Director Chris Coleman’s treatment of the Sondheim stalwart is a winner
Chris Coleman’s highly anticipated production of A Little Night Music delivers a striking version of the Stephen Sondheim and Hugh Wheeler masterpiece musical. Coleman, artistic director of DCPA Theatre Company and director of A Little Night Music, assembled a first-rate cast and a creative team that packs a commanding punch including everything from glorious vocals to jaw-dropping costumes.
Much has been written about the brilliance of Stephen Sondheim’s music and lyrics. A Little Night Music is no exception, being one of his most melodious pieces with beautiful stretches of gorgeous music and delightfully surprising lyrics that frame the production impressively. The book, by Hugh Wheeler, is crisp and filled with colorful characters and lively dialogue often bursting with sly humor and innuendos. Some may say that Sondheim is an acquired taste, and not for everyone, however, this production brings together all elements in a satisfying package.
Inspired by Ingmar Bergman’s 1955 film Smiles of a Summer Night, A Little Night Music is set in 1900 Sweden and follows the frisky lives of several turn-of-the-century couples as they dance in and out of relationships with their spouses and paramours. Desiree Armfeldt (Soara-Joye Ross), a renowned stage actress, and Fredrik Egerman (Edward Staudenmayer), a lawyer, are leading the playful pack reuniting for the first time in many years. It is quickly divulged that Frederik has recently married Anne (Sydney Chow) and is enduring a sexless marriage as the young virgin comes to grips with her newfound state of matrimony.
There are far too many intersecting storylines to lay them all out here. However, over the course of the musical, we are introduced to Desiree’s lover, Count Carl-Magnus Malcolm (Zachary James), and his wife Countess Charlotte Malcolm (Alexis Gordon) as they complicate the ensuing shenanigans. Taking care of Desiree’s young daughter Fredrika (Sydney D’Angelo/Sophia Dotson) is Desiree’s mother, Madame Armfeldt (Leslie Alexander), who dispenses mountains of sage advice for her daughter and granddaughter — gained from a long and outwardly fascinating life. We are also treated to Fredrik’s overly frustrated son, Henrik Egerman (Sam Primack), a seminary student, with his coming-of-age capers, involving Anne’s maid Petra (Cate Hayman).
Giving a commanding performance as Desiree, Ross lights up the stage at every turn. Perpetuating the stereotypical diva designation, she captures every moment both comedically and vocally. Her soulful rendition of “Send in the Clowns” is a highlight of the production and one worth waiting for later in the second act. Staudenmayer as Fredrik is a dashing leading man with the cohesive glue that binds together the occasionally confusing storyline. During a moment of high anxiety, Desiree and Fredrik contemplate their future together as they sink into the uproarious tune “You Must Meet My Wife” — brought to life by Ross and Staudenmayer with great enjoyment.
The entire cast is filled with first-rate actors and singers with standouts including Chow as the virgin bride Anne Egerman, Alexander as the beguiling Madame Armfeldt, Hayman as the rambunctious maid Petra, and Gordon as the conniving Countess Charlotte Malcolm.
Coleman has captured the buoyancy of A Little Night Music with great style. The script is not always easy to follow, but he manages to keep everything on track while weaving in and out of complicated storylines. The physical production is lush with breathtaking costumes by Kevin Copenhaver deserving special recognition. Angela Steiner, music director/conductor, leads an orchestra that captures Sondheim music with exquisite beauty.
A Little Night Music is a grand opening for the new season of DCPA Theatre Company. This production will appeal to all die-hard Sondheim fans and will make converts of those yet-to-be-convinced of his brilliance.
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