The sophistication, wit, insight, heart and genius of Broadway’s most innovative and influential artist is at the center of an upcoming Catawba College Theatre Arts’ tribute to composer-lyricist Stephen Sondheim. “Side by Side by Sondheim” runs Nov. 8-9 at 6:55 p.m. and Nov. 10-12 at 7:30 p.m. in Hedrick Theatre on campus.
Thirteen singers and two keyboardists collaborate in this anthology of Stephen Sondheim’s greatest hits from the first half of Sondheim’s fruitful Broadway career, roughly 1957-1976. Sondheim’s name permeates musical theatre in the second half of the 20th century. “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum,” “Company,” “Follies,” “A Little Night Music” and, of course, lyrics for “West Side Story” and “Gypsy” illustrate what has become a lifetime of musical creativity. Sondheim received eight Tony Awards, plus the Tony Lifetime Achievement Award, one Academy Award, eight Grammys, one Pulitzer Prize, seven Drama Desk Awards, one Obie Award and six Laurence Olivier Awards. Mention “Send in the Clowns” and even those unfamiliar with musical theatre canon recognize one of Sondheim’s signature creations.
Directed by Catawba musical theatre professor Missy Barnes, the artistic team includes a mix of Catawba students and faculty, along with 2007 Catawba alumnus Giuseppe Ritorto of Greensboro as musical director. Members of the crew include Jodye Carroll, choreographer; Vaughn Pollman, set designer; Claire Robinson, costume designer; and theatre professor Christopher D. Zink, lighting designer. Stage management support is provided by senior Mackenzie Westbrook, senior Brad Boaz and sophomore Ashton Tibbitt of Sanford.
Admission is $12 for adults and $10 for non-Catawba students and senior citizens. To reserve your seat or get further information about the performance of this family-friendly musical theatre revue, please call the box office at 704-637-4481 or purchase online at showtix4u.com.