Side by Side by Sondheim - 2008
Side by Side by Sondheim
Opens July 18
A musical revue with songs by one of America’s best contemporary songwriters comes to the Theatre Guild stage this summer, opening July 18 and running through July 27. Stephen Sondheim’s songs are highlighted by seven singers in Side by Side by Sondheim, a show that has been called “a great thing in a small package.”
This musical revue was commissioned by singer Cleo Laine and her husband in 1975 as a fundraiser for their theater in England. The show ran for 59 performances, then transferred to London where it ran for 806 performances. The British cast traveled to America for a successful run on Broadway in 1977, where its entire cast was nominated for Tony Awards.
The show contains some popular and well-known Sondheim songs, as well as some lost songs, cut from musicals before they opened. Early in his career Sondheim wrote the lyrics for songs written by others, such as Leonard Bernstein (West Side Story) and Jule Styne (Gypsy), and selections from these shows (seen on the RTG stage) are also featured.
Sondheim wrote both music and lyrics for many shows, including A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Company, Follies, and A Little Night Music, which contains one of his best-known songs, “Send in the Clowns.” Popular shows by Sondheim that were written after this revue was created include Sweeney Todd, Sunday in the Park with George and Into the Woods.
The singers are accompanied by two pianos, and a narration runs throughout, introducing the songs. Side by Side by Sondheim will thrill audiences who love Sondheim and will reveal to others his vast talent as a songwriter. After opening with the rousing “Comedy Tonight,” the show continues with songs about love, marriage and life in a variety of musical styles. More than 30 songs are featured, with familiar titles like “Another Hundred People,” “Broadway Baby,” “Anyone Can Whistle,” “We’re Gonna Be All Right,” and “I’m Still Here.”
Side by Side by Sondheim opens July 18 and runs through July 27. Call the box office at 633-4218 to order tickets or for further information. This revue pays tribute to one talented composer with a cast of gifted musicians for the perfect summer entertainment.
From the Managing/Artistic Director - Doug Instenes
Join Us for Season 71!
Every year is a new thrill, as we close out one season and begin another. This year should be full of excitement, with three musicals and five comedies that will delight and mix in a bit of drama.
If you do not have season tickets, there is still time to sign up for five, six, seven or eight shows. And the Flex Pass is getting more popular, allowing you to select just the shows you want to see. Call the box office for further information, and we will set you up for Season 71.
You’ll love Side by Side by Sondheim, and I bet you’ll learn more about this tremendously talented composer and lyricist. It’s the perfect summer fare for our stage, with a taste of songs from many different musicals, showcased by seven singers and backed by two pianos. Don’t let the summer pass you by without seeing this great musical revue.
Often when we start something new, we think about the past. We note with sadness the loss of long-time RTG volunteer, Nick Maheras, who passed away in late June. He was seen on stage and on crews, and his photography was displayed in our lobby for cast and crew photos. Look for an article honoring Nick in our September Callboard.
We also said a reluctant farewell to Kurt Oian, our technical director for the past six years, who moved back to his native Texas. His work on our sets and his welcoming attitude with volunteers will be missed.
Our new technical director, Brian Morgan, joined us July 1. We welcome him and his talents and enthusiasm.
Come and see Side by Side by Sondheim this summer, and then join us for any or all of our upcoming plays for Season 71.
SIDE BY SIDE BY SONDHEIM
Music and Lyrics by Stephen Sondheim
music by Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rogers, Richard Rodgers, Jule Styne
Narrative by Ned Sherrin
CAST
Kathy Berg
Ryan Clark
Keith Hampton
Alexa Hujik
Dan Martino
Anne Mollerskov
Rita Torcaso
Greg Berg - Piano
Kate Potter-Barrow - Piano
Jane Livingston - Piano
CREW
Director ........................ Doug Instenes
Music Director ............. Greg Berg
Choreographer ............. Amy Falaschi
Scenic Design ............... Lizz Otto-Cramer
TD ............................... Kurt Oian & Brian Morgan
Stage Manager ............. Katie Kowbel
ASM ............................ Katy Pirtle
Light Design ................. Brian Schalk
Light Tech. .................. Cindy David
Costumes .................... Carol Forbes
Sound Technician ........ Eric Goodwin
Spotlights .................... Eric Guttenberg, Joe Vignieri
Makeup ...................... Nicole Monaghan