Review: SIMPLY SONDHEIM, Signature Theatre

Photo credit: Christopher Mueller

By special arrangement with the man himself, the Tony award-winning Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia reopened its doors briefly in November to film Simply Sondheim; a love letter to the legendary composer/lyricist by means of a revue, showcasing the very best in his musical canon.

Signature has produced more of Sondheim’s work over the past three decades than any other theatre in the United States. So it was suitably apt that after being closed for eight months, this concert injected some life back into the venue – albeit temporarily.

Now streaming on Marquee TV, Simply Sondheim is nothing short of joyful. From the moment that the 15-piece orchestra – expertly conducted by Musical Director Jon Kalbfleisch – fire up for the overture, it is clear that the next 1 hour and 50 minutes will be just the tonic for any musical theatre fan – myself included. 

The show is brilliantly edited and has an air of supreme professionalism from the outset. Filmed entirely onstage at the stunning venue, Adam Honore’s lighting design is classically perfect for its format, with exceptional sound design by Ryan Hickey. 

The revue has an interesting structure whereby multiple songs from a show are occasionally clustered together but not consistently. In Act Two for instance, we jump from Follies to Bounce and back to Follies again. Although this didn’t feel particularly out of place, I couldn’t work out the intention behind it, meaning it was probably just a practical reason! What I did greatly appreciate, however, was the concert being bookended by the same musical number: the seamless merging of the title numbers from Merrily We Roll Along and Bounce.

A talented mix of Broadway and regular Signature performers make up the Simply Sondheim company, lovingly directed and choreographed by Matthew Gardiner. The headline performer, as it were, is the sensational Norm Lewis whom we are made to wait for until nearing the end of Act One, but it was more than worth the anticipation as his rendition of ‘Is This What You Call Love’ from Passion is utterly gripping. Although it is ‘Being Alive’ from Company that is the ultimate show-stealer, with Lewis’ powerful baritone taking the song to a whole new level.

With over thirty of Sondheim’s musical numbers performed, audiences are truly spoilt with this array of talent and selection of music. To pick only a few highlights is a travesty but notable moments on a personal level include: ‘Now/Later/Soon’ from A Little Night Music featuring Bobby Smith, Katie Mariko Murray and Nicholas McDonough, with all performances effortlessly working as one and with McDonough’s frustration particularly poignant during ‘Later’; Donna Migliacci performing Mrs Lovett’s lament in ‘The Worst Pies in London’ from (surprisingly) the only song presented from Sweeney Todd; and the stunning Solea Pfeiffer singing ‘Another Hundred People’ from Company, with Tracy Lynn Olivera’s fast paced, flawless performance of ‘Getting Married Today’ from the same musical.

Other highlights include Pfeiffer and Emily Skinner performing a powerful and clever merging of ‘Losing My Mind/Not A Day Goes By’ from Follies and Merrily We Roll Along respectively; followed by Skinner’s epic version of ‘The Ladies Who Lunch’ from Company.

We all know that Sondheim is a master song and wordsmith but this celebration solidifies the fact and thrusts it into the limelight. It is an absolute must-see for any fan of his work and musical theatre in general.

****’ Four and a half stars

Reviewed by: Jenny Ell

Simply Sondheim remains available to stream until 26 March. To book tickets, please click here.