One of the reasons Stephen Sondheim is so revered in the world of musical theater is that each time you hear one of his songs, either within the context of the shows, or separated from the character and plot, you can discover something new.
Kelly Pekar, center, and the cast of "Sondheim on Sondheim" at freeFall Theatre. STEVEN LE PHOTO/FREEFALL THEATRE
And there’s a lot to discover and appreciate in freeFall Theatre’s mostly charming production of “Sondheim on Sondheim,” a sort of entertaining and instructional overview of his career. It even acknowledges his high ranking in the musical theater world with a clever new song called “God,” in which the cast members sing about how challenging, complex and inspiring his work is.
Ann Morrison, a veteran of Stephen Sondheim's "Merrily We Roll Along" on Broadway, is singing his songs again at freeFall Theatre in "Sondheim on Sondheim." STEVEN LE PHOTO/FREEFALL THEATRE
The revue, conceived and originally directed by James Lapine and based on a concept by David Kernan (who also created the 1976 hit “Side by Side by Sondheim"), features Sondheim himself in video interviews talking about the creation of some of his songs and shows, efforts to turn problem work into a hit, his troubled family history and deep connection with Oscar Hammerstein II, and his favorite writing style (lying on the couch with a special pencil and a yellow legal writing pad).
His comments provide lead-ins to more than three dozen songs by a cast of eight singers, with something from every show (except “Pacific Overtures"). You get to hear growth, maturity, joy and sorrow all combining in an eclectic collection of songs under the smooth direction of Chris Crawford.
Among the cast is Ann Morrison, who made her Broadway debut in 1981 in one of Sondheim’s few flops, “Merrily We Roll Along,” which also features one of his most vibrant scores. And there she is 35 years later, once again singing “Now You Know” from “Merrily” about lessons learned from bad experiences, along with other songs that she performs with her vibrant voice and a sense of intelligence. Morrison is always connected to the lyrics and the stories created around the songs. She gets the loss and desire of “In Buddy’s Eyes” and the haunting quality of “Beautiful” from “Sunday in the Park with George.”
Larry Alexander, left, and Eric Davis perform in "Sondheim on Sondheim" at freeFall Theatre. STEVEN LE PHOTO/FREEFALL THEATRE
At one point, there’s a photo of Morrison with her “Merrily” co-stars beaming down from one of the video monitors. The impressive videos were created by Peter Flaherty, with some additional work by freeFall founder and artistic director Eric Davis, who also is one of the standout performers, along with Morrison and Larry Alexander.
Hearing Davis sing “Epiphany” as the murderous barber Sweeney Todd made me look forward to seeing him play the role. He’s also wonderful contemplative in “Finishing the Hat.” Alexander is strong throughout the show, but particularly in “Good Thing Going” and his powerful “Being Alive.”
Eric Davis, artistic director and founder of freeFall Theatre, sings "Finishing the Hat" in "Sondheim on Sondheim" at freeFall Theatre. STEVEN LE PHOTO/FREEFALL THEATRE
The others, including Kissy Simmons, Nick Lerew, Nick Fitzer, Kelly Pekar and Amy Marie Stewart, each bring pleasing voices but they don’t always connect to the words and pictures that Sondheim creates on the same level as the others. Lerew is charming as a lyricist struggling with his composing partner (Fitzer) in “Franklin Shepard Inc.” and Pekar is sweet with Fitzer in “Happiness” from “Passion.”
Davis also designed the set of cubed platforms decorated with words or music by Sondheim, which provide some clever playing spaces for the cast during some lively group numbers, including “Opening Doors,” “A Weekend in the Country” and “Children Will Listen.”
The cast members are wonderfully supported by a seven-person band spread among the cubes and led by musical director Michael Raabe, who is sensitive to every musical nuance.
“Sondheim on Sondheim” provides an entertaining introduction for those who may not be too familiar with Sondheim’s work. But it’s probably best for those who know his songs and shows and will get to know more about him and the music through his video commentaries.
THEATER REVIEW
"SONDHEIM ON SONDHEIM"
Conceived and directed on Broadway by James Lapine, inspired by a concept by David Kernan. Directed by Chris Crawford. Reviewed March 16 at freeFall Theatre, 6099 Central Ave., St. Petersburg. Through April 10. For more information: 727-498-5205; freefalltheatre.com
