INTO THE WOODS Recordings

[jacobsnchz14]

Which is the better cast recording of INTO THE WOODS? I am about to watch the original cast filming on Netflix and am only leaning toward the recent Broadway recording only because it is newer; don't judge. Lol. Any advice?

[Patronus]

OBCR. Hands down.

[Mister Matt]

Original Broadway Cast (remastered). Hands down the best interpretation of the material. After that, I like the London cast recording as it sounds quite different (and the tempo of the title song is almost out of control!). The voices may not be as good, but it is such an interesting curiosity (the photos of the set are FASCINATING). The newest recording sounds rather antiseptic and lifeless and I really didn't like some of the changes to the score, especially the end of On the Steps of the Palace.

[fashionguru_23]

OBCR! The performances are magical, and it is in the raw, original form. It sounds the way it should.

The London cast recording is very interesting, once you know the original Broadway company backwards and forwards. The London production was a lot darker than the Broadway one, which works, but it use the original as a basis for everything.

There are some very nice performances from the Broadway revival, but I dislike all the changes they made to the show. To me, the revival tried to make it a children's theatre show, with puppets and bright colours, etc.

They also changed the tempo, and sort of the context of my favourite song, "Last Midnight". The original was more of an anger, piece of rage throughout. In the revival, it becomes a lullaby to the Baker's child, which turns to anger, but doesn't reach the giant high point like the OBC.

[Jordan Catalano]

Whatever you do, stay away from the revival recording. It's like someone took brilliance, shlt all over it and sold it in stores.

[xxdrewboy85xx]

OBCR as everyone seems to agree on.

The only good thing about the revival recording are the lyric changes in Last Midnight.

[ChenoKahn]

I like to listen to Laura's voice more than Kim's but OBCR is unbeatable.

[qolbinau]

I know the revival recording attracts criticism but I do enjoy Vanessa Williams' performance..perhaps because the show is not one of my favourites I have lower standards, lol.

The OBC is 'better' but if you do enjoy the show I don't think it would be a travesty to listen to an alternative later.

Also consider checking out the Regent's Park London filming, it's quite a departure from the original production.

[Musicaldudepeter]

Laura Benanti is a treasure on the 2002 Broadway revival cast recording, you can't go wrong with the OBCR however with that sensational dream cast.

My heart belongs to the Original London cast however as Julia McKenzie's glorious Witch is superb, and Imelda Staunton is a fine Baker's Wife.

[IdinaBellFoster]

The Regents Park Production (which will transfer to Central Park this summer) is the perfect production/interpretation of the piece, IMO.

[Kad]

OBCR, supplemented with "Our Little World" from the London recording.

[Jordan Catalano]

I never understood the love for "Our Little World". To me, it's really one of Sondheims lesser songs and I have no idea why he decided to put it back in the show.

[frontrowcentre2]

If you are seeing the video you will want the OBCR which will be closer to what you have seen (though not the same..the video was made near the end of the run with some OC members returning just for the taping. The OBC was made the weekend the show opened and captured everyone when they were fresh and new.)

One interesting advantage the OBCR has over later recordings is that it includes verses and segments of songs that were cut from the show before opening.

[IdinaBellFoster]

While 'Our Little World' isn't the best song, I do think it was wise to add it back into the show. More foundation is needed for the Rapunzel/Witch relationship. Without it, all Rapunzel does is sing her little "ah" melody.

[AngelorPhantom1359]

Jordan, I so agree with you! The only time I even slightly enjoyed the song was at the anniversary concert when Bernadette sang it. Other than that, it does nothing for me.

I would definitely buy the OBCR. It is a vastly superior recording, and the only redeeming quality of the Revival recording is Laura Benanti's No One is Alone. Other than that, it was a horrendous mess.

[someone.else's.story2]

Definitely the OOBR! I found Vanessa Williams' performance not even in the ballpark of Bernadette in the role. Also, the Little Red on the revival recording was irksome.

[hyperbole_and_a_half]

OBCR is definitive, but I love the darker, edgier sound on the OLC too.

[Kad]

Ah, I like "Our Little World" a lot. I love the melody and there's some great situational comedy in there. The song was fantastic in the Regent's Park production, and creates a really fantastic contrast to "Stay With Me"... the very next time we see the Witch and Rapunzel.

[EricMontreal22]

I think Our Little World adds a lot as well (BTW it was never put back in the show--it was written for the London production).

[fashionguru_23]

Eric, I believe the previous poster was referring to the anniversary concert that was years later, where Bernie sang it.

[EatTheBrownie]

I think Bernie should do an Into The Woods tribute album. It'll feature various lines of dialogue and bits of music inter-spliced between the sounds of Bernie exploring Dendrophilia.

"The slotted spoon 'can' catch the potato..." *suggestive woody rubbing noises*
"I need that shoe to have a baby..." *soft panting and the rustling of bushes*

Broadway can finally take a place in the mental health, sexual health, and soft core porn markets with this one. Talk about expanding Broadway's audience base :)