Into the Woods

Additional Into the Woods Information

The Tony Award-winning musical,
now adapted into a lavishly illustrated book

Into the Woods is the imaginative account of what happens when the lives of new and old fairy-tale characters dramatically and humorously come together. Cinderella, Jack (of bean-stalk fame), Little Red Ridinghood, and the Baker and his Wife set out for the forest on a quest to find "happily ever after." Along the way they meet Rapunzel, a Wicked Witch, a lascivious Wolf, vengeful Giants, a couple of charming Princes, and their own destiny. With wit and wisdom, the authors have given us a parable about the loss of innocence, the joys and sorrows of adulthood, and the price paid for getting the things you really want.

What Customers Say About Into the Woods:

When I heard one of the songs on Broadway Revisited, I never thought that Stephen Sondhiem would ever make something like this. It takes me back to my childhood and never gets old no matter how much you watch it. The book is well done and I even sing some of the parts XD. Into The Woods hands down is creepy, dark humor, and light hearted all at once.

I recieved the book as a gift from my aunt. It is so descriptive, so great. Sondheim's lyrics paint the picture that Lapine creates. I would recommend this to anyone.

The pictures were wonderful and it was a great adaptation of the Broadway show.

First off I wanted to comment on that I'm not under 13, I'm 18. And many argue that Jack and the Beanstalk's is moral is learning to survive and fend for one's self and family.The second act asks the questions and consequences that the Fairy Tales never answer, like does marrying a handsome Prince really make someone happy. Is killing the wolf the best solution. Sondheim used the original, unedited versions of the Fairy Tales. And two other powerful points of the musical, that are also morals are told; That no one is alone, that everyone depends/needs on someone to survive. Case being that the stories were more for adults AND children. But after reading "Discerning Viewer" said about "Into the Woods." I had to say something. Is a Giant always wrong, and how do you deal with his angry widow.

And there are universal morals. Don't smother your children (Rapunzel), Don't deviate from the path (Red Ridding Hood), Despite being unappreciated and condemned to serving others, as long as you are kind natured and a truly good person, your dreams will come true (Cinderella). And does it pay to be charming and not sincere. And finally that what ever we do, children will SEE and HEAR it, so they LEARN from it, so be careful of our actions and what we tell (and stories) when we say "Listen to Me."

I purchased this in conjunction with the DVD to use for a paper I wrote about "Into the Woods" and its commentary on children's literature and the very notion of childhood. I'd urge anyone to buy the book if they love the show and are interested in looking at it line by line to absorb even more clever subtlties. Great for any ITW fan who is looking to delve deeper into the show's magic and message.