Content levels
Trigger warnings
Positive tags
Hero archetypes
Protagonist archetypes
Tropes
Synopsis
*Into the Woods* brings to musical life Cinderella, Jack and the Beanstalk, Little Red Riding hood and other well-known fairy-tale characters. Interwoven with these classic tales is the story of the baker and his wife, whose longing for a child is thwarted by a mischievous witch who lives next door. James Lapine and Stephen Soldheim have fashioned a musical which goes beyond mere Broadway razzmatazz. Sondheim's songs, seamlessly melded to Lapine's text, are perfect expressions of character and action which reflect the complications of living in modern society and the difficult choices we encounter on the paths of our lives. *Into the Woods* is the second collaboration of Sondheim and Lapine who were awarded a Pulitzer Prize for Sunday in the Park with George in 1984. In addition to its successful Broadway run, Into the Woods has toured the country and produced a Grammy award-winning original cast album.
Is Into the Woods appropriate for my child?
Suitable for most readers 10 and up.
This musical theater book weaves together classic fairy tales with darker twists, exploring how wishes have consequences and not all stories end happily. Some fairy tale elements involve peril, abandonment, and characters making morally complex choices.
What to know going in
This book has moderate violence, no sexual content, and clean language. Content notes include child harm, kidnapping, and death (see the full list above).
Who'll love this
Kids who love fairy tales will enjoy seeing their favorite characters interact in surprising ways as they navigate quests and learn that getting what you wish for isn't always what you expect.