Sure-footed foray ‘Into the Woods’

Over the years, certain critics have been put off by the deceptive simplicity of Stephen Sondheim’s “Into the Woods,” the Tony-winning musical in which a bevy of archetypal fairy-tale characters set out to seek bliss yet find something far darker. Others think the bittersweet yet life-affirming fable, which features a book by James Lapine, shows Sondheim at the peak of his craft.

Even if “Woods” seemed marginally callow when first produced in 1987 -- and that point is arguable -- there’s been a curious shift in its philosophic thrust over the years, particularly in the aftermath of 9/11. Before that juncture, those “giants in the sky” that rain destruction on the inhabitants of an unsuspecting kingdom seemed a distant memory of a forgotten childhood terror. Now they take on a symbolic significance that looms large.

Those who saw the disappointing pre-Broadway revival at the Ahmanson Theatre in 2002 will have a chance to experience a pristine production at the Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center. Presented by the Civic Light Opera of South Bay Cities, this “Woods” is crisply paced and articulate, never rushing the complicated rhythms of Sondheim’s alternately hilarious and heartbreaking lyrics.

Director/choreographer Glenn Casale addresses the daunting intricacies of the show with military precision. Working with handsome rental sets and costumes, beautifully lighted by lighting designer Pamila Gray, Casale has assembled a terrific cast that nails down every laugh in the show -- and even some that aren’t. Musical director/conductor Steven Smith adds more luster to this shimmering production. Many of the actors have honed their chops in previous productions. Mary Gordon Murray, who plays the Baker’s Wife with an earthy accessibility that is entirely appealing, replaced Tony-winner Joanna Gleason in the original Broadway run. Tracy Katz Paladini, who played Little Red Riding Hood in the national tour, delights as the resilient moppet who maintains a hilarious deadpan while coping with life’s vagaries.

As the Baker, Ira Denmark brings a sympathetic schlumpiness to a role too often portrayed as a taut neurotic. Rich-voiced and very funny, Gordon Goodman and Robert J. Townsend play their respective Princes with panache. Brooks Almy effortlessly splits sides as Jack’s Mother. And Yvette Cason, as the witch, has a fine voice and one of the best nefarious cackles in the business.

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‘Into the Woods’

Where: Redondo Beach Performing Arts Center, 1935 Manhattan Beach Blvd., Redondo Beach

When: 8 p.m. Tuesdays through Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 and 7 p.m. Sundays

Ends: May 15

Price: $37.50 to $52.50

Contact: (310) 372-4477

Running time: 2 hours, 50 minutes