Into the Woods
music and lyrics by STEPHEN SONDHEIM
book by JAMES LAPINE
directed by SARNA LAPINE
Wurtele Thrust Stage
An unexpected storybook musical
Once upon a time, Cinderella pines to make a cameo at the ball, Jack (of beanstalk fame) tends to his pet cow, Little Red Riding Hood sets off toward grandmother’s house and a baker and his wife discover they are barren, thanks to a curse from the neighboring witch. They all head into the woods and embark on remarkable journeys that include falling in love, slaying a giant, facing off with a wolf and more. Just when all wishes appear to be granted, a stray magic bean sprouts a second stalk and the giant’s vengeful wife disrupts everyone’s happy ending. Featuring beloved music and classic fairy tale characters, this heartfelt musical explores what happens after “happily ever after.”
Three things to know
- Into the Woods, the second collaboration between writer/director James Lapine and composer Stephen Sondheim, opened on Broadway in November 1987 for a nearly two-year run. The musical was nominated for 10 Tony Awards and received three, and it won the 1988 New York Drama Critics’ Circle Award and Drama Desk Award for Best Musical.
- Musical numbers include “I Know Things Now,” “Giants in the Sky,” “Agony,” “Ever After,” “No One Is Alone,” “Children Will Listen” and the remarkable 12-minute opening title number.
- Weaving together stories of both familiar and original characters, Into the Woods provides a sophisticated and novel look at fairy tales and provides an answer to what happens after “happily ever after.” The musical tells us that “every now and then” we have to go into the woods because “there’s more to learn of what you know” — and warns that we “better be ready for the journey.”
Ticket prices
Tickets range from $20 to $94.
| Area 1A | Area 1 | Area 2 | Area 3 | Area 4 | |
| All previews | $59.00 | $49.00 | $29.00 | $20.00 | $20.00 |
| Tues, Wed evenings; weekday matinees | $71.00 | $61.00 | $51.00 | $41.00 | $36.00 |
| Sun, Thu evenings | $79.00 | $69.00 | $59.00 | $49.00 | $44.00 |
| Sat, Sun matinees | $82.00 | $72.00 | $62.00 | $52.00 | $47.00 |
| Fri evenings | $85.00 | $75.00 | $65.00 | $55.00 | $50.00 |
| Saturday evenings, Opening Nights | $94.00 | $84.00 | $74.00 | $64.00 | $59.00 |
For information about senior and student discounts contact the Box Office.
Group sales
All student and adult groups of 15 or more qualify for discounts on tickets to Guthrie productions.
Venue info
Into the Woods will take place on the Wurtele Thrust Stage.
Pro tip: Can't do stairs or have a special seating request? Call the Box Office for details.
Age recommendation
We recommend Into the Woods for ages 12 and up. Everyone must have a ticket, and children under 5 are not admitted.
Content advisory
This production contains mature themes, haze and fog. For information please contact the Box Office.
Accessibility
ASL-interpreted, audio-described and open-captioned performances are available on select dates.
Into the Woods
Wurtele Thrust
Accessibility
Post-play discussions
Join us after select performances for a 20-minute conversation facilitated by Guthrie staff. Cast members may join the discussion as they are able.
Join us after select performances for a 20-minute conversation facilitated by Guthrie staff. Cast members may join the discussion as they are able.
Sunday, June 25 at 1 p.m.
Facilitator: Carla Steen, Resident Dramaturg
Tuesday, June 27 at 7:30 p.m.
Facilitator: Carla Steen, Resident Dramaturg
Sunday, July 2 at 1 p.m.
Facilitator: Alli St. John, Education Program Manager
Saturday, July 8 at 1 p.m.
Facilitator: Cody Kour, Artistic Administrative Assistant
Saturday, July 22 at 1 p.m.
Facilitator: Emily Essert, Director of Institutional Partnerships
Relaxed performance
The Guthrie will offer a relaxed performance of Into the Woods on Sunday, July 30 at 1 p.m. Although these performances are open to all patrons, they are intentionally modified to accommodate patrons with sensory and vestibular sensitivities, anxiety, dementia, autism spectrum disorders, learning differences or challenges attending the theater.
Health and safety
Masks are no longer required for all Sunday performances. For audience members who prefer a masked environment, we will offer a mask-required performance of Into the Woods on Sunday, July 9 at 1 p.m.
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A groundbreaking world premiere
2022‒2023 Season
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Into the Woods
Wurtele Thrust