Stars Behind the Scenes: Broadway Veterans in the Film Adaptation of Into the Woods

It's not uncommon for film adaptations of stage shows to feature performers with a strong theatre background. Director Rob Marshall recognized this principle and assembled an impressive cast for Into the Woods, which included numerous performers with extensive experience on Broadway and Off-Broadway. Below, we delve into the stage history of some key performers in the film.

Broadway Debutants and Veterans

Tammy Blanchard (Florinda)

Tammy Blanchard made her Broadway debut as Louise in the highly acclaimed 2003 musical Gypsy, starring Bernadette Peters. Her extensive Broadway and Off-Broadway credits include How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying (2011) and The Iceman Cometh (2018). Off-Broadway, she performed in various productions such as Dada Woof Papa Hot at Lincoln Center and the revival of Little Shop of Horrors opposite Jonathan Groff.

Christine Baranski: A Musical Theatre Icon

Cinderella’s Stepmother

Christine Baranski is a formidable presence in Into the Woods, embodying the role of Cinderella’s Stepmother. With a long and illustrious career in theatre, she has appeared in numerous Broadway productions, such as Hide and Seek (1980) and Boeing-Boeing (2008). Additionally, she has been part of more than a dozen Off-Broadway plays, including a memorable appearance in Hamlet (1972) and Regrets Only (2006).

James Corden: From the West End to the Great White Way

The Baker

James Corden's stage experience includes roles in the National Theatre of Great Britain's production of The History Boys (2006) and the West End production of One Man, Two Guvnors (2012). These roles have prepared him well for his performance in Into the Woods. Shannon, the Baker, has a substantial voice and stage presence that is matched in the film.

Frances de la Tour: Multiple Stage Roles

The Giant

Frances de la Tour has appeared in two different Broadway productions as the Giant: A Midsummer Night’s Dream (1971) and The History Boys (2006). Her extensive theatrical experience spans musicals such as Me and My Girl, Carousel, A Little Night Music, and more, showcasing her versatility as a stage actor.

Additional Broadway Stars

Anna Kendrick (Cinderella)

Cinderella only has one Broadway credit, the 1998 production of High Society, featuring songs by Cole Porter. Anna Kendrick's performance brings a fresh and vibrant energy to the character.

Billy Magnussen (Prince)

Billy Magnussen has appeared on Broadway in The Ritz (2007) and Vanya and Sonia and Masha and Spike (2012), a part he originated Off-Broadway. He also appeared Off-Broadway in Sex With Strangers (2014).

Joanna Riding (Cinderella’s Mother)

Though Joanna Riding has never appeared on Broadway, she has done plenty of theatre in her native United Kingdom, including roles in musicals like Me and My Girl, Carousel, A Little Night Music, Guys and Dolls, and The Umbrellas of Cherbourg.

Mackenzie Mauzy (Rapunzel)

Mackenzie Mauzy has appeared on Broadway in A Tale of Two Cities (2008) and Next to Normal as a replacement Natalie in 2010–2011. Off-Broadway, she was Lil Luz in Giant (2012).

Meryl Streep (The Witch)

Meryl Streep began her career with theater and appeared in five Broadway productions, including Trelawny of the "Wells" and Happy End through mid-1977. She also performed in Off-Broadway shows with The Public Theater.

Tracy Ullman (Jack’s Mother)

Tracy Ullman, known for her work on television, has also done extensive theatre. She appeared on Broadway in The Big Love (1991) and Off-Broadway as Katherine in the Shakespeare in the Park production of The Taming of the Shrew.