Musical Synopsis
Be careful what you wish
for, as Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s cockeyed fairytale comes to life
in this adaptation of their groundbreaking, Tony Award-winning
musical. Into the Woods JR. features
all of your favorite characters — Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack (and
his beanstalk) and the Witch — in this lyrically rich retelling of classic
Brothers Grimm fables.
The musical centers on a
baker and his wife, who wish to have a child; Cinderella, who wishes to attend
the King's festival; and Jack, who wishes his cow would give milk. When the
baker and his wife learn that they cannot have a child because of a witch's
curse, the two set off on a journey to break the curse, and wind up changed
forever.
Character Listing & Vocal Ranges
Scale for determining character range.
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
Cinderella
Cinderella is a simple peasant girl whose one wish is to go to
the Festival. Unfortunately, when her 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 Voice
Part: Soprano Vocal Range: G3-G5
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 Voice
Part: Soprano Vocal Range: B2-G4
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.
Gender: Female Voice
Part: Soprano Vocal Range: Bb3-Gb5
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 Voice
Part: Tenor Vocal Range: Ab2-G4
Baker's Wife
The Baker's Wife is a strong, determined 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.
Gender: Female Voice
Part: Soprano Vocal Range: F3-G5
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 Voice Part: Mezzo (Alto) Vocal Range: Bb3-F5
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 Voice
Part: Soprano Vocal
Range: F3-G5
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 Voice
Part: Baritone/Tenor Vocal Range: B2-F4
Cinderella's Stepmother
Cinderella's
Stepmother is a mean, evil woman who only cares about her birth children,
daughters 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 Voice
Part: Soprano Vocal
Range: A3-F#5
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 Voice
Part: Soprano Vocal
Range: C4-Ab5
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 Voice
Part: Mezzo (Alto) Vocal Range:
E4-F4
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 Voice
Part: Soprano Vocal
Range: B3-A5
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 Voice
Part: Baritone/Tenor Vocal Range: C#3-E4
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