popular media. Megan Gannon writes “Though the image of the broomstick stuck, early depictions in 15th- and 16th-century Europe show witches flying on a wide range of items, including stools, cupboards, wardrobes and two-pronged cooking forks, Zika said. But rarely are witches shown getting aloft on their own.” Charles Zika, a professor at the University of Melbourne, has written about witchcraft’s imagery. "It's not their own bodies that are propelling them. The explanation in the theological handbooks is that they are being supported by demons and devils that are holding them." This furthers the notion of an evil spirited areal creature, one that thrives off the poor misfortunes of others. Even in Into The Woods, the Witch dispels this stereotype. As she directs each member of the cast to gain their wishes, the rules are clearly stated. This is due to the good nature of the Witch, something opposite the traditional mold her character in Rapunzel. …show more content…
Writing for Michigan Live, theater critic Jen McKee says about the Ann Arbor iteration “and seeing Broadway veteran performer Grove (who's also Cooney's wife) as the Witch is a rare treat indeed. In her hands, a parent's well-meaning, loving folly – beautifully expressed in "Stay With Me" and "Witch's Lament" – is rendered all-too-painfully palpable.” Continuing her review, she also states “The baker's wife, at one point, sings, "You can't live in the woods." Perhaps. But right now, you can go into them for a couple of hours at Encore – and I highly, highly recommend that you do.” The role of the Witch remains similarly lively and relatable despite each interpretation. More so it carries over that quality because of way Into The Woods structures the character of the