Into the Woods is based upon a book by James Lapine and music and lyrics by the late Stephen Sondheim. If you love the whimsical components of traditional fairy tales with heartfelt wishes and quests, a lesson to be learned, and creatures who can talk, then Into the Woods is for you!
The story of Into the Woods is similar to many fairy tales, like the classic tales of Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, and Rapunzel. In each case, a couple is making a wish, deep in their hearts for something they can not have –- a family, love, or other desire.
In this particular story, the Baker and his wife wish to begin a family. Due to a family curse from a witch, they are unable to get their wish at least until they find multiple things for the witch. To reverse the evil spell, the Baker and his wife must find a red cape, a strand of golden hair, a golden shoe, and a white cow. This scavenger hunt of sorts takes them on a magical journey through the woods where they meet up with other storybook characters to complete their quest.
In the end, each of the characters receives a happy ending and the witch reverses the curse.
The original production won the 1988 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award and the Drama Desk Award for Best Musical, and the original cast recording won a Grammy Award. The show was nominated for ten Tony Awards and won three: Best Score (Stephen Sondheim), Best Book (James Lapine), and Best Actress in a Musical (Joanna Gleason).
Scenes for Into the Woods
As expected, Into the Woods is set in heavily forested woods as well as in the settings of the main characters such as Little Red, Cinderella, Rapunzel, and Cinderella. The woods make for a perfect primary backdrop throughout the performance.
For a densely wooded backdrop try this Deep Woods Backdrop #2477 which shows a dense and lusciously green forest.
For other woodsy options try this Woods Park Backdrop #N0025 which displays a dense woods with a path and brook leading into the forest.
As the Baker and his wife encounter other characters they also change a bit of the scenery. Try this Beam and Plaster Exterior Cut Tab Backdrop #2097 with a Tudor-style house as well as an exterior tab with a practical door.
Check out all 155 of our Into the Woods backdrops on our site as well as hundreds of other backdrops for your next performance.