Sensational premiere: Into the Woods” delights in Osnabrück!

Sensational premiere: Into the Woods” delights in Osnabrück!

On October 10, 2025, the Osnabrück Institute for Music (IfM) celebrated the premiere of the musical “Into the Woods” by Stephen Sondheim. This production, directed by Sascha Wienhausen, marks the end of this year's musical year and brings a breath of fresh air into the theater landscape. From 7:30 p.m. to 10:30 p.m., the audience experienced the plectrum of the IfM on Caprivistr. 3 a piece that combines fairy tales with existential questions.

Wienhausen, who staged the musical in a chamber version 16 years ago, describes “Into the Woods” as an ideal work for students. It offers numerous great roles that give young talents the opportunity to develop. Particularly noteworthy is the impressive dancing strength of the classical students, which comes to the fore in this production.

The plot in brief

The story revolves around a baker and his wife who want to have a child. However, they have a neighbor, the witch, as their enemy, who has put a curse on them. To break this curse, they must obtain four essential ingredients for a magic potion, including a cow as white as milk, a red cape, yellow hair and a golden shoe. In the forest they meet well-known fairy tale characters such as Hans, Little Red Riding Hood, Rapunzel and Cinderella. But the plot takes a dramatic turn when a giant appears and causes new problems.

This new production brings with it a new ensemble, a fresh set design and many new insights through additional materials and interviews from Sondheim. The stage design is characterized by a sustainable approach and contains elements from the opera “Luisa Miller”, reflecting the connection between different art forms. The return of Milchweiß, the cow who appeared in the first production in 2009, is particularly charming.

Musical challenge

But it's not just the acting performances that are in focus. Musically, Sondheim's work requires precision, wit and quick thinking, as the songs are action-driven and the performers are challenged both emotionally and technically. The choreographer Andrew Chadwick has further developed the piece in close collaboration with Wienhausen and brings in his own experience.

Wienhausen's goal is to introduce a new generation of performers to this masterpiece. He sees it as essential to address the questions of coexistence and human responsibility. For Wienhausen, “Into the Woods” is more than just entertainment – ​​it is a contribution to reflection on one’s own existence and place in society.

Audiences can look forward to further performances on October 3rd, 4th, 5th, 10th, 11th, 12th, 17th and 18th. Performances take place on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 6:00 p.m. Admission begins 15 minutes beforehand and seat tickets can be booked from September 7th. Admission to the event is free, but tickets are in high demand, which underlines the great interest in this special production.

“Into the Woods” is a masterpiece that, thanks to the skillful production and the commitment of the students, becomes an impressive experience that not only makes you laugh, but also makes you think. If you haven't been there yet, you shouldn't miss this opportunity!

Further information about the event can be found on the website HS Osnabrück and culture spring.