Script Updates

Ira just got the licensed script of Woods from MTI. The scripts given to the production team was a copy of the published version of the Original Broadway Production. The director's notes on the changes and his initial reactions are below:

1. A lot of the "magic" is gone from act one. For example, the Witch no longer "levitates" on page 14 and instead of her "appearing from nowhere" on page 45, she "drops from a tree." I think we should keep exploring the magic. I'm sure that they were changed to accommodate most production limitations of companies producing the show, but I think we can still have "magic." What that means is up to us, but we should further discuss.
2. There are a few staging things that are different. I don't plan on following the stage directions to a tee anyway, so these differences are no important.
3. There are subtle word differences. For example, on page 7, Little Red says, "Please..." after "...a few of those pies..." and on page 13, the Witch says "also hidden in his pocket..." not "also hid in his pocket." As you can see, not too important during the pre-production stage.

Alternate Songs (licensed by MTI and at the production's discretion)

1. "Hello, Little Girl" - This version involves TWO wolves. While one wolf is singing to Little Red, THREE LITTLE PIGS enter and are followed by a second wolf. The wolves sing about their respective prey. WE WILL NOT BE USING THIS VERSION OF THE SONG. Please continue to use the version on pgs. 24-26 in your script.

2. "Our Little World" - This is a song that is sung between the Witch and Rapunzel. It appears in your script on page 31 after the Witch tells Rapunzel to let down the hair...I am going to say MAYBE on this song. I reserve the right to add it because 1) I want to flush out the concept more with the designers, 2) I want/need to discuss this with the Music Director before a final decision is made and 3) depending on casting, I may want to give Rapunzel another song (if, for example, Rapunzel is played by an MFA). THIS BEING SAID, "Our Little World" does end with the Witch "climbing" Rapunzel's hair/tower. That is something to keep in mind during the initial planning/design stages as a realistic possibility.

3. An Alternate Ending for "On the Steps of the Palace" - This ending brings Little Red and Jack into the song at the end. I like it because it connects the stories of Little Red and Cinderella. Plus, I think it's visually and vocally interesting. This DOES NOT change any design elements. I will have to confer with the MD before I decide to officially use this, but I am leaning toward it.

4. Alternate version of "Last Midnight" - I never knew that this existed, but I love it...In this version of the song, the Witch has somehow taken the baby before she starts to sing. She sings the song as a lullaby, and as it grows in intensity, it gets more ominous. They fear that she is going to take the baby like she did with Rapunzel, but she doesn't. She gives him back and it's very powerful. I love what it does to the Witch's journey. Here are the new lyrics (so you can compare with the version found on pgs. 120-122 of your script) with the stage directions as written:

WITCH:
(Unbeknownst to the GROUP, the WITCH has taken the baby; to the BABY as in lullaby)
It's the last midnight,
It's the last wish,
It's the last midnight,
Soon it will be boom-
(Touches the BABY'S nose gently.)
Squish!
(To the OTHERS)
Told a little lie,
Stole a little gold,
Broke a little vow,
Did you?
Had to get your prince,
Had to get you cow,
Have to get your wish,
Doesn't matter how-
Anyway it doesn't matter now.
(Back to the BABY)
It's the last midnight,
It's the boom-
Splat!
Nothing but a vast midnight,
Everybody smashed flat!
Nothing you can do...
Not exactly ture:
You could always give her the boy...

CINDERELLA:
No!

(THEY protect JACK as she reaches for him; back to the BABY)

WITCH:
No?
No, of course what really matters
Is the blame,
Someone they can blame.
Fine, if that the thing they enjoy,
Placing the blame.
(Back to the GROUP)
If that's the aim,
Give me the blame -
Just give me the boy.

LITTLE RED RIDINGHOOD:
No!

WITCH:
(To BABY)
No...
You're so pure,
But stay here,
And in time
You'll mature.
And grow up
To be them,
So let's fly
You and I,
Far away.

BAKER:
(As HE tries to get the BABY)
Please!

WITCH:
(to the BABY as she moves from the BAKER)
I'm the hitch-
I'm what no one believes,
I'm the Witch.
They're all liars and thieves,
Like your father
Just like you will be, too -
Oh, why bother?
They'll just do what they do.
It's the last midnight
(SHE kisses the BABY)
So goodbye all.
(SHE returns the BABY to the BAKER)
Coming at you fast, midnight -
Soon you'll see the sky fall.
Here, you want a bean!
(Throws a bean at HIM)
Have another bean!
(Throws another bean)
Beans were made for making you rich!
(Throws two beans)
Plant them as they soar
(Throws another bean. The OTHERS scramble around, picking up the beans.)
Here, you want some more?
(Throws a shower of them)
Listen to the roar:
Giants by the score - !
Oh well, you can blame another witch.
It's the last midnight,
It's the last verse.
(SHE pops a bean into her mouth.)
Now before it's past midnight,
I'm leaving you my last curse:
(Pops another)
I'm leaving you alone,
(Midnight chimes begin)
Squirming in the mess that you've made.
Fix it on your own.
Time fore me to go, I'm afraid.
Back to what I know
(SHE reveals an arm)
Back to long ago,
Safe inside the world that I'm from.
Better ugly and spurned
(Removes hair)
With my powers returned
(The final stroke of midnight is heard; SHE cocks an ear.)
And I fear
(Throws hair)
Midnight's here.
(Smiles brightly.)
Time to disappear.
(Raises her arms; Thunder and lightning)
Mother here I
(Scream)
Come!
(Disappears, Long Beat. ALL slowly rise.)