In times of upheaval, I lean on touchstones–works of art that have shaped me and the continue to be sources of inspiration, influence, and solace. It might be rereading a favorite novel, a cherished poem, a movie, or (especially often) a favorite album with a good pair of headphones.
The 1987 Stephen Sondheim/James Lapine musical Into the Woods isn’t my favorite Sondheim musical. That’s probably Sunday in the Park with George (1984) or Assassins (1990). Favorite is different than touchstone, just as “nice is different than good”, as Sondheim points out in Into the Woods.
For me, Into the Woods became a touchstone because the story connects so deeply to the fairy tales that are part of our collective creative well. The way Sondheim and Lapine craft an original story out of familiar pieces actually reminds me of the arranger’s art – imbuing a familiar work of art with your own artistic vision.
Into the Woods tells a remarkable story, and then tells it again. I’ve met many people over the years who thought that the musical would be better if it ended at intermission – the first act literally ends with “happy ever after.” But to me, Act II, when everyone deals with the consequences of getting their “ever after” is the more powerful – it deals with weightier issues and is darker, certainly, but it also gives you hope in the face of challenges, whether those challenges are an angry widowed giant or a global pandemic. And of course it ends with two revelatory songs – the iconic “Children Will Listen” but also the oft-overlooked “No More” which often reduces me to tears. In it, the Baker yearns for a room free from responsibility and disappointment – which the Mysterious Man offers, in the form of running away.
No more giants
“No More” by Stephen Sondheim
Waging war.
Can’t we just pursue out lives
With out children and our wives?
‘Till that happy day arrives,
How do you ignore
All the witches,
All the curses,
All the wolves, all the lies,
The false hopes, the goodbyes,
The reverses,
All the wondering what even worse is
Still in store?
All the children…
All the giants…
No more.
Touchstones often have a personal connection beyond the brilliance of the art itself. Into the Woods got a boost for me as a touchstone when our school produced in in a three-week summer marathon. The cast was filled with dear students, co-produced by me, music-directed by Mandy, and featured my beloved nephew starring as the Baker. It also marked the first stage crew appearance of my son Owen, then just six. It remains a passion and that production remains a touchstone.
As does the whole musical. The original Broadway cast recording can often be heard around our house, and it won’t be long before we have a family re-watch of the filmed live performance starring Bernadette Peters and the rest of the original cast.
Touchstones is an ongoing series of posts I’ll be writing during the COVID-19 season, reflecting on the works of art that support me in times of upheaval. I encourage you to make a list of your own “touchstones” and if you like, share them with me to publish here.