A boy can dream, can’t he? I’ve been mulling this thing in my high-foreheaded skull for years — though I’m sure I’m not the first person who’s thought of it, since any Sondheim freak dreams of seeing a perfect production of Follies, and the mysterious Uptown Theatre is one of those spaces that’s captured the… Read More My dream production: ‘Follies’ in the lobby of Chicago’s Uptown Theatre
When a cast recording is offered to review by Edge, I’m on it. My review, available on Edge.com, follows: Another Stephen Sondheim revue? Yeah, yeah, I know: the guy’s a genius, and we should be overjoyed he’s getting so much exposure due to this being the year of his 80th birthday. But the revue format… Read More New Edge.com review: ‘Sondheim on Sondheim’ cast recording
By itself, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, led by legendary Broadway conductor Paul Gemignani, playing Sondheim is something special. Add in multi Tony Award winners — and celebrated Sondheim interpreters — Patti LuPone, Audra McDonald, George Hearn and Michael Cerveris, and you have an evening made in musical theatre heaven. This concert, billed as A Little… Read More Summer stars shine bright — and briefly! — for Sondheim at Ravinia
On July 31st, those lucky Highland Parkers are in for a real treat. Musical theatre legend Stephen Sondheim has turned 80 this year, and to celebrate, Patti LuPone, George Hearn, Audra McDonald and Michael Cerveris — four of Broadway’s very brightest performers — will honor some of his iconic works at the Ravinia festival. This will… Read More The stars align for Ravinia’s ‘Sondheim: 80’ concert
To celebrate, some old Sondheim-related posts: ‘An Evening with Stephen Sondheim’ @ Harris Theatre Ravinia Sondheim memories “Follies” @ Actors Theatre Company Sondheim in the Park Theatre dork unleashed: Sondheim edition (Oh, and happy 62nd bday to Andrew Lloyd Webber.)
Stephen Sondheim speaks to a rapt Harris Theatre audience, while Gary Griffin listens. Photo credit: Chicago Tribune As the single greatest artist in the history of modern musical theatre, Sondheim could be the gruffest, most pompous person alive, and I would still pay to hear him speak. His body of work has simply been too… Read More ‘An Evening with Stephen Sondheim’ @ Harris Theatre
If you’re reading this blog, chances are you enjoy the theatre. And if you enjoy the theatre, there’s even a greater chance you revel in the work of Stephen Sondheim. So, why don’t you have tickets to see and hear him speak at Harris Theatre on Thursday, March 4 at 7:30 pm? Huh?? Go! Buy!… Read More What are you doing this Thursday?
I think that combination can get me through the snow today.
[Please note the disclaimer at the end of this post. Thank you.] The current Broadway revival of A Little Night Music, currently in previews at the Walter Kerr theatre, has a band of seven players. The original Broadway production, sumptuously scored by Tony-winner Jonathan Tunick, featured an orchestra at least three times that size. The… Read More An open complaint letter to Stephen Sondheim
Tomorrow I’m seeing Sunday in the Park with George at the Village Players Theatre in Oak Park. It’ll be a heck of a commute from the northern burbs, and with the way things have been going lately with the roads I might arrive with my eyes gouged out and half my hair missing. But, Sondheim!… Read More Sunday and Sondheim
What? Sondheim’s not dead? Sorry! Proverbial grave, then. me: btw: “Don’t you love farce” from Send in the Clowns sounds like “Don’t you love arse” Jamie: Don’t you love farts? me: My fault, I fear? Jamie: I thought that you’d smelt what I dealt.. sorry, my rear! I kill me me: Wow. Also – a… Read More Jamie and Bob make Sondheim roll in his grave
Next year, Stephen Sondheim’s turning 80, and in celebration, the Ravinia Festival is planning a gala concert, featuring Ravinia Sondheim interpreters Patti LuPone, Micheal Cerveris, Audra McDonald and George Hearn. (Neveryoumind that the cheapest tickets for the event are just shy of a grand. Obscene. However, I’ll weasel my way in somehow. I got connections.… Read More Ravinia Sondheim memories
Seriously. Stephen Sondheim’s Follies is playing not even a mile from me, and I didn’t even know it — until two hours ago! Luckily I found out before closing night. Yes, it looks community theatre, but very, very good community theatre, with an 18 piece orchestra that doesn’t suck! The woman playing Sally has a… Read More “Follies” in my backyard!
This weekend, I’m seeing Patti LuPone in Naperville, and then competing (!) in the Ravenswood Run, followed by one of two shows. Gang. I need your help. It’s either: Or: As my friend Steven pointed out, my predicament is ironic, since both shows competed for Best Musical in the 1975 Tony Awards (the year Steven… Read More Sondheim vs. Singular Sensations
Time Life has partnered with Google, allowing you to search their photo archive database. It’s a goldmine of iconic images, including this one: Gloria Swanson At Roxy Theater Actress Gloria Swanson, in Jean Louis sheath & $170,000 worth of jewels, standing amidst ruins, lamenting loss of Roxy motion picture theater. 50th St. and 7th Ave.… Read More All things, bright and beautiful
Chicago Theatre Addict 