Encores! 'Into the Woods' revival to transfer to Broadway

Kennedy Kanagawa, Neil Patrick Harris, and Sara Bareilles in Into the Woods at New York City Center.

(© Joan Marcus)

After days of leaving clues on social media, the New York City Center confirmed that their recent star-studded Encores! revival of ‘Into the Woods’ will be transferring to Broadway in June for a limited engagement. It will open at the St. James Theatre.

Set to star in the production are Sara Bareilles (as the Baker’s Wife) and Gavin Creel (as the Wolf/Cinderella’s Prince). Joining them, who weren’t in the City Center’s production will be Brian D’Arcy James as The Baker, Patina Miller will play the Witch, Phillipa Soo will play Cinderella, and Joshua Henry as Rapunzel’s Prince.

Over the past couple of days the NY City Center’s Twitter account had been leaving clues that news was imminent, but this morning they confirmed it.

The move isn’t surprising as the Encores! production received rave reviews from critics and audience alike.

Critic Dan Rubin said in his review,

“Everything about this production—the effervescent performances, the glowing orchestra under the baton of Rob Berman, and Lorin Latarro’s delicate choreography that always seems to emerge from the characters—is handled with a light, inviting touch.”

With music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, and a book by James Lapine, the musical intertwines the plots of several Brothers Grimm fairy tales, exploring the consequences of the characters' wishes and quests.

The creative team includes David Rockwell (Scenic Design), Andrea Hood (Costume Design), Tyler Micoleau (Lighting Design), Scott Lehrer & Alex Neumann (Co-Sound Designers), James Ortiz (Puppet Design), and Cookie Jordan (Hair, Wigs & Makeup Design). Casting is by Telsey & Co. with Production Supervision by Cody Renard Richard.

The production will be dedicated to the memory of Stephen Sondheim who passed away last November.