“Sondheim Tribute Revue”

***** Those of you familiar with Theo Ubique Cabaret Theatre know that they had their start doing just that, “cabaret” musicals. In the small storefront on Glenwood, they would scale down musicals to make them fit in the space, with a few musicians and quality actors seeking to be found. Fred Anzevino was the mind that brought this enterprise into being and has watched it grow over the years. The move to Evanston was one of great magnitude in the theater community and since doing so, we have seen some marvelous productions exceeding our expectations.

Since the death of Stephen Sondheim, many companies have sought out ideas to bring his work to more audiences. Sondheim is my hero ( I love hs work and am happy to say that I was able to meet with him and found myself tongue-tied when the opportunity arose. His brilliance and his ability to make words fit into stories was always mind boggling to me, With his passing, his estate has been allowing companies to put together his music and Theo is one of those companies. The revue they are presenting now, directed by Anzevino with choreography by J. Alan and Jenna Schoppe is sort of a “going back to basics” evening of entertainment. It is definitely cabaret style, yet at the same time story-telling.

The selection of songs and the five quality performers that tell Sondheim’s story, also let go and talk about their own lives and the way that Sondheim’s music has changed their lives. I understand that 100% ( or more). I love everything Sondheim and in fact several of his songs have great meaning for both my wife and myself. As you watch this production you can see his growth and some of the changes in his life and the effect it had on his music. Sondheim was the music master/wordsmith for over 50 years and I can tell you that his music will live on for generations to come.

The musicals he wrote ( or was involved in) are ones that deal with every topic and a lot of love. From the opening number, a combination of “Company” and “Merrily We Roll Along” until the Finale ( from “Bounce” which became “Roadshow”) you will hear roughly 30 numbers from the Stephen Sondheim Songbook! Believe it or not, that is only the beginning. “Sunday In The Park With George”, “Follies”, “Company”, “Anyone Can Whistle”, “Passion”, ” A Little Night Music”, “Sweeny Todd”, Frogs”, “Into The Woods” and more!

This is indeed like going to a Broadway Concert with five amazing talents Elya Bottiger, Max De Togne, Ismael Garcia, Joe Giovannetti and Maliha Sayed. I am positive that their lives were influenced by the man and his music and when they tell their personal stories, you will see for yourself.

The music is supplied by musical director Carolyn Brady who is at the piano and takes a moment to give her thoughts about the master. The sound is perfect (Matthew R. Chase), the lighting ( maggie Fullilove-Nugent and Josiah Croegaert) perfect and the costumes (Bob S. Kuhn) quite fitting. I am a Sondheim person and I will more than likely go back and see this again. FYI- this show will be followed by “A Little Night Music” starting in May.

This is one that you should put on your “TO DO LIST” and then do it!

“Sondheim Tribute Revue will continue thru April 28th with performances as follows: