a complicated love story between two adults who are trying to figure out what it means to be married over life's trials, and tribulations, and disappointments."

The exuberant ensemble cast goes on a journey together, often in colorful costumes fitting of a land far, far away. The intricate, and sometimes small, details on the clothing and set pieces are easily visible to the audience thanks to the Thrust Stage's design.

"I love working in a Thrust because in some ways it's like oddly cinematic that you can always change orientation, that the audience is sort of part of an over-the-shoulder dialogue," said Lapine. "So, they're very connected to the action on stage."

Speaking of connection, Lapine and the musical itself share one she considers serendipitous. Her uncle, James Lapine, wrote "Into the Woods." Her role directing now allows them to now form a unique bond in a way she never anticipated

"It's a real gift to have that adult professional development, much later in my life I would say and in his," she said. "It's material I've had a chance to live with for a really long time."

While some might see pressure to live up to such an award-winning story, Lapine sees opportunity in reviving it. The iconic music remains but modern themes are sprinkled throughout.

"I was very much thinking about the forests in today's present world that's been injured by human impact. And that was really the inspiration for how we approached the woods in our production visually and physically," she said.

It's a reminder that fantasy and reality might not be so different in the end, just like the musical's message about a community working together to survive.

"I hope the audience feels included in the ensemble nature of the storytelling," said Lapine.

"Into the Woods" is showing at the Guthrie through Aug. 13. Click here for ticket information.