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Starring: Bernadette Peters, Chip Zien, Joanne Gleason, Ben Wright, Kim Crosby, Danielle Ferland, and Chuck Wagner. Watching this being performed on stage is so much better! I remember going to see this play with my good friend, Sarah Price, right before I graduated from BYU. I was bummed at the time, but this play made me laugh uncontrollably, which is just what I needed. I just rewatched the 1991 version of this musical, starring the hilarious Bernadette Peters. She is tremendous as the Witch. Her responses to her emotional daughter, Rapunzel, are clever, and she nearly steals the show with her powerful songs, particularly "It's the Last Midnight" and the wonderful "Children Will Listen". Peters is unbelievable!
The supporting cast was not had either. The Baker and his wife, played by Chip
Zien and Joanna Gleason respectively, were exceptional in their portrayal of
a happily married couple in their "It Takes Two" duet. Kim Crosby
is wonderful as the confused Cinderella. Danielle Ferland is
adorable as the innocent Little Red Riding Hood. Ben Wright is powerful in his "There Are Giants in the Sky" as he portrays the naïve Jack. Lastly, how could we forget the Prince Charmings, especially Rapunzel's Prince, played by Chuck Wagner. Wagner is uproarious as he tells of his "Agony":
Agony, far more painful than yours. To know that she'd go with you, if there only were doors.
The plot of this musical was a bit strange and unorthodox, but once you become adjusted to this unusual fairy tale, you absolutely loved these characters. They became real. You could identify with their personalities. James Lapine is a genius, and his writing style is very witty. These dialogues are cleverly written. Exceptional musical and good movie! :-)
©N. Kent Last Updated: February 5, 2008 mail Nicole Kent
