Monday, July 24, 2006
"Side by Side by Sondheim" final 2006 production at The New Harmony Theatre
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The final production of New Harmony Theatre’s 2006 season, “Side by Side by Sondheim,” is also Scott LaFeber’s final production as artistic director. The musical revue opens July 28 and runs through August 13 in New Harmony’s historic Murphy Auditorium. According to LaFeber, he has brought together a talented group of old friends and new faces for the production, which celebrates the genius of one of Broadway’s most prolific and influential composers, Stephen Sondheim. “Side by Side by Sondheim” features songs from many of Sondheim’s popular musicals, including “West Side Story,” “A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to Forum,” Gypsy,” “A Little Night Music,” “Company,” “Follies,” and many others. According to music director and pianist James Bassi, audiences are likely to recognize songs like ‘Send in the Clowns,’ ‘Comedy Tonight,’ and ‘Tonight’ from “West Side Story,” which Sondheim co-wrote with Leonard Bernstein. Bassi said, “I am also looking forward to introducing audiences to other wonderful Sondheim songs with which they may be less familiar.” This is Bassi’s third season at The New Harmony Theatre. He was music director and pianist for “A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine” (2003) and “As Thousands Cheer” (2005). Bassi worked with Sondheim when he appeared in the concert version of “Sweeney Todd” with the New York Philharmonic in 2000. According to Bassi, “Sondheim proved himself to be a consummate man of theatre. It was one of the most thrilling experiences of my life.” He continued, “Working with Scott on this production is really an extension of that experience. We’ve assembled a particularly outstanding cast and it is such a pleasure to work with them on this material.” According to LaFeber, other “old friends” returning to The New Harmony Theatre for “Side by Side by Sondheim” include Evansville actor Steve Small, Evansville native Jeffrey Johnson, who performed in “A Day in Hollywood/A Night in the Ukraine” in 2003, and Cynthia Leigh Heim, who played one of the Pigeon Sisters last summer in “The Odd Couple.” Both Johnson and Heim have several Broadway credits, including Heim’s performance as Marian in “The Music Man.” Actors making their New Harmony Theatre debut in “Side by Side by Sondheim” include Edwin Cahill, Bess Morrison, and Carrie Walsh. LaFeber said, “I couldn't be more excited about finishing up the season with this superb group of actors and musicians. I know audiences will find the evening to be both fun and meaningful." The New Harmony Theatre’s production of “Side by Side by Sondheim” features settings by JR Bruce, costumes by Shan Jensen, lighting by Martin Vreeland, and sound by Thomas “Tommy” Thompson. Vreeland shared a Tony Award for lighting for the Broadway production of “The Lion King.” “Side by Side by Sondheim” runs July 28 – August 13 at Murphy Auditorium. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., Sundays at 2 p.m., and Thursdays at 7:30 p.m. There is one Saturday matinee at 2 p.m. on August 12. Tickets for all performances at New Harmony Theatre are on sale now. Prices are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors, and $10 for anyone 25 or younger. To purchase tickets, call the box office at 1-877-NHT-SHOW or visit www.newharmonytheatre.com. The New Harmony Theatre is a professional Equity theatre produced by the University of Southern Indiana. All plays are performed at Murphy Auditorium at 419 Tavern Street in New Harmony. Box office hours are noon until show time on performance days; noon until 5 p.m. when there is no performance. The box office is closed on Tuesdays. |
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