| BAKER | The Baker changes the most as a result of his journey through the woods. At first he is reluctant to seek the help of his wife. It is through the tribulations of gathering the Witch's items that the Baker realizes, in order to achieve his wish, it will take the help of his wife. The Baker has one of the most difficult roles. He must be strong willed, yet the audience must like him; while he's denying the help of his wife, he must also portray a sense of needing and even wanting her help. The audience should never doubt the Baker is a good-hearted person, trying to do what is right.
Ab3 - Eb5 |
| BAKER'S WIFE | Into the Woods JR. is truly an ensemble show. However, it is the Baker's Wife who drives the show forward and ties the characters together. The Baker's Wife is strong, determined, and patient. The audience should identify with her and root for a successful fulfillment of her wish. The role requires excellent singing and acting, plus a good sense of comic timing.
Bb3 - D5 |
| CINDERELLA | Cinderella is at once beautiful, in a yet-to-be-discovered sort of way, and surprisingly clumsy and awkward. She persistently pursues her wish to go to the King's Festival, yet finds that "the Festival" ultimately does not meet her expectations. Directors have an opportunity in casting Cinderella to go for the unusual. She should be able to sing well and be funny, without being a clown or mugging.
A3 - D5 |
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| CINDERELLA'S MOTHER | This role is a one scene wonder. The voice should be pleasant. Cinderella's Mother is a collection of remembered mannerisms and sayings.
Bb3 - D5 |
| CINDERELLA'S STEPMOTHER | This family is a bit off-beat at best. Cinderella's Stepmother mocks her, represents the interests of her birth daughters over Cinderella's basic needs, and is selfish, mean, and nasty.
G3 - D5 |
| FLORINDA and LUCINDA | This family is a bit off-beat at best. Florinda and Lucinda are spoiled brats who will do anything to win the heart of the Prince -- even if it means sacrificing flesh from their bodies!
E4 - G4 |
| GRANNY | Good speaking voice, fiesty and fierce, may be doubled with CINDERELLA'S MOTHER
Non-singing |
| JACK | Jack's own mother expresses her fear that Jack may not be the brightest boy. The fact that Jack's best friend is the family cow, Milky White, further brings into question his intelligence. However, Jack may enter the woods as a simple boy, but he leaves much more grown-up. You'll want to cast an actor capable of this transition. In addition to having many lines, Jack is responsible for singing two of the best-loved songs, "I Guess This is Goodbye" and "Giants in the Sky." Therefore, he should be an excellent singer and a good actor. Further, it helps to have a young man whose voice has not yet changed, although the score allows for a changed voice. This is a role that could conceivably be played by a young woman; however, you will want to make sure she plays it as a boy and doesn't change the intended gender of the character.
A3 - D5 |
| JACK'S MOTHER | This woman is overworked, a bit frazzled, and overwhelmed with the tasks of raising a young boy, running a farm, and making ends meet. Jack's Mother is described physically as "not quite pretty" and should be comfortable playing frumpy. This is mainly an acting role and therefore requires an actress with an easily projected, authoritative voice.
C4 - C5 |
| LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD | Pushy, bratty, over-fed, and spoiled best describe this character at the opening of the show. Her journey teaches her some very important lessons regarding strangers and trust. Little Red must be able to be loud vocally (think Annie gone very bad) and an actress able to be all the above, and still draw the audience's sympathy.
Bb3 - C5 |
| MILKY WHITE | Good part for young child, moves well
Non-singing |
| MYSTERIOUS MAN | This role is all that the name implies. The role may be doubled by the Narrator, as on Broadway, or may be played by a different actor.
Non-singing |
| NARRATOR | This is the character who describes the action, but eventually gets involved...Generally, this role is doubled by the Mysterious Man.
G3 - B4 |
| RAPUNZEL | Rapunzel must stand up to her mother and eventually leave her for the world. The role requires an excellent high soprano voice.
C4 - A5 |
| RAPUNZEL'S/CINDERELLA'S PRINCE | Pompous, conceited, and self-absorbed are the best ways to describe these brothers. They should be able to carry themselves with confidence that defies the Richter scale. They also have a bit of sibling rivalry! Both should be good, solid singers.
Bb3 - Db5 |
| STEWARD | This servant to Cinderella's Prince is a nice featured role. A few lines, both sung and spoken, are a great place for an actor ready to gain some experience in an ensemble show.
C4 - D5 |
| WITCH | The Witch begins the show as ugly, old, extremely aggressive, sarcastic, and powerful. Ultimately, she sacrifices her power for beauty. The Witch should be mysterious and mischievous, and yet we learn that she is really only doing what she thought was best for her child. The Witch is perhaps the ultimate "character" role and should be played by an actress able to physically and vocally interpret the role.
Bb3 - C5 |
| WOLF | The Wolf can be played any number of ways. However, he should be properly slimy and a bit creepy. There is also no reason why the Wolf cannot be played by a young woman. This role may be doubled by one of the Princes.
C4 - C5
When are auditions and whatdo I/my child need if I/they would like to audition?
Auditions are August 9th & 10th from 5-8 pm at First Presbyterian Church in Downtown Tuscaloosa. A monologue lasting no longer than a minute and 16-24 bars of a song are required to audition. There is also an audition form (PDF available HERE) that can be filled out in advance and brought to auditions. **Please note that 3 copies are needed** Forms will also be available at auditions. If you will be out of town and unable to attend auditions in person, you may skype your audition on either night. All you need to do is contact me to set up an appointment.
The original Broadway production is available on DVD, and you can also purchase cd recordings of the original, revival, AND London casts. I have all three because I'm a geek like that. I highly recommend that you become familiar with the music if you are interested in a specific role. Callbacks will consist of reading and SINGING from the show.
I think that pretty much covers everything, but if you have any other questions, please don't hesitate to ask! And good gravy, can someone please tell me why my post is formatted like this? I can't for the life of me figure out how to change it....
ah well |
