The Basics: SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM, music and lyrics by Stephen Sondheim, conceived and directed on Broadway by James Lapine, presented by MusicalFare at the MusicalFare Premiere Cabaret Stage, directed by Michael Gilbert-Wachowiak with musical direction by Theresa Quinn, starring Brittany Bassett-Baran, Kelly Copps, Phillip Farugia, Alex Anthony Garcia, Ricky Needham and Michele Marie Roberts. June 2-18, Friday-Saturday at 8pm, Sunday at 2pm. MusicalFare Premiere Cabaret, Damen College, 4380 Main St #123, Amherst, NY 14226. (716)839-8540 https://musicalfare.com/
Thumbnail Sketch: Sondheim on Sondheim is a musical revue, with selections from Stephen Sondheim’s work that are blended with archival footage and interview clips of Stephen Sondheim over the course of his 75 year career. The show features songs from his most famous works like Into the Woods, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street, Sunday in the Park with George, West Side Story, Company, A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum, as well as from his lesser known works including Anyone Can Whistle, Follies, A Little Night Music, Merrily We Roll Along, Passion and Assassins.
Runtime: 2 HOURS 45 MINUTES with one 15 minute intermission
THE PLAYERS, THE PLAY AND THE PRODUCTION:
If you are a fan of Stephen Sondheim, this is the show you want to see. Sondheim on Sondheim is a multimedia revue that smartly takes clips from archival interviews as well as interviews conducted for the show and weaves in songs from his works. Rather than present this as part of their Mainstage series, MusicalFare presents the show as part of their Cabaret series, which was a good decision, allowing for intimacy between the work, the cast and the audience.
The show itself is a carefully curated selection of Sondheim’s works. Each number that was selected for the production works well with the interview clip, both serving to supplement each other.
Director Michael Gilbert-Wachowiak selected a cast of some of Buffalo’s best names that many of us are familiar with from the Buffalo theatre scene. What is really great about this show is that every single player has their moment to shine. This cast poured their hearts and souls into this performance and loved every minute of it and when a cast of this caliber is able to do that, it’s nothing short of magical.
Sondheim’s orchestrations can often be complex and daunting but Theresa Quinn’s accompaniment on the piano was flawless. Missing from the show are Sondheim staples like Rose’s Turn, The Ladies Who Lunch, A Little Priest and many others and that’s because they don’t fit the narrative that’s being presented and that’s ok; the purpose of this show is to celebrate Sondheim by giving you a taste of his genius so that you are left wanting more.
Personal favorites from the show were The Wedding is Off, Now You Know, Fosca’s Entrance, Is This What You Call Love, Being Alive, Something Just Broke, The Gun Song, and Send in the Clowns. Fans of Sondheim will really enjoy this revue and it will serve as a great introduction for those who aren’t so familiar with Sondheim.
I would rate this show Four Buffalos. The cast does a brilliant job presenting the works of Stephen Sondheim, giving us a taste of his works and it leaves you wanting more.
*HERD OF BUFFALO (Notes on the Rating System)
ONE BUFFALO: This means trouble. A dreadful play, a highly flawed production, or both. Unless there is some really compelling reason for you to attend (i.e. you are the parent of someone who is in it), give this show a wide berth.
TWO BUFFALOS: Passable, but no great shakes. Either the production is pretty far off base, or the play itself is problematic. Unless you are the sort of person who’s happy just going to the theater, you might look around for something else.
THREE BUFFALOS: I still have my issues, but this is a pretty darn good night at the theater. If you don’t go in with huge expectations, you will probably be pleased.
FOUR BUFFALOS: Both the production and the play are of high caliber. If the genre/content are up your alley, I would make a real effort to attend.
FIVE BUFFALOS: Truly superb–a rare rating. Comedies that leave you weak with laughter, dramas that really touch the heart. Provided that this is the kind of show you like, you’d be a fool to miss it!
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