Spend an Enchanted Evening with the Magical Magnum Opus “Into the Woods” Now Playing at the Ahmanson Theatre DTLA thru May 14

Evan Rees, tickling the ivories, is a central character, around which the extremely talented cast revolves, literally and figuratively. I couldn't take my eyes off his mastery.

As musical director, Evan is responsible for honing the skills of the top notch triple threats, who not only superbly sing and adeptly act their hearts out, but also proficiently play instruments, including the french horn, trumpet, drums, cymbals, flute, guitar, cello, and bassoon.
Highlighted performances include those by Darick Pead as Milky White/Florinda/Rapunzel’s Prince, Anthony Chatmon II as Lucinda/Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince, Stephanie Umoh as Witch, and Lisa Helmi Johanson as Little Red Ridinghood/Rapunzel. They all have such a powerful and commanding presence, you'll be mesmerized by the impact of their masterful front-and-center forcefulness.
No special or sound effects are needed as the competent company creates all that is required in this unique inventive adaptation of the highly acclaimed Tony Award-winning musical, with music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim and book by James Lapine.
The accomplished and proficient players barely leave the stage, exhibiting nonstop energy exuberance and spirited performances from beginning to end. Query where they muster up the stamina for continous vim and vigor night after night.
These adept artists are so acutely attuned to each other, they seem to effectively and efficiently move as one, sing as one, flow as one. I could feel their strong connection from head to toe, inside and out. I left the Ahmanson Theatre, ready to experience my own fairy tale of joy and sorrow, victory and challenges, with a newfound hopefulness.

There are many memorable moments of bursting out laughter, which is always the best medicine, especially during these times of turmoil, angst, fractured families, and a divisive world in conflict.

Watching "Into the Woods" is a perfect way to celebrate the seasons of Spring, Passover, and Easter, representing renewal, rebirth, rejuvenation, and the freedom to be who you are. This presentation is much more than just a bunch of age old fairy tales put together.
The message of "Into the Woods" comes to fruition through the catchy tune, "Children will Listen." The meaningful profound and prophetic lyrics, "Be careful of the things you say… children will listen, be careful what you do…children will see,” touched my core on the deepest level.
As a long time advocate for children and the damaging effects of verbal and emotional abuse, I hold this subject dear to my heart. I regularly discuss it on my radio show, "Sleepless in Studio City," late Saturday nights 12M-1A/3A-4A PST on AmericanHeartsRadio.com.
"Into the Woods" first debuted in San Diego at the Old Globe Theatre in 1986. It premiered on Broadway on November 5, 1987, where it won several Tony Awards, including Best Score (Stephen Sondheim), Best Book (James Lapine), and Best Actress in a Musical (Joanna Gleason).
The popular film adaptation of “Into the Woods” by Walt Disney Pictures premiered in 2014 with Meryl Streep, Johnny Depp, Emily Blunt, James Corden and Anna Kendrick, and was critically and commercially successful. Already in the top five of the most successful movie musical adaptations ever, it was nominated for three Academy Awards and three Golden Globes.
Tickets for “Into the Woods” are available by calling (213) 972-4400, online at www.CenterTheatreGroup.org or by visiting the Center Theatre Group box office located at the Ahmanson Theatre. Tickets range from $25 – $125 (ticket prices are subject to change). The Ahmanson Theatre is located at The Music Center, 135 N. Grand Avenue in Downtown Los Angeles, 90012.