Conductor’s Message
Sondheim cleverly brings cohesion to the multiple overlapping plot lines by using a recurring five-note theme as the backbone of the work. We first hear it underscore the Witch’s curse, then more obviously as Rapunzel’s tune. It reappears in many contexts throughout, mutilated into dissonance for the Witch and hidden within or beneath melodies during songs such as ‘Giants in the Sky’, before ultimately finding its resolution in ‘No One is Alone’.
The works of Stephen Sondheim enjoy a devoted cult following. By his own admission he has never been a creator of box office smash hits mainly because he finds his inspiration in the unexpected and the complex. Rather than taking us on a predictable journey Sondheim instead relies on his audience’s ability to uncover the layers of meaning contained within his works. This brilliant fairy tale mash up by James Lapine contains powerful messages of desire, consequence, emotional growth and the complex nature of family relationships. As both composer and lyricist Sondheim makes a fascinating study into the connection between text and music. Usually music for stage works is composed in response to text, but it’s obvious to me that he often crafts both simultaneously, a quite unique creative process. The result is an advanced level of invention of both these key elements, which makes the piece both challenging and rewarding.
CONDUCTOR'S MESSAGE / Benjamin Northey
The song-driven score throws us into suspense immediately with unresolved block chords punctuated by sudden and unexpected low stabs. The immense amount of detailed text is framed by music of multifaceted genius. It is the creation of a master storyteller able to capture the comic, dramatic, poignant, clever and terrifying moments with superlative timing. It has been a joy to work on this production with the stellar cast and creative team led by a superb Sondheim interpreter - director Stuart Maunder. I wish you all a wonderful ‘Once Upon a Time’ at the theatre as we take a journey together – Into the Woods! - Benjamin Northey, Conductor