Into the Woods is Stephen Sondheim’s and James Lapine’s magical, musical masterpiece, where many of the familiar fairy tale characters (Little Red Riding Hood, Jack of Beanstalk fame, and Cinderella) - we thought we knew and loved so well - are confronted by life’s compelling realities. Combining the whimsy and generous humour of films such as The Princess Bride, and gothic Tim Burton-like shocks and surprises, the musical boasts a beautiful, soaring score, arguably amongst Sondheim’s best, and a profound and witty script. The musical has won numerous awards, including Tony Awards for Best Score and Best Book, and in recent years, Best Revival.

Into the Woods will be Westlake’s third Sondheim musical in eight years, during which they have enjoyed remarkable success in their joint annual school productions. In 2021, Socially Distanced Shakespeare won three Auckland Live Showdown Awards, including Best Play, Best Technical Design, and Best Direction. In 2019, the musical Les Miserables won six awards, including the Auckland Live Best Production Award, and the iTICKET Showdown People’s Choice Award. Previous to this, Westlake has produced Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd (four iTICKET Showdown Awards, including Best Musical and People’s Choice Awards), and Sondheim’s Assassins (five iTICKET Showdown Awards, including Best Musical and People’s Choice Awards).