Step 'Into the Woods' As Iconic Musical Returns to Adelaide

Adelaide theatre audiences are in for a treat this August when the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical Into the Woods takes over Her Majesty’s Theatre.

The brainchild of legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim and acclaimed writer-director James Lapine, Into the Woods will run from Saturday 22 August to Saturday 29 August (including a Saturday matinee).

The production includes an original story about a Baker and his wife trying to break a witch's curse so they can start a family and intertwines beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tale characters, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk and Rapunzel.

Directed by visionary Australian director Constantine Costi, Into the Woods is one of the most celebrated musicals ever created, dealing with themes of love, loss and family.

"It's a very human exchange between the performers and audience, and I hope that people feel that euphoric rush that only live theatre can give you," Costi said of the play.

"We've been exploring the idea of the woods and returning to nature. Forests can feel like places of danger and darkness, but they’re also places where people grow and learn through experience."

The cast includes former State Opera Children’s Chorus member Hugh Sheridan as the Baker alongside an all-South Aussie cast that also features Johanna Allen as the Baker's wife, Jessica Dean as Cinderella, Eliza Brill Reed as Little Red, Rosie Hosking as the Witch and many more talented theatre performers.

"The opportunity to play The Baker in this brand-new production of my favourite show in my hometown is a dream come true," Sheridan said. "Stephen Sondheim has become a family favourite ever since working with him on my very first musical. It’s going to be a highlight of Australian theatre, and I’m so honoured to be part of it."

READ MORE: The Sound Inside To Make Its South Australian Premiere in August

State Opera South Australia Executive Director Mark Taylor said that Into the Woods is playing alongside Hansel & Gretel, marking a significant pairing as part of the company’s Golden Jubilee Season.

"The opportunity to present two fairy tales side-by-side in the same season is a rare occasion and major opportunity to reach new audiences as part of our fiftieth-year celebrations. We look forward to welcoming audiences to Her Majesty’s Theatre in August," Taylor said.

The South Australian Minister for the Arts, Kyam Maher, said that the production of the Stephen Sondheim musical will platform South Australia’s local artists.

"Into the Woods showcases the talent of South Australian artists, while creating a world-class experience for audiences. The production also represents the bold vision of State Opera South Australia to create work that will lead the company into its next era," Minister Maher added.

Catch Into the Woods at Her Majesty's Theatre from Saturday 22 August to Saturday 29 August (including a Saturday matinee). Tickets on sale now at stateopera.com.au.