There was plenty of that to go around throughout the Upper Delaware River region last week, and prolific composer and lyricist Stephen Sondheim wrote a Broadway musical of that name back in 1977, which, as it turns out, was inspired by the Ingmar Bergman film (who knew?) “Smiles of a Summer Night.” Ten years later, Sondheim wrote “Into The Woods,” based on the works of the Brothers Grimm. Once again, Sondheim wrote both music and lyrics, with a script written by James Lapine, and once again, The Forestburgh Playhouse (www.fbplayhouse.org) has mounted a beautiful show, now playing.

So here’s the deal. Back in the day, I saw it on Broadway starring my second favorite actress of all time: Bernadette Peters. Who’s the first you ask? All the rest. I don’t care for Peters and the never-ending weeping that she manages to slip in to every performance. That said, I went into this latest incarnation with reservations. As it turns out, I still don’t love the show, but I did love this production, so my response was mixed—in favor of the FP. Without doubt, Mr. Sondheim is a genius and he is responsible for some of my favorite evenings of theatre, including “A Funny Thing happened on the Way to the Forum,” “A Little Night Music,” and my all-time favorite musical, “Gypsy.” On the flip side, he is responsible for “Sweeney (argh) Todd,” “Pacific (oy) Overtures,” and (ick) “Sunday in the Park with George,” starring the weeper, which won a freakin’ Pulitzer Prize, so what the hell do I know?

“Into the Woods” is no Disney-esque version of the beloved characters, which include Rapunzel, Cinderella, Jack (and the proverbial beanstalk), Little Red Riding Hood and a host of other familiar faces, including Snow White and a variety of princes, witches and all. In fact, this version is far closer to the original Grimm stories, and happy endings are hard to come by. The enormous cast is really fantastic, and their voices are more than up to the task, which is no mean feat, since it’s Sondheim at his most (IMHO) oblique. No two ways about it, this show is tough to pull off. But they do, which impressed me beyond measure. This is one of those times when I have to take myself out of the equation and recommend the show based on its considerable merits. So buy a ticket, see the show and get back to me. I’m more interested in your opinion than my own. Really.

Then I went to Callicoon (www.delawar eyouthcenter.org), where soothing music filled the air and crystals illuminated the room as the second annual Spirit Quest Expo got underway. It featuerd Tarot card readings, pet aromatherapy (Dharma liked that!), aura photography, energy healers and a host of other spiritual endeavors. The brainchild of Brenda Seldin, the expo appeared to have something for everyone, and judging by the attendance, was a great success. I had the opportunity to chat with Logan McReynolds (www.or gonemachine.com), whose exploration of energy work in relation to crystals was fascinating, yet a little over my head (like the musical), so I need to investigate further. I must say, though, that I felt a certain vibe just being surrounded by the energy that these folks bring with them. Dharma was so relaxed, that I had to convince her to head out later that same day in search of more night music, this time provided by the Grateful Dead—sort of.

In fact, the evening at Bethel Woods (www.bethelwoodscenter.org) was titled the “Jerry Garcia Symphonic Celebration featuring Warren Haynes” (of The Allman Brothers Band), and was backed by the Hudson Valley Philharmonic, making for a magical evening under the stars. Garcia/Dead tunes like “Terrapin Station,” “Bird Song,” “Crazy Fingers,” and “Shakedown Street” took on a new vibe with the orchestra backing Haynes and company, and the orchestral effect was amazing. More than one asked me if Dharma was real (C’mon folks! I’m a grown man!) because she was literally limp in her seat, head lolling to the side, as the sound washed over the crowd. We swayed together, digging the groove, reminding me of why the Grateful Dead influenced multiple generations with its unique, eclectic style fusing elements of country, folk, bluegrass, reggae, rock and improvisational jazz. “Their music,” writes Lenny Kaye, “touches on ground that most other groups don’t even know exists.” (www.wikipedia.com). There were other stops, including a visit with the kids in the summer program at the youth center in Callicoon, who visited with the Wonder Dog and learned all about how she helps me get through each day, including listening to a little night music along the way.

Fingers crossed, the skies will clear in time for the Perseid Meteor Shower (August 11 and 12), which promises to be epic. I’ll keep you posted.