Audiences are invited to step into the spellbinding world of Into the Woods, the Tony Award-winning Broadway musical by legendary composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim and acclaimed writer-director James Lapine, arriving at Her Majesty’s Theatre Adelaide from Saturday 22 August to Saturday 29 August 2026.
Directed by visionary Australian director Constantine Costi, Into the Woods intertwines beloved Brothers Grimm fairytale characters including Cinderella, Little Red Riding Hood, Jack and the Beanstalk, Rapunzel and others.
Audiences will also experience an original story of a Baker and his wife as they attempt to break a witch’s curse and start a family. For Costi, Into the Woods is a deeply human story which connects artists and audiences through the shared experience of live theatre and the opportunity for personal growth.
“It’s a very human exchange between the performers and audience, and I hope that people feel that euphoric rush that only live theatre can give you,” said Costi. “We’ve been exploring the idea of the woods and returning to nature. Forests can feel like places of danger and darkness, but they’re also places where people grow and learn through experience.”
Into the Woods is one of the most celebrated musicals of all time, promising a magical live theatrical experience that explores love, loss, family and the consequences of the choices we make. Since its debut in 1987, Sondheim’s unforgettable score and James Lapine’s story have continued to captivate and move audiences of all ages.
The production marks the return of former State Opera Children’s Chorus member Hugh Sheridan in the role of The Baker, alongside an all-South Australian cast including Johanna Allen as his wife. Sheridan describes The Baker as a “dream role”.
“The opportunity to play The Baker in this brand-new production of my favourite show in my hometown is a dream come true,” said Sheridan said. “Stephen Sondheim has become a family favourite ever since working with him on my very first musical. It’s going to be a highlight of Australian theatre, and I’m so honoured to be part of it”.
State Opera South Australia Executive Director Mark Taylor said that Into the Woods is playing alongside Hansel & Gretel marking a significant pairing as part of the company’s Golden Jubilee Season.
“The opportunity to present two fairy tales’ side-by-side in the same season is a rare occasion and major opportunity to reach new audiences as part of our fiftieth-year celebrations. We look forward to welcoming audiences to Her Majesty’s Theatre in August,” said Taylor.
The South Australian Minister for the Arts Kyam Maher said that the production of the Stephen Sondheim musical will platform South Australia’s local artists.
“Into the Woods showcases the talent of South Australian artists,while creating a world-class experience for audiences. The production also represents the bold vision of State Opera South Australia to create work that will lead the company into its next era,” said Minister Maher.
Director: Constantine Costi | Conductor: Anthony Hunt | Featuring: Hugh Sheridan, Johanna Allen, Jessica Dean, Eliza Brill Reed, Rosie Hosking, Nicholas Lester, Joey Haenen, Catherine Campbell, Eleanor Brasted, Michaela Burger, Nicholas Cannon, Andrew Crispe, Mark Oates, Millicent Brake, Gianna Guttilla, Rod Schultz, Jessica Mills, Savannah Gunn, Cherie Boogaart | Set & Costume Designer: Jonathon Oxlade | Lighting Designer: Bernie Tan-Hayes | Associate Director: Shannon Burns
Into the Woods
Her Majesty’s Theatre, 58 Grote Street, Adelaide
Season: 22 – 29 August 2026
Information and Bookings: www.stateopera.com.au
Image: Johanna Allen and Hugh Sheridan star in Into the Woods – photo by Kyahm Ross