Into the Woods Synopsis

A childless baker and his wife endeavor to lift their family curse by journeying into the woods, where they encounter Rapunzel (and her witchly "mother"), Cinderella, Jack (of Beanstalk fame), Little Red Riding Hood and other classic fairy tale characters, and they all must learn the responsibility that comes with getting what you want.

INTO THE WOODS CHARACTER DISCRIPTIONS

Please come prepared. Have two character choices ready and know the music. Remember that this show has very little dialogue, so we are looking for people who can sing and act through a song. There is ample source material at your fingertips; please utilize it. The characters are listed below as well as the audition song cuts. Please show us your version of these characters, not a version you saw in the movie or in another production.

CINDERELLA – The fairytale character we all know. Must have a powerful soprano head/mix.

CINDERLLA’S MOTHER – Mystical mother in a tree. Must be a strong soprano.

CINDERELLA’S FATHER – A drunk indifferent comedic character. Singing is in ensemble only.

STEPMOTHER – A wicked but beautiful woman. Must be good with comic timing.

LUCINDA (STEP SISTER) – One of Cinderella’s lovely stepsisters. Pretty outside; ugly inside.

FLORINDA (STEP SISTER) – Ditto

BIRDS (3-4) – These characters will surround Cinderella and do her bidding. This is a non singing role. It is a dance role and you must be able to move interpretively.

JACK – A kid with big dreams and little brains. He’s a bit slow. Must sustain an F#

JACK’S MOTHER – A witty and overly tired woman who loves her son. Character role.

NARRATOR (MALE OR FEMALE) – This person tells the story. He or she can create a unique character and the singing requirements are minimal.

SEWARD – The Princes’ assistant. Snarky little guy.

CINDERELLA’S PRINCE – Handsome, “considerate”, passionate, “charming” and heir to the throne. Tenor.

RAPUNZEL’S PRINCE – Similar to the guy above but a bit more of a rebel. Also a tenor. RAPUNZEL – A bit crazy – you would be too if you were locked up in a tower all of your life. High soprano.

WITCH – Very complex character. Must be able to layer innocence with wickedness, humanity with inhumanity. Must have a strong belt and a strong head voice.

WOLF – Creepy, sleazy character role. Written as a musical theatre tenor but we are really looking for a strong actor here.

LITTLE RED – Not your sweet little girl. She has a dry, sarcastic sense of humor and is a brave little thing. Must be a strong belter.

LITTLE RED’S GRANDMOTHER – Fiesty older woman with a knack for making capes.

BAKER – A simple man trying to lead a simple life. Big acting role with a lot of singing. Baritone.

BAKER’S WIFE – Must have comic timing and dramatic ability. Must have an understanding of character nuance and have a strong belt with passable head voice. Very strong female role.

BAKER’S FATHER – A mysterious and sad man, full of regret.

WITCH’S CLOUD (3-4) – These characters act as the Witch’s cloud of smoke that follows her everywhere and engulfs her at times. This is a non solo singing role. Must be comfortable with interpretive movement.

MILKY WHITE – The cow. A definite audience favorite if done well. This is a non-speaking role but could be the funniest role in the show. Non singing.

SNOW WHITE – Minor role at end of show – can also be a bird. Non singing.

SLEEPING BEAUTY- Minor role at end of show – can also be a bird. Non singing.