On October 21, 2002, a concert of highlights from the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration was held at Lincoln Center's Avery Fisher hall. Barbara Cook joined the stars of the celebration for this one-night only event entitled "A Concert Spectacular of Musical Highlights Featuring Stars from the Kennedy Center Sondheim Celebration."
A Little Night Music Directed by Mark Brokaw
Merrily We Roll Along Directed by Christopher Ashley
Passion Directed by Eric Schaeffer
Sunday In The Park With George Directed by Eric Schaeffer
Sweeney Todd Directed by Christopher Ashley
Putting it together was done with tons of tv screens instead of cardboard cutouts, and it really really worked well.
Oh, but back to raul. His vocal quality, which I am familiar with from recordings...is very contemporary....SO i
THOUGHT!! the first act, he kept it very subdued, very classical, very understated...and during the second half,
he used his contemporary flavor that I was used to. The contrast worked PERFECTLY for his characters, and for
aiding the audience in following the time jump. His "day off" dogs were HILARIOUS. the boatman's dog had hints of
scooby doo, while the little yappy dog had a spanish accent. It was delightful. Like I said...I've never seen
anything more beautiful in my entire life. not EVER. Watching grown men cry...unable to do anything else
myself...it was amazing..and it was closing night. the entire cast was giving about 117% and it showed. I was
stunned. It was nothing short of miraculous...I cried almost all the way back to the hotel."
But back to Sweeney Todd...the woman playing Johanna didn't have QUITE strong enough a sopranno voice...some
of her high high notes were a little weak, BUT, her diction was impeccable, and I never lost a single word of the
quartet, not to mention that I found her interpretation of the character brilliant. It was directed as though the
Judge had not DONE anything to Johanna yet, that he only thought about it all the time...and, in that directorial
context, Johanna was played as a very naiive, not so bright, but very thoughtful YOUNG woman...which made
"kiss me" hilarious...because she was so committed to every single one of those ideas in the lyrics...it almost
hinted of "getting married today" and it worked!
But aside from the fact that we got caught in one of those lovely east coast thunder/rain (i.e. sheets of water)
storms on the way there (yes, BEFORE we got to one of the most prestigious theatrical institutions in the nation),
and were SOAKED. my shirt was ruined, my friend's shirt and tie were ruined, my shoes (my favorites) aren't doing
so hot, but I think they'll live, so we showed up at the Kennedy center looking like we jumped in a swimming pool,
and just to give you an idea of how wet we were...I was still wet when Sweeny Todd (not a short musical, as you
konw) was OVER. ;) I was pissed off at the time, but now it's just funny..."
Posted by Jenna May July 3, 2002.
So, it's late and we have to get some sleep. We'll be back to see the show tomorrow night.
Posted by Liz August 16, 2002
Yes, we did get to spend a little time with Douglas. It was great to see him again. And, we always say, he brings
us to the nicest places!
We're on our way home this morning.
Posted by Liz August 17, 2002.
A Concert Spectacular at Lincoln Center October 21, 2002
Ok, so I thought of a few more words than just wow.
There were some extraordinary performances and some not. And I do have a few quams, but overall it was a WOW. I would not have placed "Worst Pies in London" as the first song, Baranski did well enough in it but she
really hit her stride at the end of night with "By The Sea." They should have opened with " Now" "Later" "Soon" which followed "Worst Pies." Those three songs from Night Music were done beautifully. And it should be a
law that no one but John Dosset plays Fredrik Eggerman in any future production of a Little Night Music, he was born to play that role. Douglas Sills was extraordinary too, especially in "A Weekend In The Country" with Randy Graf, who's rendition of "Every Day a Little Death" was close to definitive. I would say that about John Barrowman too. Kelly is right he nailed it! Other stand-outs were Mellisa Errico doing "Sunday In The Park With George" with Esparaza, and Marcy Harriells' "Another Hundred People." I'd also add Raul Epsraza in "Franklin Shepard, Inc." But when Barbara Cook came on it was pretty clear who the diva was! Just incredible with that orchestra behind her on "Losing My Mind." When they had the entire cast do "Sunday" to close the night I had chills! It was just too good! Just so powerful! And when Sondheim came out he looked about as pleased as can be!
Posted by Bruce October 22, 2002
From May 10 to September 8, 2002, the Kennedy Center celebrated the works of Stephen Sondheim by presenting 6 of his shows in repertory fashion. This unprecedented event is now theatrical history. Tickets went on sale February 11, 2002, and broke box office records at Kennedy Center. In addition to the shows, Barbara Cook brought her Mostly Sondheim concert to Washington, D.C. from June 5-16 and August 14-18, and Mandy Patinkin had one as well(June 18-30.)Also offered up, was an interview with Stephen Sondheim conducted by Frank Rich, entitled Sondheim on Sondheim on April 28,2002. During the course of the celebration several panel discussions and lectures were held as well. The festivities were also enhanced by an all Japanese production of Pacific Ovetures
which
ran from September 3-8,2002 and a mounting of Into The Woods Jr. which was held on May 3-12 2002.
Company Directed by Sean Mathias
Cast:
Susan-Christy Baron
Bobby-John Barrowman
Paul-Matt Bogart
Sarah-Keira Naughton
Joanne-Lynn Redgrave
Amy-Alice Ripley
Jenny-Emily Skinner
David-Marc Vietor
Marta-.Marcy Harriell
Katherine-Elizabeth Zins
April-Kim Director
Larry- Walter Charles
Harry-David Pittu
(Ran from May 17-June 29, 2002)
Cast
Madame Armfeldt-Barbara Bryne
Petra-Natascia Diaz
Charlotte-Randy Graff
Henrik-Danny Gurwin
Desiree-Blair Brown
Anne Egerman-Sarah Uriate Berry
Fredrika-Kristen Bell
Carl Magnus-Douglas Sills
Mrs. Norstrom-Anna Bergman
Mrs. Anderson-Siobhan Kolker
Mala-Terri Allen
(Ran from August 2-25,2002)
Cast
Charley-Raul Esparza
Mary-Miriam Shor
Gussie-Emily Skinner
Joe-Adam Heller
Franklin-Michel Hayden
Beth-Anastasia Barzee
(Ran from July 12 -August 24,2002)
Cast
Fosca-Judy Kuhn
Clara-Rebecca Luker
Dr. Tambourri-Philip Goodwin
Giorgio-Michael Cerveris
Barri-Lawrence Redmond
Torasso-Daniel Felton
Rizzolli-Michael L. Forrest
Ludovic- Ty Hreben
Mother-Teresa Reid
Father-Stephen Schmidt
Mistress-Tracy Lynn Olivera
Lombardi-Bob McDonald
(Ran from July 19-August 23, 2002)
Cast
Dot- Melissa Errico
George-Raul Esparza
Nurse-Donna Migliaccio
Yvonne-Florence Lacey
Franz-Jason Gilbert
Frieda.-Amy McWilliams
Celeste I-Tracy Lynn Olivera
Celeste II-Sherri Edelen
Boatman-Michel Forrest
Louis-Bob McDonald
(From May 31-June 28, 2002)
Cast
Mrs. Lovett-Christine Baranski
Sweeney Todd-Brian Stokes Mitchell
Beggar Woma-Mary Beth Peil
Anthony Hope- Hugh Panaro
Judge Turpin-Walter Charles
Johanna -Celia Keenan-Bolger
Tobias-Mark Price
Pirelli-Kevin Ligon
Beadle-Ray Friedeck
(Ran FromMay 10 -June 30, 2002)
" Sunday...God, it was incredible. The set...when the curtain went up, was a draped white backdrop, and bits
and pieces of the painting on Canvases sitting on easles. People would pick them up and move them, him moving
the tree was great...the soldier was only partially colored, from the waist up...everything looked sort of
unfinished. It was wonderful. So just as I was buying into this minimalistic approach, it's time for the Act I finale.
and all the canvases disappear...and the real set flies in. Tree by tree, the real dogs, the monkey, the little girl
that's not louise....it was breathtaking...I thought nothing of the white backdrop because everything else was so
incredibly beautiful. THEN...Georges goes to the backdrop and tears it down, to reveal the background of the
painting...I was bawling...as were, may I add, the four very-personal space conscious- grown men sitting in front
of me. Raul was great, so was Dot. She had a sparkling voice, and it was fantastic. The closest thing to perfect
theatre I may ever see. My ONLY criticism is that during "color and light" they had Dot in the bathtub, which, I
thought, took away from that lovely tableau where she is "woman powdering." but the bathtub (in its defense)
was a lot of fun...she splashed water everywhere, played with the bubbles during the part about the follies..it was
great.
Company
"Barrowman was good. I liked him, I thought he was contemplative and sensitive, yet independent enough for the
role...he didn't QUITE have the comic timing down on a few of the scenes, but he did well...he has a good, strong
voice. It's very contemporary, but that seemed to work just fine, since Company is relatively contemporary in its
setting. The set and costumes were simply wonderful. The costumes were all neutrals, black, and white. Bobby
had a blue shirt, but everything else was neutrals...the set was forced perspective, the proscenium was framed
with "buildings." in other words, it looked as though you were standing atop a skyscraper looking down, yet there
were balcony-esque entrances from the sides of the "buildings" which shook me, but it worked!! it was really
genius. the biggest surprise of the evening, however, was the caliber of performance offered by "Emily and Alice."
I've often thought both of them too cheesey for my tastes, but Emily was wonderfully ground as...oooh, Jenny, I
think (the pot scene wife) and Alice was SUPERB as Amy, bringing the HOUSE DOWN with her rendition of Getting
married today (funniest inside director joke...the operatic wedding woman was Emily singing in falsetto...I don't
know how many people got it...but I thought it was appropriately hilarious...making sure they had a "duet"). Other
than that...Lynn Redgrave was good, though her voice isn't terribly strong...she was in tune...but you know what
I mean...not a belter. She was very intriguing, however, and had a FABULOUS couple costumes."
Sweeney Todd
"Christine Baranski was a jewel. She was one of those actresses that just radiates. She absolutely lit up that
stage..dare I say, I liked just as well...almost more than Angela Lansbury. But they're certainly tied, and you know
how hard it is to get me to break on that. She was wonderfully grounded and deliciously selfish in all of her
motives. It was really fascinating to watch. And her comic timing is to die for, of course (no pun intended). I just
can't even begin to touch her performance...it was absolutely stunning. Brian Stokes Mitchell, of course, brought
the house down with his voice. The applause that followed 'Epiphany' lasted FOREVER. And Ms. Baranski's bow
was one of the most heartfelt and gracious I've ever seen. She was delightful in every way. The set was
gargantuan...scaffolding everywhere, entrances all over the place, and what was really interesting was that the
chorus was always milling about...there were rarely moments when the main characters were alone for an entire
scene. yeah, they'd be alone for their songs and the like, but there was always movement in the background,
which brought out the 'rats in the streets' metaphor really well. Ohhh!!! and the most exciting thing...well, you all
know that "like a perfect machine he planned" was actually going to be "like a fucking machine..." but no one ever
does it...GUESS WHAT??? I was so thrilled...they changed that lyric and I almost fell out of my chair. It was so
cool. ;) Oh, by the way, that reminds me of a lyric change in Company that I HATED. during "the little things.."
Joanne said "it's not so hard to be married..." and instead of "and jesus christ is it fun" she said "and boy oh boy is
it fun." It took all the luster out of that lyric, it really did, and I didn't think it agreed with her character either.
A little Night Music
Hello from Washington, D.C.! I LOVED A Little Night Music. It was so much fun. All the performances are very
strong, particularly Randy Graff, who has some of the best lines I have ever heard. Her delivery is just delicious!
And yes, that guy I traveled to see (Mr. Sills) was so funny, twitching with nerves worrying about his mistress
cheating on him. I was a little surprised about what happened to poor Grandmother at the end. Whoa! I loved Grandmother.
I thought Blair Brown was very good. For a non-singer, she handled the songs very well. She was better Thursday
night than Friday night, however. Our favorites in the cast were John Dossett and Danny Gurwin (and Randy Graf,
of course). He's just so sweet in this part. Douglas is having great fun with this and his expressions are wicked.
The scenes between Carl-Magnus and Charlotte are worth the price of admission. She obviously has the best lines
but he matches her with the best expressions! I really enjoyed it and was glad we were able to see it twice so we
didn't miss a thing. The first time, let's face it, I was trying to follow the story. The second time, it all fell into
place and I could concentrate on the performances more. All in all, great fun.
veiw program
songlist
Have you recovered from last night yet? After four hours of sleep, I'm up to get ready for work. All I can say about last night's concert at Lincoln Center is WOW! I think it was so outstanding because, with the exception of Barbara Cook (who is awesome!), every one on stage had just performed his role so rather than just singing each song out of context, they acted each song. And this was obviously not your typical theatre audience. This was a crowd of people who were there because they LOVE Sondheim's music. The roar from that crowd after some of these performances was amazing! It must have been quite a rush for those on stage. I was blown away by Raul Esparza, someone I've never seen perform before, and I'm now even more anxious to see that cast of Assassins. Whoa! Loved John Barrowman's emotional reaction at the end of "Being Alive". He looked like he was thinking, "Yeah! I nailed that!" Kel said, "He did!" Her opinion? John Barrowman just has to stand there and "be hot" as she said but "then he opens his mouth!" Also was exciting to see Mr. Sills again on that beautiful stage. During "Sunday", he looked like he was so enjoying himself, even closing his eyes. Loved when he pumped his fist to lead cheers for Mr. Sondheim, who looked overwhelmed by the reaction from the audience. All in all, a spectacular night.
Posted by Liz October 22, 2002
Just barely! WOW pretty much sums it up.It was more than just a concert, it was very exciting.It was an
occasion, an event, like witnessing history. It was very smart to have the orchestra on stage and switch
conductors like that. Also it was nice to have that man from the Kennedy Center start off the evening with that speech abot the celebration. Like anything associated with Sondheim the evening was pure class. They were all beautifully
dressed, and Avery Fisher Hall was lovely. You're right, it was like watching a series of mini-plays. Just
extraordinary. Those wonderful songs take on their own life out of context. I was just floored by the variety, and majesty of his work once more. When you see it displayed that way you can't help but awe at Sondheim's genius, from the simple strains of "Not While I'm Around" to the complex harmonies of "A Weekend in The Country."
