By Lori Speiser.
Winter doldrums? Side by Side by Sondheim is a musical revue of songs with lyrics by Stephen Sondheim currently running at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson through March 18th.
Stephen Sondheim is a leading name in musical theater. He got his start writing most of the lyrics for West Side Story. A Little Night Music, Sweeney Todd, Company and A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum along with Into the Woods are a few of his contributions.
This production is back-to-back music without a plot, just a moving showcase of Sondheim songs directed by Christine Boehm. Singing their hearts out, the cast consists of four main singers: Emily Gates, Linda May, Ryan Nolan and Jack Seabury. It is quite impressive how between them they sing 30 songs throughout the show. On the stage with them is the band, with music director Jeffrey Hoffman on piano, Logan Friedman on bass and Don Larsen on percussion.
Also in the cast is Ana McCasland who is the narrator who explains background and context for the songs while providing enjoyable laughter with her comedic banter including interacting with the audience. She also has a great time singing I Never Do Anything Twice.
Highlights include You Gotta Get a Gimmick by Emily, Linda and Ron; Anyone Can Whistle by Jack and of course Send in the Clowns by Linda. Sondheim fans go and enjoy!
Running time: approximately 2hours, 10 minutes
Advisory: bawdy humor and inuendo.
Side By Side By Sondheim is playing at Theatre Three in Port Jefferson until March 18. For tickets call the box office at (631) 928-9100 or click here.