May 11, 2023 · 0 Comments
By Brian Lockhart
As a lyricist and composer, Stephen Sondheim is considered one of the most influential figures in 20th-century musical theatre.
His complex music and lyrics, with themes beyond traditional subjects, reinvented the American musical.
The South Simcoe Theatre is currently presenting a body of his work in the production Side By Side By Sondheim on their Cookstown stage.
The production is a Tony Award-winning musical that combines many of Sondheim’s works, including some well-known songs and other lesser-known pieces.
Music by Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers, and Jule Styne is included in the performance.
In total, the company sings 30 songs and medleys from Sondheim productions.
You will know many of the tunes from such productions as Follies, A Little Night Music, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, Anyone Can Whistle, and Pacific Overtures. Others you may not remember.
Cast members give a brief introduction before the pieces, often with a humorous twist, providing a little history of when the songs were introduced and their place in music history.
The cast is all seasoned veterans of the stage, having all appeared in South Simcoe Theatre productions and other stages around the province and beyond.
Cast members include Jessica Corner, Luis Garcia, Michelle Greig, Jenny Landry, Nancy Chapple Smokler, Walter Scott, and Valerie Thornton.
The production is directed by Scott Hurst, a veteran of 42 years in theatre.
Music director, Edwina Douglas, brings much experience to this production as a teacher and performer.
Behind the scenes is a full complement of theatre personnel contributing to the music, set design, lighting, and costume design.
The cast delivers a stellar musical performance that enchants and engages the audience and provides a few laughs.
Side By Side By Sondheim is on at The South Simcoe Theatre until May 21.
Performances are Thursday, Friday, and Saturday, at 8:00 p.m., with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday.
Visit online at www.thesouthsimcoetheatre.com for ticket information.