REVIEW: Into The Woods at Ad Astra

Stephen Sondheim and James Lapine’s Into the Woods takes its cue from the Brothers Grimm and brings their familiar characters we know and love into a joined quest of happily ever after.

Ad Astra’s latest production embraces the musical’s imagination with strong vocal performances and several moments of brilliance. Opening their freshly renovated Galaxy Theatre, the show’s magical atmosphere was a perfect debut in the new space.

Across the cast, the production’s greatest strength lies in its vocal performances. Sondheim’s music is notoriously challenging, and yet every performer handle the score with precision and emotional commitment. From ensemble numbers to intimate solos, the vocals carry the weight of the storytelling beautifully.

Image by Brit Mobbs

The live band on stage, led by Musical Director Ben Murray, adds richness to the experience. Though small in number, the band’s sound bought the Sondheim magic. I especially loved the playful delivery of “beans” and the joyful moments where the music literally builds props before our eyes into the stage action.

Tim Hill’s direction is imaginative and exciting. The action is alive, with creative staging choices that lets the audience slip into Sondheim’s densely lyrical storytelling. The staging of the Giant’s shadow is particularly effective with the striking design choice that creates real menace. Still, more dynamic voice work could have pushed the Giant into a more memorable presence.

The comedic beats, however, were a mixed bag. At times, the show leans too heavily into seriousness, undercutting the absurd humour that gives Into the Woods much of its charm. Some comedic moments didn’t emerge organically and could have benefited from a bit more shaping. Yet when a balance was struck, it was undeniably incredible.

Image by Brit Mobbs

The princes’ duet, “Agony,” is one of those standout moments, a personal favourite from the original show, and here it absolutely delivers. With perfect tone and impeccable comic timing, Jaya and Elliot Baker effortlessly capture us in one of the night’s highlights.

The cast as a whole have a great bounce and chemistry, supporting one another in weaving together this tangled fairytale. Audience members on my show night naturally warmed to different characters, which is part of the joy of seeing these classic tales reimagined. Some personal stand outs were Natasha Veselinovic as the Witch, who truely commanded the stage in the second act. Her performance carries the duality of menace and vulnerability that makes the Witch so compelling.

Carla Beard brought a punchy flair to Little Red Riding Hood, making the role feel sharp beyond a more childish reading. Chloe Rose Taylor is just a delight to watch, every time she appeared on stage, my attention was instantly on her. Her mix of sharp comedic timing and expressive physicality, especially as Grandma, had me laughing long after her scene finished.

With Ad Astra promising to deliver their biggest season yet in 2026, I am excited to explore the other theatre spaces and upcoming productions. Into the Woods is great evening of theatre, but make sure your plans allow for a late night! If not, you can catch a matinee where the cast are having a post-show Q & A on the 5th October.

4 Stars

There are still tickets left for Into the Woods that closes on the 18th October.

Grab tickets here.