Interludes

This week, James Oritz’s The Woodsman opened at New World Stages after a successful run a few seasons back at 59E59 Theaters. Like Wicked, that inescapable mega-hit playing just down the block, The Woodsman is a prequel of sorts to The Wizard of Oz, telling the bittersweet tale of how the Tin Woodman came to lose his heart. But the two shows couldn’t be more different. Whereas Wicked has a tendency to be bloated and over-plotted, Mr. Oritz’s show comes in the form of a small, simple fable.

Directors Mr. Oritz and Claire Karen and their excellent design team and committed, multi-tasking cast have crafted a soulful and inspired piece of storytelling. They’ve kept the dialogue to a minimum, with a majority of the storytelling being accomplished through music (the lovely score is credited to Edward W. Hardy and Jen Loring), movement, and puppetry. Indeed, the show features some of the most beguiling puppetry this side of the work of recent MacArthur “genius grant” winner Basil Twist. Despite all the stage magic in display onstage, at 70 minutes, The Woodsman is unavoidably slight – but it’s just enough time to cast a thorough spell across the audience.

RECOMMENDED

THE WOODSMAN
Off-Broadway, Play
New World Stages
1 hour, 10 minutes (without an intermission)
Through May 29