Jennifer Diamond News

I purposely avoided the recent film version of INTO THE WOODS because I really didn't find the previews or the stunt casting appropriate. For me, it's a work that requires an audience to use their imagination to a great extent, and movies tend to give form to those things that are much better left conjured up in your own mind. That's why my son and I absolutely loved The MUNY's current presentation of the show. Let's face it, a woodland setting created utilizing green screen technology and a few key set pieces is nowhere near as effective at conveying the atmosphere desired, especially when you already have those actual elements growing freely at the back of this marvelous outdoor stage. Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine (book) crafted a brilliant mash-up of several fairy tales and fables that is smart, funny, and, ultimately, touching. When I asked my boy what he thought of the show at the end of the night he neatly summed it up: 'I thought it was awesome!' I agree wholeheartedly. Superbly cast and conceived, this is a production that's simply tailor made for The MUNY. Go see it, and take your kids with you! It may have a few moments that are a bit gruesome or adult in content, but they'll have a wonderful time, and so will you!

Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine's (book) INTO THE WOODS opened July 21, at the Muny, and is playing through July 27 in Forest Park. The production is directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Chris Bailey and music directed by Brad Haak. Check out a first look at the cast in action on opening night below! The cast includes Heather Headley (Witch), Erin Dilly (Baker's Wife), Rob McClure (Baker), Ken Page (Narrator), Andrew Samonsky (Cinderella's Prince/Wolf), Elena Shaddow (Cinderella) and Ryan Silverman (Rapunzel's Prince), will be Jason Gotay (Jack), Ellen Harvey (Cinderella's Stepmother), Sara Kapner (Little Red Ridinghood), Samantha Massell (Rapunzel), Michael McCormick (Mysterious Man/Cinderella's Father) and Zoe Vonder Haar (Jack's Mother). Rounding out this incredible cast are Anna Blair (Granny/Cinderella's Stepmother), Jennifer Diamond (Florinda), Gary Glasgow (Steward), Maggie Lakis (Milky White) and April Strelinger (Lucinda).

Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine's (book) INTO THE WOODS opened July 21, at the Muny, and is playing through July 27 in Forest Park. The production is directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Chris Bailey and music directed by Brad Haak. Check out a first look at the cast in action on opening night below!

Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine's (book) INTO THE WOODS begins tonight, July 21, at the Muny, playing through July 27 in Forest Park. The production is directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Chris Bailey and music directed by Brad Haak.  Check out an exclusive look at some backstage shots below!

Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine's (book) INTO THE WOODS begins tonight, July 21, at the Muny, playing through July 27 in Forest Park. The production is directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Chris Bailey and music directed by Brad Haak.

BroadwayWorld has just confirmed that Elena Shaddow will star as 'Cinderella' in Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine's (book) Into The Woods the Muny, playing July 21-27. The production will be directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Chris Bailey and music directed by Brad Haak.

Danielle Hope brought her one-woman show, BRING THE FUTURE FASTER back to 54 Below to celebrate the release of her new live album which was recorded at the club back in February, and BroadwayWorld was on hand to snap photos from the evening. Check them out below!

The Muny announced today its complete cast for Stephen Sondheim (music and lyrics) and James Lapine's (book) Into The Woods, playing July 21-27. The production will be directed by Gary Griffin, choreographed by Chris Bailey and music directed by Brad Haak.

Josh Young spectacularly sings JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR!

Billy Magnussen & Reserved For Rondee rock Lloyd Webber and Sondheim!

As BroadwayWorld announced just last week, BroadwayWorld's longtime TV host, Richard Ridge married his partner of 37 years, Preston Ridge in a small and private ceremony on Wednesday morning. Here's to many happy years of health, love and happiness. Prior to his long tenure with BroadwayWorld.com, Ridge toured the world as a performer and hosted the popular television program Broadway Beat. We are excited to bring you photos from inside the ceremony below!

Earlier this week, BroadwayWorld.com continued its 2014 concert series at legendary cabaret venue Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, hosting a uniquely contemporary evening celebrating the music of the two most important and influential composers on Broadway in the modern age, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim, all to benefit the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you photos of the gentleman from inside the concert!

Earlier this week, BroadwayWorld.com continued its 2014 concert series at legendary cabaret venue Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, hosting a uniquely contemporary evening celebrating the music of the two most important and influential composers on Broadway in the modern age, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim, all to benefit the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Below, BroadwayWorld brings you photos of the ladies from inside the concert!

Just last night, BroadwayWorld.com continued its 2014 concert series at legendary cabaret venue Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, hosting a uniquely contemporary evening celebrating the music of the two most important and influential composers on Broadway in the modern age, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim, all to benefit the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Check out phtoos of all of the men in rehearsal below and click here for more of the women!

Just last night, BroadwayWorld.com continued its 2014 concert series at legendary cabaret venue Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, hosting a uniquely contemporary evening celebrating the music of the two most important and influential composers on Broadway in the modern age, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim, all to benefit the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Check out phtoos of all of the ladies in rehearsal below and click here for more of the men!

Just last night, BroadwayWorld.com continued its 2014 concert series at legendary cabaret venue Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, hosting a uniquely contemporary evening celebrating the music of the two most important and influential composers on Broadway in the modern age, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim, all to benefit the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Below, we ae excited to bring you photos from backstage!

Just last night, BroadwayWorld.com continued its 2014 concert series at legendary cabaret venue Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, hosting a uniquely contemporary evening celebrating the music of the two most important and influential composers on Broadway in the modern age, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim, all to benefit the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts. Below, check out photos from inside the soundcheck!

Tonight, June 16, 2014 at 7:00pm, BroadwayWorld.com continues its 2014 concert series at legendary cabaret venue Joe's Pub at The Public Theater, hosting a uniquely contemporary evening celebrating the music of the two most important and influential composers on Broadway in the modern age, Andrew Lloyd Webber and Stephen Sondheim, all to benefit the New York Public Library for the Performing Arts.

Joe's Pub at the Public has announced its upcoming performances, today, June 11 through the 22nd. Scroll down for the lineup!

Joe's Pub at the Public has announced its upcoming performances, June 11 through the 22nd. Scroll down for the lineup!