Into the Woods (Paperback)

by Stephen Sondheim (Author), James Lapine (Author) "Downstage, three structures: Far left, the home of Cinderella..." (more)
Key Phrases: music resumes, five gold pieces, mysterious man, Cinderella's Father (more...)

Editorial Reviews

From Publishers Weekly
This picture book-adaptation of the Broadway musical brings together many favorite characters in one tale, including the childless baker and his wife, Cinderella, Rapunzel, Little Red Riding Hood and Jack with his beanstalk. Talbott's adaptation retains the flavor of Sondheim's lyrics, and those who know the score will find themselves singing along. All ages.
Copyright 2002 Cahners Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

Product Description

The Tony Award-winning musical,
now adapted into a lavishly illustrated book

Into the Woods is the imaginative account of what happens when the lives of new and old fairy-tale characters dramatically and humorously come together. Cinderella, Jack (of bean-stalk fame), Little Red Ridinghood, and the Baker and his Wife set out for the forest on a quest to find "happily ever after." Along the way they meet Rapunzel, a Wicked Witch, a lascivious Wolf, vengeful Giants, a couple of charming Princes, and their own destiny. With wit and wisdom, the authors have given us a parable about the loss of innocence, the joys and sorrows of adulthood, and the price paid for getting the things you really want. --This text refers to the Paperback edition.

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Product Details

• Paperback: 160 pages
• Publisher: Theatre Communications Group (January 1, 1993)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0930452933
• ISBN-13: 978-0930452933
• Product Dimensions: 8.3 x 5.4 x 0.5 inches
• Shipping Weight: 7.8 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.7 out of 5 stars See all reviews (26 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #138,154 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

11 of 11 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST for any lover of this show..., May 3, 2004

By	Bill (Maryland) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Into the Woods (Paperback)

I cannot mention how much I loved this book. I recently finished a production of this show and we gave this book as a gift to the production crew members. After looking through it, most of the cast placed their own orders. Not only is it a new way to look at this great story, but there are also small pieces of insight into certain characters and situations that you do not get anywhere else.
Every illustration in this book is exquisite...I would frame any of them. My favorite is of the pulling out of Rapunel's hair by the Baker's Wife. The illustrations are just like the show, funny where they should be (Little Red in the Fur) and grim where they should be (Rapunzel's death).
This is a great and rarely seen collector's piece, as well as a great gift for anyone with a love of the show.

9 of 9 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A Wonderful Book, February 17, 2002

By	Sean Mccambridge "seanmmc01" (Evansville, IN United States) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This review is from: Into the Woods (Paperback)

This is a novelization of the smash Broadway hit. It follows along with the show perfectly and has amazing illustrations by Hudson Talbott. It was rereleased just in time for the Broadway revival which starts in April. This book is a must have for any Sondheim fan.

12 of 13 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Once Upon A Time (I Wish!), September 8, 2006

A Kid's Review

This review is from: Into the Woods (Paperback)

First off I wanted to comment on that I'm not under 13, I'm 18. But after reading "Discerning Viewer" said about "Into the Woods." I had to say something.

Sondheim used the original, unedited versions of the Fairy Tales. Case being that the stories were more for adults AND children. And there are universal morals. Don't smother your children (Rapunzel), Don't deviate from the path (Red Ridding Hood), Despite being unappreciated and condemned to serving others, as long as you are kind natured and a truly good person, your dreams will come true (Cinderella). And many argue that Jack and the Beanstalk's is moral is learning to survive and fend for one's self and family.

The second act asks the questions and consequences that the Fairy Tales never answer, like does marrying a handsome Prince really make someone happy? Is a Giant always wrong, and how do you deal with his angry widow? Is killing the wolf the best solution? And does it pay to be charming and not sincere? And two other powerful points of the musical, that are also morals are told; That no one is alone, that everyone depends/needs on someone to survive. And finally that what ever we do, children will SEE and HEAR it, so they LEARN from it, so be careful of our actions and what we tell (and stories) when we say "Listen to Me..."