First up: “Hello, Little Girl.” Have you ever heard a predator sound so charming? The Wolf (played with delicious menace) sings a jazzy, almost romantic ode to Red’s… well, her whole vibe. It’s playful, it’s sly, and it makes you realize that temptation often comes with a great melody. You’ll catch yourself humming it, and then you’ll laugh at how ridiculous that is. That’s the point—Sondheim makes danger sound like a carnival ride.
But here’s the kicker: Red isn’t just a victim. Her songs give her agency. She doesn’t just skip through the woods; she sings about her mission, her cape, and her grandmother. It’s a reminder that even when you’re carrying a basket of goodies, you’re the star of your own story. And isn’t that a fun way to face your Tuesday commute?
Red’s Transformation: From “Naïve” to “I Know What I Want”
Then comes the song “I Know Things Now.” After the wolf incident (spoiler: he eats her, but don’t worry, it gets fixed), Red sings about her newfound worldliness. She’s no longer the sweet little girl. She’s smarter, and she’s not afraid to say, “Nice is different than good.” Let that sink in. How often do we try to be “nice” when we should be good to ourselves?
The music shifts from lullaby-like to a brisk, almost Broadway belt. You can practically hear her confidence grow. It’s an anthem for anyone who has ever been burned and decided, “Okay, I’m learning from that.” You can’t help but nod along and think, Yeah, I’ve been there, Red. Teach me your ways.
A pleasant adventure ‘Into the Woods’ – Chicago Theater and Arts
