A Night At The Musicals has achieved a monumental task: condensing Stephen Sondheim's illustrious musical career into a two hour, non-stop musical experience.
Their updated version of 'Side By Side With Sondheim' differs from the original Broadway setlist and for the better; featuring tracks from his more modern shows, 'Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber Of Fleet Street' and 'Into The Woods'. But don't be concerned, there are still many familiar favourites from beloved shows like 'Company', 'A Little Night Music', and 'Sunday In the Park With George’.
Eleven incredible performers hit the stage and took the audience on a journey through the musical genius of Sondheim. It was lyrical tongue twisters and layered vocals galore. Each cast member intentionally paired with songs that showcased their ability to connect emotionally, or their skills in physical comedy. One minute you were laughing along and the next you were crying – but only happy tears.
The opening tune ‘Prelude’ was a medley and set the tone for the show, demonstrating the cast's incredible harmonisation and timing as their voices swept over the audience like a welcome blanket. Hearing snippets of recognisable tracks only made the audience eager for more.
A highlight of the night followed shortly with a trio of songs from 'Sweeney Todd', fronted by Erica Wild as Mrs. Lovett. Wild fully embraced Mrs. Lovett’s kookiness, and was totally bonkers, butt-scutching across the floor and pounding pie crust (playdough) with remarkable force. Backed by James Shaw as the titular Sweeney Todd, the pair cast a spell and lit up the room with laughter.
Closing out act one, Courtney Monsma, Australia’s own Glinda, performed a sensitive rendition of ‘Being Alive’ from 'Company'. Stood downstage, within reaching distance, her voice carried the song with meaning, and exploded in a crescendo. For what is already a deeply moving song, Monsma turned it up to another level.
Act two started off on a high with ‘You Gotta Get A Gimmick’ from 'Gypsy' and ‘Broadway Baby’ from 'Follies'. These songs certainly had “gimmicks” and they paid off wonderfully as raucous laughter erupted around the theatre. The direction was hilarious and the cast fully committed to their performances.
The following songs jumped back and forth between laugh-out-loud and tear-jerking, featuring the sarcastic ‘Little Things You Do Together’ followed by ‘Losing My Mind’ from 'Company'. And the surprises kept coming as Jordan Koulos performed an acoustic rendition of ‘Johanna’ from 'Sweeney Todd'.
The final number ‘Company/Old Friends’, perfectly encapsulated Sondheim's work of bringing people together with music and stories. This notion was so evident in the room and showcased the power of Sondheim's musical legacy. It was a treat to look at the stage and see the camaraderie formed within the A Night At The Musicals’ company, and the joy they brought to the audience. A Night At The Musicals has done a fantastic job of carrying on Sondheim’s legacy, and I can’t wait to see what they have coming next.
