Into the Woods is a musical by Stephen Sondheim that intertwines several classic fairy tales, exploring the consequences of wishes and the complexities of life after "happily ever after." The story follows a baker and his wife who wish to have a child but are cursed by a witch. To break the curse, they must embark on a quest to collect items from various fairy tale characters, including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (of beanstalk fame), and Rapunzel. As the characters' stories collide and intertwine, they discover that the consequences of their actions affect not only their own lives but also the lives of those around them.
In Act One, the characters' wishes are granted, but they are left to grapple with unexpected and often inconvenient outcomes. In Act Two, the narrative shifts, revealing the darker side of their wishes and the repercussions of their choices. The characters must confront the challenges that come with getting what they wished for and learn to deal with the consequences of their desires. The musical combines humor, darkness, and thought-provoking themes, ultimately conveying that there are no simple solutions to life’s struggles and that every choice comes with both rewards and sacrifices. With memorable songs like No One Is Alone and Children Will Listen, Into the Woods explores the complexity of human desires, relationships, and the blurred line between good and evil.