Theater Review: A Magical Journey Through The Woods At Cape Playhouse

 What if the curtain rose and you found yourself stepping directly into the pages of your favorite childhood fairy tales? What if a narrator guided you through a world where familiar childhood characters and stories intertwined, creating something both nostalgic and entirely new? That is precisely the adventure audiences are treated to in “Into the Woods” at the Cape Playhouse.

 Opening night drew a full and enthusiastic crowd whose excitement was obvious from the moment the lights dimmed. Although I arrived with limited knowledge of the musical, it quickly became clear why this beloved production has become a fan favorite. As the story unfolds, familiar characters emerge from the woods. Jack from Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel in her tower, Cinderella daydreaming of a bigger life, and Little Red Riding Hood venturing down the path. Each tale is recognizable, yet somehow put together into a story that explores not only wishes and dreams but also the consequences that follow when those wishes come true.

 One of the production’s greatest strengths is its cast. The performers bring energy and personality to each role, breathing fresh life into characters that audiences have known since their childhood. Their performances balance humor and warmth, allowing the familiar stories to feel both comforting and surprisingly modern. Whether delivering a comedic moment or a more emotional scene, the cast maintains a level of authenticity that kept us invested throughout the performance. The vocals are strong, filling the theater with harmonies that ranged from playful and whimsical to deeply moving. The staging transports audiences into the woods, creating a setting where fantasy and reality blended seamlessly.

By the final curtain, the audience’s enthusiastic applause reflected the success of the evening. “Into the Woods” at the Cape Playhouse is a charming and beautifully performed production that reminds us why these stories are still being told. It invites audiences to revisit the fairy tales they once loved while discovering new meaning within them. For theatergoers seeking an evening filled with exceptional music and a touch of magic, this production is well worth the journey into the woods.

 The production is directed by Eric Rosen with musical direction by Robert Frost and choreography by Betty Weinberger. The cast features Nick Adams, Becky Alex, Delphi Borich, Alex Finke, Jaina Rose Jallow, Emma Rose Johnson, Christine Toy Johnson, Erik Lochtefeld, Madison Mosley, Javier Muñoz, Ray Robinson, Leeanna Rubin, J Savage, Joe Serafini, Renee Shohet, and Pearl Sun. Scenic design is by Jack Magaw, costume design by Annie J. Le, lighting design by Kat C. Zhou, sound design by Elisabeth Weidner, wig and hair design by Bobbie Zlotnik, and properties design by Christina J. Garner. The production team also includes Assistant Director Jamey Miller, Associate Music Director Brian Walters, Assistant Costume Designer Angie Le, Production Stage Manager Eitan Markowitz, Assistant Stage Mmanager Emily Kluger, Company Manager Taylor Bray, Production Manager Ali Farina, General Manager Brynn Grambow, Technical Director Vega Hernandez, and Casting Director Stephanie Klapper.