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Into the Woods JR.

A new take on Stephen Sondheim’s
and James Lapine’s groundbreaking
musical fairytale about wishes and
the choices we make.

Show Essentials
21 ROLES + ENSEMBLE,
RATED U, 1 ACT

Full Synopsis
The Narrator begins the story
 by guiding the company through each character's wish ("Opening
Parts 1-9"). Cinderella wishes to go to the King's Festival; Jack wishes his cow, Milky-White, would
give him milk; and the Baker and Baker's Wife wish to have a child. Jack's Mother wishes for gold and
a less foolish son. Since their cow won't produce any milk, she insists that Jack take the cow
 to
market to sell her. Cinderella's Stepmother and her stepsisters, Florinda and Lucinda, laugh at
Cinderella's wish. With Cinderella's Father, they ride off to the ball without Cinderella, leaving her
behind in tears. After stopping at the bakery for sweets, Little Red Ridinghood prepares to travel
into the woods to see her sick Granny.

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At their home, theorBaker
message find outand his
more Wife
about are visited by the Witch next door. She reveals that the Baker's
cookies.

father is the reason the couple's wish will never come true. She explains that, in the past, for his
pregnant mother, the Baker's father stole magical beans from the Witch's garden. To punish them,
the Witch placed a curse on the family, guaranteeing none would ever bear children again, including
the Baker and his Wife. Once born, the Witch took the Baker's sister (a sibling that he never knew
existed) and hid her in a tower far, far away. In order to break the spell and get his wish, the Witch
tells the Baker he has three days to bring her four items: a cow as white as milk, a cape as red as
blood, hair as yellow as corn and a slipper as pure as gold.

As the Baker prepares for his journey, he puts on his father's old jacket and finds six beans in the
pocket. Forbidding his Wife to join him on the quest, he tries to memorize the list of things the Witch
has asked for. At the grave of Cinderella's Mother, Cinderella shares her wish and is granted a
beautiful dress and slippers to wear to the ball ("Cinderella at the Grave"). While walking through the
woods to market, Jack encounters a Mysterious Man who says his cow is worth only a sack of beans.
Little Red Ridinghood meets a Wolf who targets her and her grandmother for his next meal ("Hello,
Little Girl"). We hear the voice of the Baker's lost sister, Rapunzel, singing in the distance
("Underscore after 'Hello, Little Girl'").

As the Baker struggles to remember the four objects on his list, his Wife persuades Jack to sell
Milky-White to her for five of their beans. After Jack's sad farewell, the Baker's Wife tries to allay the
Baker's guilt by insisting they did Jack a favor ("I Guess This Is Goodbye/Maybe They're Magic").

The Witch visits Rapunzel at the tower where she is kept prisoner ("Rapunzel"). Rapunzel's Prince
sees the Witch climb Rapunzel's hair and decides to try it himself the following day.

The Baker unsuccessfully tries to take Little Red Ridinghood's cape ("Baker's Reprise"). She enters
her Granny's house to find the Wolf in bed, pretending to be the old woman (whom he has eaten).
He gobbles up Little Red Ridinghood and falls asleep. The Baker, hoping to get the cape, cuts the
Wolf's stomach open, releasing Little Red Ridinghood and her Granny. After the ordeal, Little Red
Ridinghood realizes how naive she was ("I Know Things Now") and gives the Baker her cape as a gift
for saving her life.

Jack's mother is furious with 
him for selling their cow for five worthless beans and throws them
away. The Baker's Wife leads Milky-White through the forest when she encounters Cinderella, who is
running from Cinderella's Prince and his Steward. Cinderella isn't sure she wants the Prince, and the
Baker's Wife thinks she is a fool ("A Very Nice Prince"). Seeing Cinderella's gold shoes, the Baker's
Wife tries to take one but is forced to chase after the runaway cow as the final chime of the first
midnight is heard.
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The next morning,
message orJack discovers
find out more about a beanstalk has grown overnight. As the Baker sleeps beneath a

cookies.
tree, Jack appears with an oversized sack full of money, singing about giants ("Giants in the Sky").
Jack's Mother, delighted by his acquisition, has let him keep five gold pieces, which he uses to try
and buy back Milky-White, but the Baker cannot sell the cow because he needs it for the Witch.
Jack, thinking the Baker wants more money, goes back up the beanstalk in search of additional
funds. The Baker's Wife appears, confessing she has lost the cow.

Rapunzel's Prince and Cinderella's Prince exchange tales of woe ("Agony"), each insisting his
romantic problem is more serious than his brother's.

The Mysterious Man returns the cow to the Baker. The Baker's Wife, recognizing Rapunzel's hair as
the perfect shade to satisfy the Witch's demands, rips out one of the girl's substantial tresses
("Rapunzel's Reprise") and runs into Cinderella, who is on her way home from another night at the
Festival. The Baker's Wife tries again, without success, to take Cinderella's shoe. The Baker finally
agrees to accept his Wife's help, realizing it will take both of them to accomplish their goal ("It Takes
Two"). Jack returns to the Baker with a golden egg that he offers in exchange for Milky-White when,
all of a sudden, the cow lets out a terrible yelp and falls to the ground dead.

With two midnights gone, the Baker goes in search of another cow. Meanwhile, Rapunzel is defiant
and tells the Witch that she wants to see the world. After warning Rapunzel to obey her ("Stay with
Me"), the infuriated Witch cuts off most of Rapunzel's hair and exiles her. The Narrator reveals that,
while pursuing Rapunzel, her prince has fallen into a patch of thorns and blinded himself.

Leaving her third visit to the royal ball with only one slipper, Cinderella reflects on her indecision
about departing her miserable home for the unknown aspects of life with the Prince ("On
 the
Steps of the Palace"). To help her continue to run from the Prince, the Baker's Wife gives Cinderella
her own shoes in exchange for the remaining gold slipper.
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The Bakermessage
and hisorWife report
find out more to
 the
about Witch with their four objects. After rejecting the new cow –
cookies.

that is not actually white, but just covered with flour – the Witch demands they bring the dead Milky-
White to her. She restores the cow to life and commands the Baker
 to feed the cow the other
objects, insisting that it be milked to fill a silver goblet. Jack tries, but no milk flows ("The Potion Part
1"). When the Baker's Wife says she pulled the hair as yellow as corn from a maiden in 
a tower, the
Witch explains she, the Witch, cannot have touched any of the objects needed to break the spell.

The Mysterious Man, revealed to be
 the Baker's father, suggests feeding
 the cow the hair
from an ear of corn. The cow fills the goblet with milk that the Witch drinks, transforming her into a
beautiful woman ("The Potion Part 2"). As the third midnight strikes, the Baker's father dies and
Milky-White is reunited with Jack. The Prince finally finds his Cinderella and Rapunzel, reunited with
her Prince, restores his vision with her tears. The Witch realizes that, in exchange for her own youth
and beauty, she has lost her magical power over others.

Having broken the curse, the Baker's Wife is happily pregnant, and the Narrator observes that the
kingdoms are now filled with joy. We are reminded there will be times when each of us must journey
into the woods but that we must mind the future and the past ("Finale Parts 1-6").

Casting
Cast Size: Flexible Cast Size
Cast Type: Children
Dance Requirements: Standard

Character Breakdown
Narrator

The narrator is the storyteller who speaks directly to the audience. This character helps control the
pacing of the show and always needs to be ready for their next entrance, as they pop in and out
throughout the story. Find a charismatic girl or boy with great diction for this large speaking role with
minimal singing.
Gender: Any
Vocal range top: D4
Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Cinderella
 Hide More info
Cinderellamessage
is a simple
or findpeasant
out more girl
aboutwhose one wish is to go to the Festival. Unfortunately, when her
cookies.
wish comes true she learns that wishes sometimes come with consequences. Cinderella s inner
beauty always shines through her sometimes clumsy and awkward exterior. Cast a great singer and
actor who is charming while maintaining a sense of humor.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: G5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Jack

Jack is an energetic young man who is always looking for an adventure. He begins this show as a
simple little boy (his best friend is a cow), but by the end of the show he learns a few valuable
lessons. You will want to cast an excellent singer and actor who can show great range in this
demanding role.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Jack's Mother

Raising a son and running a farm all by herself has made Jack 's Mother a bit frazzled and most
definitely overworked. Jack s Mother is a great role for a character actress with solid comic timing
and good singing skills.
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Baker

The Baker is a good-hearted, likeable person who believes he can take on the Witch s curse all by
himself. At first, this confidence and his desire to have a child drives him, but he soon learns he
needs his wife s help to accomplish the goal. Cast an excellent actor and singer who is both
personable and capable or portraying the Baker s strength of conviction.
Gender: Male

Baker's Wife
 Hide More info
The Bakermessage
's Wife
oris a strong,
find out more determined
about cookies. and loving woman whose desire to have a child drives the
action of the whole show. Her storyline helps tie all the characters storylines together. Cast one of
your strongest female performers in this role as it requires both excellent singing and acting as well
as a good sense of comedic timing.
Vocal range top: E5
Vocal range bottom: A3

Little Red Ridinghood

Little Red starts the show as a loud, bratty, pushy, glutton who happily manipulates people and
situations to get her way. Eventually, she learns some valuable lessons and softens around the
edges. The actress you cast should have a loud, powerful voice and be a good actor. Ideally, your
Little Red will have a strong sense of musicality (her songs are often rhythmically challenging).
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: Eb5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Witch

The Witch is an ancient, mysterious and manipulative woman who will do anything possible to
regain her beauty and protect Rapunzel. While she may seem old and haggard, she still has the
strength to control other people. This role is perfect for a good character actress and singer who
can physically and vocally portray the complexities of the role.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: C5
Vocal range bottom: C4

Cinderella 's Prince

Cinderella s Prince is a conceited man who adamantly pursues Cinderella and can t take no for
an answer. When not chasing her, he is trying to show up Rapunzel s Prince. This role requires a
good singer and actor who can portray arrogance while still being likeable.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3
 Hide More info
Cinderellamessage
's Stepmother is a about
or find out more mean, evil woman who only cares about her birth children, daughters
cookies.
Florinda and Lucinda. She has only a few singing lines, so look mainly for an actress who can portray
both the strong distaste the character has for Cinderella as well as the love she showers on her own
spoiled daughters.
Gender: Female

Florinda and Lucinda

Cinderella 's Stepsisters are spoiled brats who care only about themselves and marrying
Cinderella 's Prince. Cast two actresses who work well together and are able to portray their
cattiness in a bold and comical way.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: G4
Vocal range bottom: C4

Cinderella 's Father

Cinderella 's Father will not win any Father-of-the-Year awards. He doesn't care about his
daughter 's well-being or her actions. This non-singing role is perfect for a new performer just
learning to be comfortable onstage.
Gender: Male

Cinderella 's Mother

Cinderella' s Mother comforts Cinderella in her one short song. She has no dialogue, so cast a singer
with a strong, pleasant voice for this role.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: D4

Rapunzel

Rapunzel has been stuck in a tower for the majority of her life. Finally, she stands up to the Witch in
order to get out to see the world. This role doesn t have a great deal of dialogue, but you will want
to cast an excellent soprano singer.
Gender: Female
Vocal range top: F#5
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Rapunzel 's Prince

Rapunzel 's Prince is the pompous and arrogant brother of Cinderella s Prince. Sibling rivalry runs
rampant between the brothers, including each brother s belief that his lady love is the most
beautiful. Cast a talented singer who can portray confidence both physically and vocally.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: B3

Mysterious Man

Just like the name suggests, this is one mysterious man. Everything he does is to help the Baker, but
he does not explain his motives until the last moment. Cast an engaging character actor who can
speak the Mysterious Man s often puzzling lines clearly in this non-singing role.
Gender: Male

Wolf

The Wolf is a sly and dangerous character intently focused on attacking Little Red Ridinghood. Cast
an actor and singer who can physically and vocally bring the Wolf to life. Also keep your wolf on two
feet don t have the actor try to walk on his hands and knees.
Gender: Male
Vocal range top: D5
Vocal range bottom: Bb3

Granny

Granny is a feisty woman who is not afraid to fight the Wolf face to face. This non-singing role is
perfect for a young performer able to make strong character choices.
Gender: Female

Steward

The Steward is the servant of Cinderella s Prince. He is dependable and willing to do whatever
Cinderella s Prince asks. This smaller featured role is perfect for a performer new to the stage.
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Milky-White

Milky-White is Jack s cow. You could use a cardboard or plaster cow for this role, but it can be a lot
of fun to cast a child as Milky-White. If you do cast a child in this role, look for a focused performer
with an expressive face.
Gender: Any

Full Song List

INTO THE WOODS JR.: OPENING PART 1
INTO THE WOODS JR.: OPENING PART 2
INTO THE WOODS JR.: OPENING PART 3
INTO THE WOODS JR.: OPENING PART 4
INTO THE WOODS JR.: OPENING PART 5
INTO THE WOODS JR.: OPENING PART 6
INTO THE WOODS JR.: OPENING PART 7
INTO THE WOODS JR.: OPENING PART 8
INTO THE WOODS JR.: OPENING PART 9
INTO THE WOODS JR.: CINDERELLA AT THE GRAVE
INTO THE WOODS JR.: HELLO, LITTLE GIRL
INTO THE WOODS JR.: I GUESS THIS IS GOODBYE/MAYBE THEY'RE REALLY MAGIC
INTO THE WOODS JR.: I KNOW THINGS NOW
INTO THE WOODS JR.: A VERY NICE PRINCE
INTO THE WOODS JR.: GIANTS IN THE SKY
INTO THE WOODS JR.: AGONY
INTO THE WOODS JR.: IT TAKES TWO
INTO THE WOODS JR.: STAY WITH ME
INTO THE WOODS JR.: ON THE STEPS OF THE PALACE
INTO THE WOODS JR.: EVER AFTER

Connect
Playbill Vault (http://www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/8219/Into-the-Woods) (Original)

Playbill Vault (http://www.playbillvault.com/Show/Detail/1997/Into-the-Woods) (2002 Revival)

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Regent Park production
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(http://www.digitaltheatre.com/production/details/into-the-woods/cast)

IMDB page for televised production (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0099851/)

IMDB page for film adaptation (http://www.imdb.com/title/tt2180411/)

Curriculum Connection
Fairy Tales

Folklore

Animal Habits

Environments

Bartering

Responsibility

Achieving Goals

Billing

Book by James Lapine (/people/james-lapine)

Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim (/people/stephen-sondheim)
Based on classic fairy tales

Requirements
Under the terms and conditions of your organisation’s Performance Agreement, the following
credits must appear on all advertising (including websites) relating to the production. Credits
must be reproduced faithfully in accordance with the following layout. No alterations or
deletions can be permitted unless stated below.

Percentages listed indicate required type size in relation to title size.

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Author
message or find out more about Billing – Into the Woods JR.
cookies.

In accordance with the Performance Agreement, all advertising, such as posters and programme
covers, must include the show logo as provided in the ShowKit® Director's Guide and all of the
following author billing.

It is a violation of your contract if you crop or edit this logo in any way.

The [Licensee]
Production of
Into The Woods JR.
Book by Music and Lyrics by
James Lapine Stephen Sondheim
Originally Directed on Broadway by James Lapine

MTI Billing
Amateur Licensees MUST include the following credit on all publicity (posters, programmes,
websites etc.):

Into the Woods JR.

An amateur production presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe)
All authorised performance materials are also supplied by MTI Europe
www.MTIShows.co.uk

Professional Licensees must use the following credit:

Presented by arrangement with Music Theatre International (Europe)

The videotaping or other video or audio recording of this production is strictly prohibited.

Included Materials
Item Quantity Included
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Production Resources
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Resource

ACTOR'S BOOK TENPACK

FAMILY MATTERS
FAMILY MATTERS (PACK OF 10)
LOGO PACK
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT LARGE
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT MEDIUM
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT SMALL
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT X-LARGE
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK ADULT XX-LARGE
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK CHILD LARGE
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK CHILD MEDIUM
LOGO TEES SIX-PACK CHILD SMALL
STUDENT REHEARSAL CD

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