**** Anyone who knows me, knows that I love the works of Stephen Sondheim. You also should know that ever since one of my writers, Mike Horn, found Oil Lamp Theater, I have been proud to attend almost every opening ( even during the Covid days, when they were quite creative in continuing their offerings). One would think that the combination of the two, Sondheim and Oil Lamp would be a sure *****, but, alas, it cannot be. Let’s put it this way. I loved the fact that they accepted the challenge of late in attempting musial productions. I love that Sondheim’s  “Side By Side By Sondheim: A Musical Entertainment “was selected, but there are a few problems that they need to work out.

The Oil Lamp is a very small storefront in Glenview and I am unsure of why they decided not to put microphones on their talent, but the single instrument on the stage of this production, a grand piano ( played by Amy J. Branahal,who is also the musical director) tended to overshadow some of the voices that graced the stage, making it a little difficult for the audience members sitting beyond row D ( let’s say 5th and back rows) to hear the clever lyrics that Sondheim created, which is the reason that this musical revue was created.

“Side By Side” is indeed just that, a musical revue filled with music of Sondheim with stories and background on the whys and wherefores. It has been around since 1976 so the songs contained within are from plays that were written before that time, which leads me to the question “Why have they not created a Side By Side Part Two?” It would make sense to do so with the musicals he created after that date ( quite a few truly good ones).

Meanwhile, let me get back to what Oil Lamp, under the direction and choreography of Christina Ramirez has done. The show has four performers, two men and two women. I have seen productions using 6, but knowing the size of the stage at Oil Lamp, four works , and with a few little changes here and there, the cleverness of Ramirez’ direction works well. While the casting is not perfect, I do have to tell you about tonight’s performance by Daria Koon, who was called upon to fill in for Alondra Rios, who was hit with Covid. Koon handles everything with style and grace and hit every note that Sondheim wrote. We were quite impressed with her being able to do all that she does and hope that this experience will show others just what type of solid talent she has.

The other female is Abbey Loria, who I recalled seeing in a musical at Citadel. Her range is the high notes and judging by her ability, she understands Sondheim. Tommy Wells, a newcomer to Oil Lamp is one of the two males and I wasn’t sure if he really “got” Sondheim. He definately needed to be miked, but did find his range with “Send In The Clowns”. The other male cast member, Jacob Alexander, who reminded me a lot of Chicago favorite, the late Bernie Yvon, is a terrific dancer, singer, comic and general talent. He is fun to watch and is truly a Sondheim lover.

What makes this show special? First of all, the music is Sondheim ( a little Leonard Bernstein, Mary Rodgers, Richard Rodgers and Jule Styne mixed if for good measure. Just think- “Anyone Can Whistle”, “Follies”, “Gypsy”, “Pacific Overtures”, “Seven Percent Solution”, ” A Little Night Music” and of course “Company” and these are only his early years. On the tech side of this sterling production, the set (Spencer Donovan) is simple, and never detracts from the words and music of the “master”.  Ellie Fey’s lighting is unique and Taylor Pfenning’s costumes are perfect. Leo Bassow’s props are simple but work and it appeared that there was ample time for costume changes and props movement, allowing this production to come in at 2 hours and15 minutes including one 15 minute intermission. Could  they have gone on longer? Of course they could! There is enough music in Sondheim’s library to do a show for days, and who knows, perhaps in time to come, there will be a Side By Side 2 or 3 or even 4. Let me know! I’ll but 2 tickets!

Meanwhile “Side By Side By Sondheim” will continue Thru – Sep 7th with performances as follows: