The Christmas Disney film for 2014 is “Into the Woods,” a Stephen Sondheim musical that is loved by millions. The first one sheet poster for the film has just been released and it features the character of “The Witch” as portrayed by Meryl Streep.
“Into the Woods” is a modern twist on several of the beloved Brothers Grimm fairy tales, intertwining the plots of a few choice stories and exploring the consequences of the characters’ wishes and quests. This humorous and heartfelt musical follows the classic tales of Cinderella (Anna Kendrick), Little Red Riding Hood (Lilla Crawford), Jack and the Beanstalk (Daniel Huttlestone), and Rapunzel (MacKenzie Mauzy)—all tied together by an original story involving a baker and his wife (James Corden & Emily Blunt), their wish to begin a family and their interaction with the witch (Meryl Streep) who has put a curse on them.
Rob Marshall, the acclaimed filmmaker behind the Academy Award®-winning musical “Chicago” and Disney’s “Pirates of the Caribbean: On Stranger Tides,” directs the film, which is based on the Tony®-winning original musical by James Lapine, who also penned the screenplay, and legendary composer Stephen Sondheim, who provides the music and lyrics. Produced by Marshall, John DeLuca, “Wicked” producer Marc Platt and Callum McDougall, “Into the Woods” will be released in theaters Dec. 25, 2014.
Having seen Into the Woods on Broadway during its original Broadway run (in early 1988), I’m a little curious about the movie, but not exactly excited about it. I cannot imagine anyone other than Joanna Gleason as the Baker’s Wife. Some of the other roles should be fine, but, for me, Joanna Gleason is so indelibly linked to that key role that I fear I’ll be disappointed in the film because it won’t meet my admittedly high expectations.
I’m still a little sad that Jake Gyllenhaal isn’t playing one of the princes, as was originally planned. That would have been fun. “Agony” is a tremendously difficult song to sing, though, so hopefully whoever is singing it will be able to pull it off.
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