***** When it comes to Sondheim musicals, I love everything he has written. To me, he has always been the wordsmith that can make a mouthful of words, become a musical masterpiece. I have always loved ” A Little Night Music” with a book by Hugh Wheeler, suggested by a film by Ingmar Bergman (“Smiles of a Summer Night”), that follows the affairs and entanglements of one Desiree Armfeldt ( played to perfection by Colette Todd) an actress. I was a bit hesitant when they first announced the Theo Ubique Sondheim Season would include this one, only because of the uniqueness of Theo, a cabaret theater. This would be a difficult production to stage so “up close and personal”.The team assembled to bring this production to life in the cabaret theater located at 721 West Howard Street in Evanston allowed me to think that ” yes, it could work!”. The team was Walter Stearns as director, Eugene Dizon as Musical Director ( who also plays the keyboards and conducts) and Brenda Didier as choreographer. A winning combination for sure, and tonight, at the production’s opening, the proof was in the pudding ( an old saying, but one that proves noteworthy as they have assembled a perfect cast and have used the intimate space to perfection).
In addition to the brilliant Ms Todd as Desiree, they have Honey West ( great comic timing) taking on the role of Madame Armfeldt, her mother, Patrick Byrnes as her ex-lover, Fredrik Egerman, J Alan as Henrik Egerman, Chamaya Moody as Anne Egerman, Fredrik’s very young wife of less than a year, Tessa Newman as Fredrika, daughter of Desiree, Madison Kauffman as Petra,Mizha Lee Overn (ensemble), Michael Penick (ensemble), Peter Ruger (ensemble) and a couple of performers who bring great comic touches to their roles. Kevin Webb is a wonderful Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm and Maya Rowe is a perfect Charlotte. They are hysterical.
This is a story filled with love triangles like you have never seen before. Age and circumstances. Affairs that will bring laughter to your table. By the way, if you sit at table three, expect to be part of the show ( in a good way). Webb plays to that table in two or three of his scenes and does so with greatness. ( I am pretty sure both he and Rowe will be up for a Jeff Award for supporting actor in a musical).
For those new to this show, there are some rousing melodies and great lyrics by the master. “Remember” is always a fun song, “It Would Have Been Wonderful” has a comic touch to it and “The Miller’s Son” ( sung beautifully by Kauffman), “Liaisons” (West truly makes this hers) and of course, the number that went on to be a pop hit performed by a number of recording stars “Send In The Clowns” (Todd truly brought a tear to my eye with her rendition).
The production is close to 2 hours and 30 minutes with one 15 minute intermission, BUT you will find yourself so brought into the story, time will not matter. This is a show that you should put on your “to do” list, and actually do it!
As anyone who has been to Theo knows they are a cabaret theater with very little in the way of set or scenery. Angela Weber Miller is the scenic designer, Patrick Chan ( lighting) and Rick Sims (sound) made everything clear to see and hear. The costumes by Cindy Moon were cleverly done and the props were handled by Isa Noe. Many productions now acknowledge intimacy and violence directors and in this case both were done by Charlie Baker.
For all these years I have remarked how Theo finds young talent regularly. Bravo! This is cabaret style so many sit at tables and of course they offer libations and if you desire, you can include a dinner for an additional $33.00. The dinner comes from Estacion in Evanston. Check with box office as they must be pre-ordered.
A Little Night Music” will continue thru July 14th with performances as follows:Sun, Jun 2:6:00pm
Thursdays 7:30pm (except July 4th)
Fridays 7:30pm
Saturdays 7:30pm
Sundays 6:00pm
Price: $30-$59
Show Type: Musical
Box Office: 773-939-4101
To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “A Little Night Music”.
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