Catherine Lord (Desiree Armfeldt) and Larry Adams (Fredrik Egerman) in Stephen Sondheim's "A Little Night Music." "Send in the Clowns," his most well-known composition, was written in one night. (Rich Foreman)
Not only is this production carefully staged (book by Hugh Wheeler), but it has a full orchestra under the direction of Roger L. Bingaman. Thus, the music of the composer is brought to life as it was intended.
Based on a story by Ingmar Bergman, A Little Night Music is a sort of romantic romp where love is not quite what it was meant to be. Couples who are meant to be together are not—but after many complicating situations—everyone ends up where they should be. We are left with a somewhat happy ending for all.
Director Rudy Hogenmiller, who also handles the choreography, has put together a splendid cast. It is a cast that truly understands Sondheim and which makes this musical farce work.
The show opens with the Liebslieder Quintet: Brian-Alwyn Newland, Rebecca Caliendo, Sara Stern, Paul W. Thompson and Julia Black. The actors are all brilliant singers.
Fredrik Egerman, a lawyer (Chicago favorite, Larry Adams) has married Anne (Natalie Ford) an 18-year-old friend of the family after his wife passed away. They have been married for 11 months, but have not yet consummated the wedding.
Fredrik's 19-year-old son, Henrik (Mike Reckling—a marvelous vocal talent), is in love with this step-mother. He is off to a seminary to stay away from home. He is also having a fling with their maid, Petra (the charming Megan Long). Confused yet? Just wait!
Fredrik and Anne go off to see a play starring Desiree Armfeldt (the dynamic Catherine Lord who sings a heartbreaking "Send In The Clowns"). At one time she was Fredrik's "amour."
Desiree has a "lover," Count Carl-Magnus Malcom (Michael Cavalieri plays this role with great spirit and comic timing) who is very jealous. The Count also, has a wife--the Countess (Jessye Wright is brilliant)
There is also another twist in that Desiree has a daughter, Fredrika (hint, hint) played by the charming Amanda Hays, who has been living with Desiree's mother, Madame Armfeldt (Jody Goldman's character is the only sane one in the play). She helps to tell the story and tie the pieces together, and has her own little secrets as well.
All head off to Madame Armfeldt's for "A Weekend In The Country," the first act finale where havoc breaks loose and the comedy broadens.
This is a tricky little show filled with wonderful music and spectacular lyrics (this is Sondheim after all). Other memorable songs in addition to "Send In The Clowns" include "Now," "Later," and "Soon," little solos that reveal a good deal about the characters. Other wonderful songs include "Remember," "You Must Meet My Wife," and "Liaison's" in which Ms. Goldman walks enchantingly down memory lane.
This work may not appeal to younger audiences since so much of it entails perspectives from varying ages. I hope that young audiences delve into Sondheim earlier than later, though, so they can fully experience what he offers. Light Opera Works Productions will enhance this experience to the nth degree.
A Little Night Music
Light Opera Works
Cahn Auditorium
600 Emerson Street
Evanston, IL
Tickets: 847-869-6300 or go to www.LightOperaWorks.com
Closes: June 14
Alan Bresloff writes about theater in and around the Chicago area.
